Thibaut Courtois produced a goalkeeping performance for centuries before giving his critics the omnipotent service at the Stade de France.
Belgium’s shot-stopper was the man of the match in Real Madrid’s record-breaking Champions League win over Liverpool with the most nine saves in the final since 2004.
Courtois was so good that former Sucrose captain Craig Foster said he could be the first goalkeeper since Lev Yashin in 1963 to win the coveted Ballon d’Or.
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“I told my friends yesterday that they would win when Real Madrid play in the final. I’m on the good side of history,” Cortois said in a coverage of Stan Sport.
“I had to win a final for my career today, for all the hard work I put into honoring my name because I don’t think I have enough honor, especially in England.”
Courtois, 30, played for Chelsea between 2011-18 and won two Premier League titles.
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“Even after a great season, I’ve seen a lot of criticism that I wasn’t good enough or whatever,” Cortois said.
“I’m really happy and proud of the team’s performance. We stuck to it and when I needed to be there, I was there for the team.”
Liverpool forward Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah have been denied the best of nine saves per half.
He dives sharply to his right to deflect the quality shot towards the post and walks away safely when Salah Save throws the Egyptian striker into disbelief, hands on head.
“No one will stand in my way today,” Cortois said.
“Anyway, I was going to win the Champions League.”
Brazilian winger Vinicius Jr. completed the winning cross in the 59th minute with a Federico Valverde driving cross and applied a calm finish.
It completed an incredible run for the Kings of Europe, who came from behind all of their previous knockout ties against giants Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Manchester City.
And it has also been an unfortunate week for Liverpool, who have struggled for City to win the Premier League title.
“I think we beat the best clubs in the world. City and Liverpool were incredible this season,” said Cortois.
“They fought to the end in the Premier League and Liverpool won two cups. They were really strong today.
“I played a great game, that’s the difference today because we had an important opportunity and we scored.”
Champions League Highlights: Liverpool vs Real Madrid
Madrid’s victory means Carlo Ancelotti is the first manager to win the Champions League four times.
The Italian won AC Milan European accolades in 2003 and 2007, and had previously won trophies with Madrid in 2014.
“I can’t believe it. I’m the record man,” Ancelotti said.
Vinicius fires in front of Madrid
Liverpool, on the other hand, have failed to score a single goal in three Cup finals this season.
“In the dressing room, no one thinks it was a great season at the moment,” said Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, while touching on the crowd before the kick-off.
“I know the families really had to struggle to get into the stadium. We’ll leave it for investigation. Obviously it was quite difficult there.”
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