#Match Report: Super sub Bale hands Real Madrid third straight UCL title

Summary

Second Half substitute Gareth Bale produced a stunning performance, netting a bicycle kick and a long range thunderbolt while Karim Benzema capitalized on a ‘kindergarten’ howler from Liverpool keeper to open the scoring for the 3-1 win in the UCL final in Kiev. Sadio Mane had canceled out the first goal by Benzema for a one all score but Bale’s inclusion for Isco complicated as he brought in a new attack mentality that the Englishmen could not hold.

Highlights

Moments

3′ Almost a chance for Real but Isco is offside as he tries to get onto Dani Carvajal’s cross. Loris Karius had punched it away anyway, the Liverpool keeper wearing short sleeves tonight.14′ Shot blocked after another! From James Milner shot, to Sadio Mane shot, Mohamed Salah shot! Goal is coming!24′ Liverpool chance! James Milner pulls it back to Roberto Firmino, who spins and shoots. His effort is however blocked landing on Alexander-Arnold but his low effort from the corner of the box is well saved by Keylor Navas.29′ Mo Salah brought down again, this time by Ramos and Oh no! it’s all over for him. Adam Lalana replaces him. 36′ Dani Carvajal hurts himself while trying a backheel. Utility man Nacho replaces him on at right-back.44′ Real Madrid score but it’s disallowed. Cristiano Ronaldo’s header brilliantly saved by Loris Karius – and Karim Benzema scores the rebound. It was ruled out for offside and so was Ronaldo.51′ Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius committed what has been described as the biggest mistake in Champions League history; with Karim Benzema standing in front of him, he throws the ball off the striker’s foot – and it flies past him into the back of the net.55′ Liverpool pull level! James Milner takes a corner, Dejan Lovren heads it on and Sadio Manesticks his leg out to prod the ball over Keylor Navas from five yards out.63′ Fresh sub Gareth Bale hands back the lead to Real! Marcelo’s cross is deflected to the Welsh sub and he sends a bicycle kick flying past Loris Karius from near the penalty spot.83′ A second for bale, third for Madrid! Bale is given time to shoot from 30 yards – it’s right at Karius’ hands but somehow the ball slips and rolls into the back of the net.FT: All celebration for Real as they retain the title and make the third time in a row!