Mohamed Salah and Divock Origi handed Liverpool their their sixth edition of the Champions League, the first for Coach Jurgen Klopp, after a 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Atletico Madrid’s Wanda Metropolitano..

It puts the Reds in third place in the all-time charts, behind Milan on seven and Real Madrid’s 13 editions.

Harry Kane and Harry Winks were both risked from the start, despite coming back from long-term injuries, leaving semi-final hat-trick hero Lucas Moura on the bench. Jurgen Klopp wanted to end his run of infamous Final defeats, including last season in Kiev.

It was a dramatic start, because within 28 seconds Sadio Mane’s cross was charged down by Moussa Sissoko’s chest and arm. The referee pointed to the spot, with VAR not deciding to intervene despite doubts over whether it hit his torso first, and Mohamed Salah converted with a penalty that squirmed under Hugo Lloris.

The tempo dipped after that opening and Spurs maintained possession without really threatening, while Andy Robertson’s strike was fingertipped over by Lloris.

Their second half was more promising, Dele Alli’s effort charged down by Virgil van Dijk, but again Liverpool were more dangerous with substitute James Milner drilling inches wide.

Alli’s attempt at a lob was scuffed into the arms of Alisson Becker, while Van Dijk was decisive as he sprinted back to stop Son Heung-Min getting the shot away on the counter.

Alli was again their most dangerous player, nodding a Kieran Trippier cross over the bar, but on 80 minutes Alisson finally had to make a save, beating away Son’s snapshot with Lucas Moura hitting the rebound straight at the ex-Roma goalkeeper.

Alisson was involved again, flying to palm a curling Christian Eriksen free kick from the outside edge of the box.

However, Liverpool doubled their lead instead, as Spurs failed to clear a corner and Divock Origi’s angled drive nestled into the far top corner from 12 yards.

Record-breaking signing Alisson kept the clean sheet intact by denying Son in stoppages.

Photo Credit: Twitter/Liverpool FC

Mohamed Salah’s second-minute penalty is the only thing separating Liverpool and Tottenham at half-time in the Champions League final at Wanda Metropolitano.

A worrying half for Pochettino, whose side took a while to get into the contest and failed to test Alisson Becker. They have dominated possession too, with Liverpool satisfied to hit their opponents on the break with their dangerous attacking options.

Sadio Mane’s attempt at a cross was adjudged to have been handled by Moussa Sissoko by referee Damir Skomina, who pointed to the spot. There was a substantial wait as the video assistant referee checked the decision. Salah blasted the resulting penalty into the net to put his team ahead. Spurs responded with periods of neat play

Spurs worked themselves into promising positions around the Liverpool area on several occasions, but the final ball was lacking when it most counted. Klopp’s team have been sloppy in possession at times. Spurs have been unable to take advantage, though, with Alisson a virtual spectator.

But Pochettino will be demanding more precision from his side in the final third in the second period.

Photo Credit: Twitter/Liverpool FC

Former Arsenal and Real Madrid star Jose Antonio Reyes has died today alongside his two cousins, Jonathan and Manuel Calderon, in a car accident in Seville, Spain.

The 35-year-old ex-Spanish international and Arsenal hero – who was part of the Gunners’ Invincibles side that went unbeaten in the 2003/04 Premier League season – died near Seville, Spain.

According to the Sun, the footballer was on his way home to his family after training, having not been picked for the match against Cadiz tomorrow, Spanish media reports.

Shocking pictures online claim to show the aftermath of the crash, with black smoke billowing from a car lying on its roof off the road.

Reyes leaves behind two daughters, Noelia, five, and Triana, two, with wife Noelia Lopez, and a son, 11-year-old Jose Antonio Jr, from a previous relationship.

Arsenal today lowered its flag to pay respect to Reyes as former manager Arsène Wenger said: “I am devastated to hear the terrible news about Jose. To his family and friends, all support from everyone in the Arsenal family.

“He will remain forever in our hearts.”

It is not known what car Reyes was in but it is believed to have been a “high end” vehicle. In 2016 he was pictured posing next to a BMW Series 4.

Photo Credit: Sky Sports

Reports in Italy claim Napoli have contacted temperamental Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa, as he is on the transfer list after receiving an eight-match ban in La Liga.

The director of L’Oracolo Rossonero, Sean Pelucchi, reveals that the negotiation is already at an advanced stage between the parties and there is the willingness to close the deal.

The 30-year-old was handed an eight-match ban for insulting the referee after he was sent off during Atleti’s 2-0 defeat to Barcelona in April and was placed on the transfer list by the Rojiblancos.

President Aurelio De Laurentiis said yesterday that he had “a surprise” to be announced on Monday and it could well be Diego Costa.

Napoli Coach Carlo Ancelott, according to Football Italia, is an admirer of the controversial forward and would like to work with him, as he plans to rebuild his side ahead of next season’s Serie A campaign.

