The 2023 Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid will be remembered as a goalkeeping duel for the ages. While Vinicius Junior’s goal decided the match, the performances of Alisson Becker and Thibaut Courtois deserve deeper tactical examination. Crickex brings you an exclusive breakdown of how these two world-class shot-stoppers influenced Europe’s biggest club game.
The Tale of Two Goalkeepers
Alisson’s Frustrating Night
Facing only two shots on target all night, Liverpool’s Brazilian keeper had surprisingly little to do. His helplessness on Vinicius’ goal – where the winger was left unmarked at the back post – masked what was otherwise a solid performance.
Former Premier League goalkeeper Mark Johnson notes: “Alisson’s positioning was perfect all game, but he suffered from Liverpool’s defensive lapses. That back-post vulnerability has been a recurring issue for them this season.”
Courtois’ Heroics
The Belgian colossus produced what many are calling the greatest Champions League final goalkeeping performance since Oliver Kahn in 2001. His stunning saves against Salah (twice) and that crucial deflection of Mane’s first-half shot onto the post were match-winning interventions.
Courtois denies Salah in a decisive moment
“Courtois showed why he’s currently the world’s best,” says Crickex analyst David Pearson. “His combination of reach, positioning, and anticipation completely neutralized Liverpool’s feared attack.”
Defensive Breakdowns: Where the Game Was Won
Liverpool’s Right-Side Vulnerability
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s defensive limitations were exposed again, with Vinicius consistently finding space behind him. While the English fullback contributed offensively, his 63% duel success rate tells the story of a player caught between defensive duties and attacking ambitions.
Real’s Tactical Discipline
Carvajal’s masterclass against Luis Diaz (winning 7/9 duels) and Casemiro’s intelligent covering demonstrated Real Madrid’s defensive organization. Their low block in the second half, compressing space between lines, forced Liverpool into speculative crosses that Courtois handled comfortably.
Casemiro and Mane compete in midfield
Key Player Performances
Vinicius Junior: The Difference Maker
The Brazilian’s movement and finishing have reached elite levels this season. His 0.72 xG from just two shots demonstrates ruthless efficiency. What makes him special, according to Crickex scouts, is his ability to disappear from markers before appearing in dangerous positions.
Midfield Control: Modric’s Mastery
While Thiago (89% pass accuracy) controlled periods for Liverpool, Luka Modric’s second-half performance (completing 15/17 final third passes) showed why he remains football’s premier midfield conductor at 37.
What This Means Going Forward
For Liverpool, questions remain about their ability to compete physically with Europe’s elite after coming up short in both Premier League and Champions League finals. Real Madrid’s victory reinforces their status as football’s most clutch team, having now won 8 consecutive finals in this competition.
Crickex tactical conclusion: While Liverpool dominated possession (54%) and shots (24-4), Real’s superior big-game experience and clinical finishing proved decisive. Courtois’ performance alone created a 1.8 xG swing – essentially the difference between victory and defeat.
For more in-depth tactical analysis of Europe’s biggest matches, stay tuned to Crickex – your home for football intelligence that goes beyond the scores.
