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One year on from the defeat to Real Madrid in the 2018 Champions League final, Jürgen Klopp finally tasted victory as Liverpool FC overcame Spurs in a scrappy, but satisfying match on Saturday.
Prior to this, fans were careful not to talk things up too much, as Liverpool had only just got over losing the Premier league title by one point to rivals Manchester City. However, after that historic and truly breathtaking comeback at Anfield, where they beat Barcelona 4-0, it was becoming difficult to play down the possibility of winning.
Even though Liverpool FC had endured a year of ecstatic highs and heart-wrenching lows, this year, it was hard to deny that the trophy was theirs for the taking. And as 1 June drew ever closer, even the most pessimistic knew that the Reds could be on the cusp of making history.
And guess what? Liverpool FC achieved what they had been working up to for years. They brought the cup home to Liverpool and will be remembered as footballing legends.
To celebrate this momentous occasion, we wanted to look back over this outstanding, emotional and iconic weekend, from the build up, to the victory parade through the streets.
Let’s talk about six, baby!
Table of Contents
The Build Up
We all know that as a city, Liverpool really know how to party and the run up to the Champions League final was no exception. As the big day approached, more and more flags, banners, balloons and messages of good luck where strewn over houses, fastened to cars and displayed in shop windows.
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On the streets of #Liverpool capturing the atmosphere before Saturday… @liverpoolfc #seemycity
Whole neighbourhoods slowly turned red in anticipation of the match. This street in Halewood (above) really showed the rest of the city how it’s done, with full rows of houses decked out with Red decorations and memorabilia.
Cars, buses and taxis displayed flags rippling from their roofs and pubs across the city were gearing up for their biggest day of the year. Many venues across the city were setting up screening events, with tickets selling out in record time.
Of course, there were many fans who dreamed of making the pilgrimage to Madrid to watch the Champions League final. However, sadly, many LFC supporters were unable to get tickets to the game, flights to Madrid and even hotel rooms in Liverpool. Prices for flights and hotels in Spain and Liverpool rocketed following the team reaching the final, which left experiencing the game both abroad and in Liverpool out of price ranges.
However, this didn’t stop the Red sea planning jaw-dropping road trips that would see them travelling to Madrid for over 30 hours in camper vans and packed cars. Some fans caught flights to Alicante and other Spanish cities, to then make their way to Madrid in hire cars and via public transport.
The atmosphere was beginning to build in both cities, and many were starting to believe that dreams really could come true.
The Reds Take Over Madrid
For the lucky supporters that made it to Europe, it was time to show the world how Scousers celebrate their team. Crowds of reds took over the heart of the city, chanting loudly for everyone to hear in the scorching 30 degree heat.
The atmosphere was electric and the scenes will never be forgotten.
Absolutely fantastic, amazing! supporters right now in Madrid a few hours before the Final 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
— Luis (@luismtng)
Crunch time was nearing, and just a few hours before kick-off, LFC fans poured into the Plaza De Filipe II and enjoyed live music from Jamie Webster. The result was supercharged and goosebump-enducing. Madrid was bouncing. And the Champions League final had nearly begun.
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Pubs and bars across Madrid filled with supporters from both teams. Flares were let off, pints were raised and, of course, chants were sung. The game hadn’t even started and voices were growing hoarse from singing the iconic Allez Allez Allez! A song that would come to stand for everything come the final whistle.
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As fans flooded into the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid and kick off neared, everyone began to bite their nails in anticipation. What would this game hold for the reds? Would they achieve what they deserved?
The Wanda Metropolitano is *ready* for the
— Planet Fútbol (@si_soccer)
Champions League Final Day in Liverpool
Back home in Liverpool, the city was coming alive. Thousands of people were flocking to the city centre, filling bars and pubs and celebrating with their fellow supporters. By 2pm, Concert Square was a sea of red shirts, buzzing with chants and cheers and that iconic burst of red smoke billowing from flares every few minutes.
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As the city began to fill up, many fans scaled scaffolding, traffic lights and road signs to get a better view of the crowds. For some, the utter hysteria all got a bit too much, and nerves were cooled with a makeshift fruit cider shower.
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Nearly Crunch Time
As the ground began to shake in Liverpool with stamping feet and reverberating cheers, over in Madrid the team had arrived at the stadium and they looked ready to fight. The starting line up was released and the boys prepared for their warm up. Nerves jangled but the excitement was starting to take over.
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Supporters Nervously Watch On
The game burst into life as soon as the whistle blew. Liverpool secured a penalty within the first minute which left many of us wondered whether this was real life. Mo Salah stepped up to take it and smashed it home to give Liverpool a very early lead. Did we expect anything less from the Egyptian King?
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From that moment on, the game was a nervous affair. Alisson almost single-handedly kept Spurs at bay late on, stopping shots from Lucas Moura, Son Heung-min and Christian Eriksen in the dying moments.
Fans across the world held their breath as Liverpool held on with a slim advantage.
With Spurs desperate and suddenly looking very much like scoring, wonder-substitute Divock Origi ended the contest by firing into the far corner after Tottenham failed to clear a corner.
It was all over. Liverpool had won the Champions League final and Reds all over the world erupted.
Liverpool Win…Allez Allez Allez!
Liverpool were crowned as the victors, cementing their place in history and securing a sixth Champions League final win. Confetti and beer was thrown up across Merseyside and Madrid, as supporters flew into emotional renditions of ‘We’ve conquered all of Europe’ and ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’.