The Spain international re-joined the Madrid club from Chelsea in January of 2018 for €66m, having spent three-and-a-half years at Stamford Bridge after the Blues signed him from Atleti for €38m in 2014.

Argentina skpper Lionel Messi says that his target for his country’s national team is to win a trophy for La Albiceleste before he retires from the game as a player.

The Barcelona talisman has racked up 129 caps for his national side, but he has never won any silverware with them – despite his dominance in club football in Catalonia.

He will lead Lionel Scaloni’s side in this summer’s Copa America, and the 31-year old is determined to ensure a celebration in Buenos Aires, report Football Espana.

“I want to retire having won something with Argentina, he told an interview with FOX Sports Argentina.

“I will keep trying to win something.

“I am loving being here and training with the squad.”

Messi briefly retired from international duty back in June 2016, following heartbreak in the Copa America final, but he reversed his decision three months later and has assured fans that he is fully committed to the cause.

“When I am here, I am just another member of the squad.

“The manager knows that, and I am really enjoying being here.”

Chelsea star Eden Hazard has been pictured for the first time holding a Real Madrid shirt ahead of his £115million summer transfer to the Santiago Bernabeu.

The Belgium international said “goodbye” to Chelsea fans after winning the Europa League against Arsenal and is expected to put pen to paper with Los Blancos within the next week.

According to Daily Mirror, the pictures, which were taken on Friday at midday, show Hazard on holiday in Marbella, Spain.

The report added that Hazard signed the Real Madrid shirt, which was handed to him by a Barcelona-supporting waiter, who joked about the Belgian joining the Catalan giants instead.

Hazard, who is on holiday with his family, replied “No”, indicating his heart is set on a transfer to Real Madrid, before holding up the Los Blancos shirt and having his photograph taken with the man.

Former Real Madrid striker Ronaldo de Lima has named five most exciting footballers in the world.

He however surprisingly excluded one of the two biggest stars in world football Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo from the list of players he enjoys watching.

The Portugal international, now 34, has adapted his style over the years, swapping his trademark runs and skills for a more goal-focused approach.

Brazil legend Ronaldo knows more than a thing or two about attacking flair and he believes there are quite a few in the game who have more of it than the ageing Juventus forward, report the Daily Mail.

When asked which current players he most enjoys watching by Spanish outlet AS, he didn’t find room for his Portuguese namesake.

‘Messi, of course, he is No 1, it is a talent that we will take 20 or 30 years to see something similar.

‘I also like (Mohamed) Salah, (Eden) Hazard, Neymar, I love watching him play, and of course (Kylian) Mbappe.’

The Brazilian went on to elaborate on his choice of France and Paris Saint-Germain star Mbappe, whose speed and finishing has seen him draw comparisons to him.

‘He has a lot of speed, he finishes well, he has great movements, he hits excellent with both legs, he has an incredible stride.

‘We have similar things, but I never liked comparisons, especially between players of different generations, because the situations are different.’

Photo Credit: realmadrid.com

Antonio Conte has revealed why decided to sign for Inter Milan, identifying the club’s project’s sound basis’and history.

The former Chelsea boss was appointed on Friday after Inter Milan parted ways with Luciano Spalletti who ensured the club’s qualification for the Champions League on the last day of Serie A league season.

“A new chapter in my life is beginning,” Conte told Inter Milan’s official website.

“I’m really excited. Through my work, I’ll try to repay all of the trust that the President and directors have placed in me.

“I have chosen Inter because of the club it is, because of the project’s sound basis and how ambitious it is. Because of Inter’s history.

“I was struck by the Club’s transparency and the desire to bring Inter back to where it belongs.

Contrary to reports in Italy and England, Maurizio Sarri’s move to Italy may have hit the rocks as Chelsea are not prepared to let Sarri leave without cost.

Maurizio Sarri’s agent Fali Ramadani flew to London on Thursday to thrash out the Italian’s Chelsea future.

Ramadani eventually had talks with the Blues hierarchy on Friday to discuss whether Sarri would be backed to continue in the job after leading the club to Europa League glory or allowed to leave for Juventus.

According to IlBianconero.com, Roman Abramovich’s second-in-command, Marina Granovskia, assured Sarri they would like him to stay during her meeting with Sarri and his agent in London.

Just over a week ago, it was the case that Sarri and Chelsea were destined to be apart; with the Blues reportedly lining up Frank Lampard to succeed him. However, these latest reports may alter the course of action, with Sarri’s contract having a reported €6m buy-out from his contract with the West London club.

For now, Juventus will wait and see how the next week progresses.

The Bianconeri still, according to Calciomercato, have their eye on Tottenham Hotspur head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who is due to contest the Champions League final against Liverpool today.