Gareth Bale scored one of the great Champions League goals as Real Madrid beat Liverpool to win the competition for the third consecutive time.

The Welshman did not start the final but beat Loris Karius with an overhead kick with one of his first touches before beating the goalkeeper from 40 yards as the Liverpool man suffered a two big howlers.

The first came earlier in the second half as his lax throw-out was easily intercepted by Karim Benzema. Sadio Mane equalised soon after but the night belonged to Bale.

The Reds were dealt the most devastating of blows in the first half as Mohamed Salah left the pitch in tears following a shoulder injury. 

Closely following the Egyptian, and also with tears in his eyes, was Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal who had to endure the same fate in the Cardiff final a year ago. 

Having been pegged back before injuries broke up the first half, Madrid settled and soon had the ball in the back of the net through Benzema, only for the linesman’s flag to deny the Frenchman. 

The opening goal was far from befitting of the biggest game in club football. Minutes into the second half, having gathered the ball with ease, Karius rolled it straight into the path of the onrushing Benzema, who embarrassed Sven Ulreich in similar fashion in the semi-final, and watched as it found the back of the net. 

Without Salah things looked tough for Klopp’s side. However, just four minutes later they were level when, after a canny corner caught the holders out, Dejan Lovren headed into the path of Mane, to poke home for the equaliser.

Having been in fine form ahead of the final, Bale would’ve been devastated to have been left on the bench.

However, replacing Isco, it did not take him long to make his mark on the game, and footballing history. 

After Marcelo clipped the ball in from the left, the Welshman dispatched a stunning bicycle kick into the top corner, more than outdoing Ronaldo’s effort from the quarter-final.

The former Southampton man’s stunner had ensured Karius’ error would avoid the headlines come the morning, however, like London buses along came another blunder.

With Liverpool struggling to find a way through, Bale hit a speculative effort from range, with Karius letting it slip through his hands.

He should not be the story though. Having been on the fringes of Zidane’s side for the majority of the season, Bale took his moment on the biggest stage, making history for his manager and winning a fourth European Cup for himself so in fitting style.