On the field, the team collapsed in floods of tears as they celebrated an unforgettable achievement.
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After numerous victory laps of the stadium, the boys finally lifted the trophy and are showered with champagne and red confetti. Fireworks are set off and the LFC supporters break out into thunderous cheers and chants. An image and a moment that will go down in history.
CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE. 🏆
— Liverpool FC (@LFC)
After last years heartbreak and injury, Mo Salah lifts the Champions League trophy after scoring the first goal of the match in the first minute.
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The man of the match? Alisson hugs the trophy after playing out of his skin to save numerous attempts on goal by Spurs. Everyone agrees he was well worth the transfer fee.
“He’s the man, isn’t he? He’s the man.”
He certainly is, Robbo!! 👊
— Liverpool FC (@LFC)
Let’s Talk About Six, Baby!
Could we love Jurgen any more? Not after this genius song. Jurgen is tasked with giving an interview straight after the match and has one message to his doubters. Let’s talk about six, baby!
🎵 LET’S TALK ABOUT SIX, BABY! 🎵
😂😂
— Viasport Fotball (@ViasportFotball)
And of course, what would the Reds do without the ultimate super-sub, Divock Origi. A Red through and through. We’re sure the number of babies named Divock will start to rise pretty quickly over the next few years.
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The Boys Bring it Home
After a huge night of partying and celebrations, Liverpool FC board their plane back to Merseyside. Captain Jordan Henderson makes sure the trophy doesn’t leave his sight, creating a makeshift foot-rest with it.
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The Reds touch down in Merseyside and are welcomed by media teams from across the world who are hoping to be the first to catch a glimpse of the trophy and the team.
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Fans Prepare for the Parade of a Lifetime
Some may have been nursing hangovers following a night of partying, but as 4pm neared, thousands of fans began to make their way to the streets of Liverpool. Families, couples and friends made their way to various spots on the parade route, all hoping to catch a glimpse of those heroic Red men and the Champions League trophy. The city began to close off major roads in anticipation of a victory parade, with many sure that it would rival the scenes of euphoria in Madrid.
Anthony Stott, Jack 10, Finlay 10, Julie, Martin and Bobby, 7 are here today to see the team. The little ones weren’t even born the last time Liverpool won the Champions League!
— Elle May Rice (@ellemayrice)
The route began in Allerton, to raucous applause and jubilation from breathtaking crowds of supporters. The atmosphere was electric again as everyone fought to get a good view of the Champions of Europe. The bus would travel from Allerton, up Queens Drive towards the Fiveways roundabout and Rocket flyover and round towards The Strand.
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As the team slowly wound their way into the heart of Liverpool, the players hung out from the top of the bus, filming the unbelievable scenes on their phones, chanting along with the fans and celebrating the moment. The final destination was the Strand, which had been slowly filling up with a sea of red since the afternoon. Against the historic backdrop of the world-famous Liver Building, crowds cheered even before the first sight of the red, open-top double-decker.
When the bus turned the corner, and entered the iconic street, the flares smoked, the ticker tape flew and the fans sang ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ in chorus with the players. An iconic red flare was set off from one of the Liverpool birds to a resounding gasp of the fans, followed by an amazing red firework display that fired from the top of the Three Graces.
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We love you Liverpool, we do 🔴🔴🔴 #liverpool#liverpoolfc#lfc#ynwa#allezallezallez#reds#merseyside#football#family#support#instagram#champions#followme#followforfollowback
Red confetti streamed across the whole of the city and the roars of celebration echoed through the streets. The boys were home and it felt like the whole of Liverpool had gathered to welcome them.
The Champions of Europe
The stunning surroundings made for breathtaking images, taken from helicopters and high vantage points such as the balcony at 30 James Street and the roof of the Hilton Hotel.
Henderson held on to the trophy while confetti cannons turned everything red as the bus was ushered along, passing the families and friends who had turned out to share in the incredible event.
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One amazing moment was caught of Jurgen Klopp who was still counting the number of times Liverpool FC had won the Champions League final. Throughout the parade, Klopp was visibly overwhelmed by the support, earlier telling LFC TV: “I have cried a little bit. When you see how much it means to people. You see it in their eyes, how much it means, it’s intense.”
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The full team, the owners and the coach were all fully soaking up the atmosphere. Legend Virgil van Dijk was spotted at the very front of the bus spinning his LFC scarf round as fans sang back to him.
Many of the players shared videos from on the bus on their Instagram stories, Alisson captured the view from above while also sharing videos of him and his teammates, Firmino, Salah and Shaqiri.
What an amazing achievement and a weekend that will be remember forever.
You’ll Never Walk Alone.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC)
You’ll Never Walk Alone
Mayor Joe Anderson estimated that an unbelievable 750,000 people had turned out to see the players and the victory bus. It was a weekend that will be written into the history books, and into future football chants.
Today, Liverpool Football Club is 127 years old! 🎉🎉
One hundred and twenty-seven years, 42 major trophies, thousands of magical moments, millions of passionate supporters around the world, one ❤️
— Liverpool FC (@LFC)
We hope you’ve enjoyed our guide to the Champions League final and the victory parade. It was an unforgettable weekend in the city that will never be forgotten. Well done the Reds! If you love Liverpool as much as we do, check out our guide to some of the best cultural exhibitions that are happening across the city this year. Or, if you fancy a drink, check out our cocktail bar guide and carry on the celebrations!
