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After an incredible 90 minutes of action, drama and emotions, it is time for Liverpool to reflect on their performance last night when they could only come out second-best to Real Madrid.
Jurgen Klopp's men lacked the know-how and expertise on the biggest stage, something the Real Madrid players have mastered over the last couple of years.
Despite losing 3-1, Liverpool were the better team until Mohammed Salah had to be substituted off just after the half-hour mark following a shoulder injury he sustained after a coming together with Sergio Ramos. Their influence faded since that point.
Liverpool keeper was the focal point of criticism as two calamitous errors from the German proved to be catastrophic. Gareth Bale's inspired substitution helped turn the tide in their favour as the Welshman capped off a brilliant performance with a brace which included an outrageous bicycle kick.
On that note, we look at 3 things that Klopp must learn from their defeat:
#3 The back-line
Improvement. An upgrade. An absolute necessity if they are to challenge on all fronts next season.
Despite forking out around £75 million on Van Dijk, Liverpool do really need to strengthen their defence this summer. A replacement for Loris Karius must be a top priority for them in the summer as despite being in decent form since the turn of the year, he is still culpable for rookie mistakes such as last night's.
Klopp must also explore the possibility of signing a perfect partner to complement Van Dijk Only if their defenders stay solid and in command throughout the game, can their attackers play at will.
Full-backs Andrew Robertson and Trent Alexander Arnold really do have the potential to become future greats and it would not be a bad move from Klopp to perhaps bring in a more established fullback as a replacement for Alberto Moreno.
Liverpool must stop conceding leaky goals next season if they are to be in serious contention for major honours.
#2 No squad depth
When Mohammed Salah got off injured, he was replaced by Adam Lallana- who had missed a large chunk of the season through injury.
Madrid, on the other hand, have four players in Isco, Bale, Lucas Vasquez and Marco Asensio fighting for the same spot in the team and Zidane has the liberty of choosing his personnel as per the game plan against different opponents. A clear difference in quality and depth which is paramount to succeed on the biggest stage.
All these points towards the necessity that Liverpool do need to shore up their options this summer. Danny Ings and Dominic Solanke cannot be expected to fill in for the likes of Sadio Mane or Roberto Firmino.
When he needed to give his midfielders a rest, Klopp has often decided to play Alexander Arnold or Joe Gomez in the position and that has backfired more often than not.
This is a very serious issue Klopp must address. Their counterparts, the Manchester clubs have an abundance of bench strength which sees them get past the crowded fixture list with ease and can offer the occasional rest to their main players.
#1 What next, if Plan-A fails?
"It's better to have 10 disorganised players than 10 organised runners"- Roberto Baggio.
Jurgen Klopp has lost six consecutive finals now. And it is perhaps time we put his methods under the microscope as there is something wrong about the fact that he is not able to deliver silverware despite playing "eye-catching" football.
Throughout the season, there have been instances when Klopp has looked out of sorts and without a Plan-B in matches where the opposition have managed to assert their dominance tactically.
The matches against Manchester United and their tie at Stamford Bridge at the beginning of May are prime examples of games in which Liverpool and Klopp have failed to tweak their system. A vital area that he must improve upon if he wants to win trophies at the club.
Klopp's end-to-end, high-pressing brand of football is certainly appreciated by many but if he can't back it up with trophies, perhaps his time in England can be termed as only a failure. And he is running out of time to deliver.
