Liverpool have had their fair share of painful moments in the Champions League final.
European football’s showpiece event rolls around again on Saturday night, with Real Madrid up against Borussia Dortmund.
Madrid are looking for a 15th title in the competition, having beaten Liverpool in their previous two finals.
Probably the most painful of those two defeats was the most recent one. The Reds really should have won in 2022, but were thwarted by an unbelievable performance from Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
That isn’t to say the first loss, in 2018, didn’t hurt too, though. The game which effectively ended Loris Karius’ Anfield career was hugely disappointing, with Gareth Bale having a memorable day at the office.
Gareth Bale recalls Jurgen Klopp conversation
The final itself is perhaps best remembered for Sergio Ramos’ appalling challenge which left Mohamed Salah unable to continue.
Aside from Salah’s enforced injury and Karius’ shocking mistakes though, Bale’s overhead kick goal is the enduring image of that night in Kyiv.
The score was 1-1 when the Welshman leapt backwards to meet Marcelo’s cross. Sadio Mane had just got Liverpool back in it, and it seemed as though the Reds had a real chance again.
But as Bale flashed a brilliant, acrobatic finish past Karius for 2-1, it felt like the writing was on the wall.
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Following the game, Jurgen Klopp appeared to have the same thought. Bale has now revealed a conversation he and the former Liverpool manager had once the final whistle had blown.
Speaking to TNT Sports ahead of Saturday’s final, Bale was asked to name an ‘iconic’ thing that someone had said to him on the pitch.
“Jurgen Klopp said to me after the game ‘why did you do that’ or something along those lines when I scored the overhead kick!” laughs Bale.
Liverpool still waiting for Real Madrid revenge
After 2018 and 2022, there was also 2023 and before that 2021. Liverpool lost to Real Madrid in four of their six Champions League campaigns under Klopp.
With the German now calling it a day with the Reds, he will never get the revenge it felt like he would one day inevitably take.
Instead, Klopp may have to live his payback through his former club. The outgoing Liverpool boss will be present at Wembley on Saturday as a guest of Borussia Dortmund.
Having suffered so much pain at the hands of Madrid in recent years, it would be fitting if his old club could finally lay one on the Spanish giants, as unlikely as that is.
In the meantime, Liverpool will be back at Europe’s top table next season and will be ready for another meeting with Madrid.
When that revenge finally comes, it will be all the sweeter.