Mohamed Salah and Divock Origi fired Liverpool to Champions League glory against Tottenham.
The Reds suffered heartbreak in the Premier League as they missed out on the title to Manchester City by a solitary point but ensured they ended the season on a stunning high with a 2-0 triumph in Madrid.
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Jordan Henderson of Liverpool lifts the Champions League trophy after the victory over Tottenham
This all-English affair was not exactly a classic as both sides failed to perform to their very best and Spurs will go home disappointed they did not pose more of a threat.
Here’s how both teams rated and slated…
TOTTENHAM
Hugo Lloris (out of 10): The World Cup winner last season was unable to add another major honour to his name and could do nothing about either Liverpool goal. 6
Kieran Trippier: Capped a disappointing personal season with a patchy display, where he was particularly wasteful in possession. 5
Toby Alderweireld: Quite possibly the Belgian’s last game for the club, he put in a usual solid performance. 6
Jan Vertonghen: Back after an ankle injury, the defender struggled against the pace of Liverpool’s attack. 5
Danny Rose: Had more of an attacking role down the left for Spurs but could not provide any moments of danger. 7
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Rose was one of Tottenham’s best performers
Moussa Sissoko: A terrific season for the Frenchman ended in disappointment as he gave the penalty away and went off injured. 5
Harry Winks: Making his comeback after groin injury, the midfielder showed glimpses of creativity, but was sacrificed as Spurs chased the game. 6
Dele Alli: So often a big-game player for his side, but he had a night to forget in Madrid. 4
Christian Eriksen: Another Spurs player who could be leaving in the summer, Eriksen almost levelled with a fine free-kick but did not have a big an impact as he would have liked. 7
Son Heung-min: His pace frightened Liverpool at times, but he was not at his most dangerous. 7
Harry Kane: It was a gamble to start him having not played since early April and one that ultimately did not pay off. 6
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Tottenham gambled on Harry Kane’s fitness and it failed to pay off
Substitutes:
Lucas Moura (on for Winks, 65): Missed Tottenham’s best chance to level when he shot straight at the goalkeeper. 6
Eric Dier (on for Sissoko, 74): Could make no real impact. 5
Fernando Llorente (on for Alli, 82): Unable to affect the game. 5
LIVERPOOL
Alisson Becker: Barely troubled in the first half. Came out positively to claim when he needed to, saved well from Heung-min Son and Lucas Moura, did even better with Christian Eriksen’s later free-kick and another from Son. 9
Trent Alexander-Arnold: Looked exposed early on but winning a one-on-one with Son midway through the first half was the confidence-booster he needed. Got better as the game went on and his crossing from open play was a threat. 7
Joel Matip: Steady and dependable from Liverpool’s ‘other’ centre-back. Nothing fussy. Did his job and did it well. 7
Virgil Van Dijk: The big Dutchman is made for games like this. Cruised through until he had to step on the gas to catch Son as he burst into the area and casually dispossessed the Korean. Outstanding once again. 9
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Virgil van Dijk cemented his status as one of the world’s best defenders
Fabinho: Went unnoticed for most of the game but that should not diminish his contribution. Distribution and ball retention could have been better but did a decent-enough holding job. 7
Jordan Henderson: Under-stated and under-rated performance from the captain. Drove them forward when legs were flagging in the second half. 7
Georginio Wijnaldum: Lacked his usual composure and drive in midfield. Never got a handle on midfield and managed just 15 touches. Replaced by the more robust Milner. 5
Mohamed Salah: Calmness personified for the early penalty. Not at his scintillating best but the goal was some reward to ease the heartbreak of last year. 6
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Mo Salah once again delivered for Liverpool
Roberto Firmino: Returned after missing the last three matches and it showed. Lacked his usual spark and was replaced just before the hour. 5
Sadio Mane: Liverpool’s liveliest attacker. Won the penalty, was a constant threat down the left and never stopped running. 8
Substitutes:
Divock Origi (for Firmino, 58): Switched roles from a nine to a 10 but, as he has done on several occasions this season, popped up with a crucial goal. 7
James Milner (for Wijnaldum. 62): Unlucky not to start as one of Jurgen Kopp’s trusted lieutenants. Flashed one left-footed shot just wide. Added some necessary experience. 7
Joe Gomez (for Mane, 89): Late replacement for the tiring Mane to close out the game at 2-0. 6
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