Successfully Protecting Madrid's Goal From Liverpool's Onslaught, Thibaut Courtois Named Champions League Player Of The Year

JAKARTA - Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was named the best player in the Champions League final during the El Real match against Liverpool at the Stade de France, Paris. In the match on Sunday, May 29, Courtois performed brilliantly to dispel the onslaught of the Reds players into his goal.

In appearances in this hot match, Courtois was able to break several opportunities created by Liverpool including from bombers Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane. Thanks to his hard struggle, El Real was able to keep a clean sheet until the game ended.

The final meeting itself was closed with Madrid's 1-0 victory over Liverpool through Vinicius Junior's single goal in the 59th minute. This victory also made Los Blancos ensure their 14th European title.

"He (Thibaut Courtois) made an important save at critical moments in the first half when Liverpool dominated and a superb save that thwarted Salah in the last minute," the UEFA Technical Observer panel said on its Champions League website.

The label of the best player attributed to Courtois in this match was also deemed appropriate by former Madrid midfielder, Sami Khedira. This was revealed because the effectiveness of the goalkeeper was a determining factor in this final match.

However, Khedira also takes his hat off to Liverpool, who he says have had an extraordinary season and become the better team in this final.