Mohammed Salah’s second-minute penalty has given Liverpool a narrow lead over Tottenham in the UEFA Champions League Final and put the Reds in pole position to win their sixth European title.
The referee pointed to the spot after Mane’s cross struck the outstretched arm of Moussa Sissoko.
Salah, who was substituted in the first half of last year’s final due to a shoulder injury, stepped up and fired into the net, sending the Reds fans at the Wanda Metropolitano in Madrid into delirium.
The rest of the half went by without much incident with both sides easing themselves into the game following the frantic start.
The two teams were limited to half chances and long-range strikes as both frontlines struggled to test either goalkeeper.
Andrew Robertson came closest to finding another goal when his ferocious strike was tipped over by Hugo Lloris in Spurs’ goal.
The bosses
Mauricio Pochettino will be particularly worried about his sides passing as they constantly gave the ball away.
Their decision-making in the final third of the pitch will most definitely be on his agenda at the break
Klopp, on the other hand, would have been ecstatic with his side’s start to the game and they control they had for the rest of the half.
He’ll be hoping his side can hold on to their lead after the break as he looks to break his finals curse.
LINEUPS:
Tottenham: Lloris (C), Trippier, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Rose, Winks, Sissoko, Eriksen, Dele, Son, Kane
Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Wijnaldum; Salah, Mané, Firmino