Bayern Munich’s 1-0 victory over PSG in Sunday’s Champions League final brought a close to some long-drawn-out storylines that’ll largely return in 58 days time with the start of next season’s group stage.
But the focus, for now, is on Bayern’s sixth European Cup and first since 2013. While Kingsley Coman grabbed the headlines as the former PSG academy product turned Bayern match-winner, it was also the culmination of an incredible season for striker Robert Lewandowski.
The 32-year-old — who many believe would deserve the Ballon d’Or this year had it not been cancelled due to the pandemic — lifted Old Big Ears for the first time in his career after losing the 2013 final to Bayern as a member of Borussia Dortmund.
This was the ultimate vindication for Poland’s captain, and he was overcome with emotion at the full-time whistle.
What a moment @lewy_official pic.twitter.com/N3CQEvFngR
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) August 23, 2020
It meant everything to Lewandowski. pic.twitter.com/NuM9DnG02C
— B/R Football (@brfootball) August 23, 2020
At the other end of the professional experience spectrum is Alphonso Davies, who made his Champions League debut back in November and is now a Champions League winner at the first time of asking.
19 and
Alphonso Davies #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/Mg8xIo88iE— #UCLfinal (@ChampionsLeague) August 23, 2020
WE COULD NOT BE MORE PROUD!!!!! #MiaSanChampions pic.twitter.com/pgqe04U6D6
— FC Bayern US (@FCBayernUS) August 23, 2020
Finally, special mention to Bayern defender Lucas Hernandez, who’s now won the Champions League, World Cup and Europa League at the age of 24. He celebrated by sticking his head in the trophy.
Lucas Hernandez pic.twitter.com/WiBC7F5YxO
— B/R Football (@brfootball) August 23, 2020
PSG, on the other hand, shook off some personal demons by finally advancing to the final, but the club will again be left with a sense of European regret after failing to score from a host of chances.
It was a night to forget for Neymar, who played a thrilling brand up football up until the final but couldn’t make an impact on the night.
A heartbroken Neymar had to be consoled after the whistle pic.twitter.com/z6zFbBg9A1
— B/R Football (@brfootball) August 23, 2020
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 23, 2020
Leandro Paredes was equally distraught while his night ended after only 65 minutes on the pitch.
Paredes, quebrado: dolor para el argentino en Lisboa. pic.twitter.com/17dcIm6IBF
— SportsCenter (@SC_ESPN) August 23, 2020
And it’s hard to find fault with the 21-year-old Kylian Mbappé after all he’s achieved in such a short amount of time, but he won’t sleep well while thinking about the guilt-edged chance he squandered. He was quick to take off his runners-up medal.
Here’s Ander Herrera with the final word: “Congratulations to Bayern Munich. They are a top club, very respectful. They knew how to win; I think we also knew how to lose the game."
.@AnderHerrera: – If you miss clear chances, and you play against another top side – they will probably kill you. As they did.
— Viaplay Fotball (@ViaplayFotball) August 23, 2020
