Liverpool Vs. Real Madrid 2022 Final: Key Stats & Analysis

by Jhon Lennon 59 views

The Liverpool vs. Real Madrid 2022 Champions League final was a match for the ages, filled with drama, excitement, and ultimately, a Real Madrid victory. To truly understand the game, we need to dive deep into the stats. So, let's break down the key statistics and analyze what they tell us about the match.

The Final Score: Real Madrid Triumphs

Let's get straight to the point: Real Madrid defeated Liverpool 1-0. The lone goal, scored by VinĂ­cius JĂșnior, proved to be the difference. But the scoreline only tells a small part of the story. This wasn't a one-sided affair; Liverpool dominated possession and created numerous chances. However, Real Madrid's defensive resilience and clinical finishing secured them the trophy.

Possession and Passing

Liverpool controlled the lion's share of possession, clocking in at 54% compared to Real Madrid's 46%. This dominance in possession reflects Liverpool's game plan to dictate the tempo and control the flow of the match. Liverpool completed significantly more passes, with 583 passes compared to Real Madrid's 482. This highlights Liverpool's emphasis on intricate passing and build-up play from the back. However, possession and passing stats alone don't win games. It's about what you do with the ball in those critical moments.

Shots and Attacks

Liverpool unleashed a barrage of shots throughout the match, registering a total of 24 shots compared to Real Madrid's 9. This shows Liverpool's attacking intent and their constant pressure on the Real Madrid defense. Of those 24 shots, 9 were on target for Liverpool, while Real Madrid only managed 3 shots on target. This indicates that Liverpool created more clear-cut chances and tested Thibaut Courtois more frequently. Despite the higher number of shots on target, Liverpool failed to convert any of them into goals, highlighting their lack of clinical finishing on the night. Real Madrid, on the other hand, were incredibly efficient, scoring with one of their three shots on target.

Defensive Performance

Real Madrid's defense was the backbone of their victory. They absorbed immense pressure from Liverpool's attack and remained resolute throughout the 90 minutes. Thibaut Courtois, in particular, had a stellar performance, making 9 saves and denying Liverpool's attackers time and time again. Courtois's heroics earned him the Man of the Match award and cemented his place as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Real Madrid made 15 tackles and 12 interceptions, demonstrating their commitment to winning the ball back and disrupting Liverpool's attacking moves. Liverpool, meanwhile, made 12 tackles and 7 interceptions, indicating that they were also active in defense but not as effective in preventing Real Madrid's attacks.

Discipline

The match was relatively clean, with both teams displaying good discipline. Liverpool committed 9 fouls, while Real Madrid committed 14. This suggests that Real Madrid were slightly more aggressive in their approach, perhaps resorting to tactical fouls to break up Liverpool's play. Both teams received a similar number of yellow cards, with Liverpool receiving 1 and Real Madrid receiving 3. This indicates that the referee maintained control of the game and that neither team crossed the line in terms of aggressive play.

Individual Player Statistics: Standout Performers

Beyond the overall team statistics, individual player performances played a crucial role in the outcome of the match. Let's take a look at some of the standout performers from both sides.

Liverpool's Key Players

  • Mohamed Salah: Salah was a constant threat to the Real Madrid defense, firing 9 shots with 4 on target. However, he was unable to find the back of the net, largely due to the brilliance of Thibaut Courtois. Salah also completed 3 dribbles and won 7 duels, showcasing his attacking prowess. Despite his efforts, Salah was ultimately frustrated by Real Madrid's defense.
  • Sadio ManĂ©: ManĂ© was also heavily involved in Liverpool's attacks, creating several opportunities for himself and his teammates. He had 3 shots, with 1 on target, which was brilliantly saved onto the post by Courtois. ManĂ© completed 2 dribbles and won 5 duels, demonstrating his ability to take on defenders and create space.
  • Thiago AlcĂąntara: In the midfield, Thiago dictated the tempo of Liverpool's play, completing 92 passes with an accuracy of 91%. He also made 3 tackles and 2 interceptions, showcasing his defensive contribution. Thiago's presence in midfield helped Liverpool control possession and create attacking opportunities.

Real Madrid's Key Players

  • Thibaut Courtois: As mentioned earlier, Courtois was the hero of the match, making 9 saves and keeping a clean sheet. His exceptional performance earned him the Man of the Match award and was instrumental in Real Madrid's victory. Courtois's shot-stopping ability and command of his area were crucial in thwarting Liverpool's attacks.
  • VinĂ­cius JĂșnior: VinĂ­cius scored the winning goal, capitalizing on a rare defensive lapse by Liverpool. He had 2 shots, with 1 on target, which resulted in the decisive goal. VinĂ­cius also completed 3 dribbles and won 6 duels, demonstrating his attacking threat and ability to create opportunities.
  • Casemiro: In midfield, Casemiro provided a shield for the Real Madrid defense, making 5 tackles and 3 interceptions. He also won 8 duels, showcasing his strength and tenacity. Casemiro's defensive contribution was vital in disrupting Liverpool's attacking flow and protecting the Real Madrid goal.

Tactical Analysis: How Real Madrid Neutralized Liverpool

Beyond the raw statistics, the tactical battle between JĂŒrgen Klopp and Carlo Ancelotti played a significant role in the outcome of the match. Real Madrid's tactical approach focused on neutralizing Liverpool's attacking threats and exploiting their defensive vulnerabilities.

Real Madrid's Defensive Strategy

Real Madrid adopted a compact defensive shape, with their midfielders and defenders working together to deny Liverpool space in the final third. They focused on double-teaming Liverpool's key attackers, such as Salah and ManĂ©, and preventing them from cutting inside onto their stronger feet. Real Madrid's full-backs, Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy, provided excellent cover and support, preventing Liverpool's wingers from getting in behind the defense. The central defensive partnership of Éder MilitĂŁo and David Alaba was also crucial in organizing the defense and clearing any dangerous balls.

Real Madrid's Counter-Attacking Prowess

While Real Madrid's defense was the foundation of their victory, their counter-attacking prowess provided the cutting edge. They capitalized on Liverpool's high defensive line, launching quick counter-attacks through VinĂ­cius JĂșnior and Karim Benzema. Real Madrid's midfielders, Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić, were instrumental in transitioning from defense to attack, picking out accurate passes and creating opportunities for their forwards. The winning goal came from a well-executed counter-attack, with Federico Valverde delivering a pinpoint cross for VinĂ­cius to score.

Liverpool's Attacking Frustrations

Liverpool struggled to break down Real Madrid's stubborn defense, despite their dominance in possession. They found it difficult to create clear-cut chances, as Real Madrid's defenders effectively closed down space and prevented them from getting shots on target. Liverpool's attacking players were often forced to take shots from distance, which were easily saved by Courtois. The absence of a natural goalscorer in the team was also a factor, as Liverpool lacked the clinical finishing needed to convert their chances. Ultimately, Liverpool's attacking frustrations played into Real Madrid's hands.

Conclusion: A Tactical Masterclass

The Liverpool vs. Real Madrid 2022 Champions League final was a tactical masterclass from Carlo Ancelotti, who successfully neutralized Liverpool's attacking threats and exploited their defensive vulnerabilities. Real Madrid's defensive resilience, combined with their counter-attacking prowess, proved to be the difference. While Liverpool dominated possession and created more chances, they were unable to break down Real Madrid's stubborn defense and lacked the clinical finishing needed to win the game. The statistics paint a clear picture of a match where Real Madrid's tactical execution and individual brilliance ultimately prevailed.

So there you have it, guys! A deep dive into the stats that defined the 2022 Champions League final. Hope you enjoyed the breakdown!