Champions League Final 2019: Liverpool’s Resilience

After several tough outings for both Liverpool and Tottenham, they both were able to make it to the Champions League Final. For the first time in 12 years an all English Premier League final and it did not disappoint. Liverpool being the reigning runner-up after a disappointing loss the previous year to Real Madrid. Liverpool’s offense were firing on all cylinders coming into this game with the front three, Firmino, Salah, and Mane all having 10+ goals in the tournament. On the other side, Tottenham were having a defensive stretch of strength and unity with very few goals being scored on them in play. The issue with Tottenham is they unfortunately do not have the best luck in games. This became apparent very early in the game.

Kickoff, Liverpool. 21 seconds into the game Mane draws a penalty from a Sissoko handball. Sissoko calling for coverage in the box sticks his hand in the air as Mane simultaneously crosses a ball inside the box. Mo Salah stepped up and buried the penalty kick, 1-0 Liverpool.
After the unfortunate goal, Tottenham and Liverpool were at a defensive stand still. While Liverpool reigned in chances created, Tottenham were able to possess the ball and gain momentum into the second half. Tottenham put their play in hyperdrive attacking and putting Liverpool goalkeeper Allison under constant pressure with shots on target but with no success. Liverpool sealed the win with a late 86 minute goal from Origi and knocked Tottenham off for the win.

​The reason we look back at this game is not only because of the result, but because of resilience. Liverpool lost an unfortunate piece in the final the previous year. Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos put in an aggressive tackle on Salah taking him out of the game with an upper body injury changing the rest of the game. Liverpool the next year went on a rampage dominating competition after competition. The end result always being to make it to the Champions League Final and changing the result. Even after a season of disappointment, Liverpool made it happen and found the resilience to change their course and write history.