Liverpool’s Champions League dream ended with a 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid.

An early setback for the Reds saw Mohamed Salah withdrawn on the half-hour mark at the Olimpiyskiy Stadium with an apparent shoulder injury.

Matters worsened after the break as the Reds went behind to Karim Benzema’s opener courtesy of a poorly executed Loris Karius throw.

Sadio Mane levelled things up inside three minutes with an instinctive finish but it proved to be a short-lived affair for Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Substitute Gareth Bale fired Real ahead again with a stunning overhead kick before another Karius blunder allowed the Welshman to gift-wrap the win.

Here were the key talking points from Kiev:

Come in, No.1 – your time is up

 

Just when Loris Karius thought he had put an end to the doubts about his viability as Liverpool’s number-one, he puts in a performance like this.

Throwing the ball against Karim Benzema’s leg was a complete brain freeze and can be excused on a stage such as this.

There are better goalkeepers than the German who have done similar.

However, failing to save Gareth Bale’s long-range drive was nothing short of calamitous goalkeeping.

It was a good strike from the Welshman with slight movement but it was a strike that should have been saved comfortably.

Instead, Karius fumbled it into the back of his net and ultimately put an end to Liverpool’s hopes and potentially also his short spell as their first-choice.

If these two mistakes weren’t enough to convince Jurgen Klopp that a change is needed, the catalogue of errors before it should be enough.

Lady Luck turns her back

 

Most associated with Liverpool would admit they have enjoyed their fair amount of luck on the run to Kiev.

Klopp, however, would argue they have made their own luck. Sadly the Reds could not fashion any when they needed it most.

After shining on them for much of this campaign, Lady Luck turned her back in Ukraine.

Losing Mohamed Salah was a bitter turn of misfortune and Loris Karius throwing the ball into Karim Benzema’s leg was even worse.

Either moment can be pinpointed as the defining moment that this final was lost.

Whatever way the dice fell, it was not in Liverpool’s favour. Klopp will be wondering when his luck in finals will turn.

Chasm in quality shines through

 

Liverpool headed into this final knowing that they were the underdogs, such is the quality in the Real Madrid ranks.

While the Reds had the likes of Dominic Solanke and Adam Lallana to call upon, Madrid had Gareth Bale and Marco Asensio to call upon.

The former ended up winning the game with a goal that will live through the ages.

The difference in quality was evident on the pitch too. None of the Liverpool starting eleven had played a Champions League final before this one.

Madrid, though, are experienced campaigners and it showed.

At the crucial moments, their players made the right choice, had the nous and deployed the dark arts to secure the victory. It’s just what champions do.

Liverpool may have gone toe to toe with their opponents in periods but in the end, the difference in quality told.

It was a demonstration of just how far they still have to go to truly challenge the European elite.

No shame whatsoever for Reds

 

Focus will ultimately fall on what Klopp’s players did wrong but they should not feel anything but pride about their performance in the Ukrainian capital.

There are not many sides in Europe who would have the bravery to play in the manner they did against Real Madrid.

They did things their way and at times Zinedine Zidane’s side simply could not cope. That in itself deserves widespread praise.

This is a Madrid side who have a stranglehold on this competition and have knocked the best sides in Europe out on their way to this final.

Yet for the opening half an hour, Liverpool had them on the ropes.

That fact alone is something that should not only give Liverpool immense pride but add further justification to the belief that Klopp’s plan is the right one to follow.