Former Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino has admitted that Real Madrid were the most intimidating opponents he faced in his career, describing his two UEFA Champions League final defeats to the Spanish giants as “sad and painful” but also as lessons in football maturity.
In a recent interview, the Brazilian striker reflected on Liverpool’s 2018 and 2022 Champions League final losses to Real Madrid, acknowledging the club’s unmatched pedigree in European football.
“Yes,” Firmino laughed when asked if Madrid were the toughest team he had ever faced. “The truth is they were two European finals, not just any tournament. It’s incredibly sad and painful, but well, they were against Real Madrid. In the first match, I was very young, in my second year with Liverpool, and I didn’t have much experience yet. In the second, we had chances to score, and Real Madrid got one and, as usual, won.”
Firmino started both finals under manager Jürgen Klopp — first in Kyiv (2018), when Gareth Bale’s stunning brace helped Madrid to a 3–1 victory, and again in Paris (2022), where Vinícius Júnior’s lone goal sealed a 1–0 win. Despite Liverpool’s strong performances in both matches, Madrid’s ruthlessness in key moments once again proved decisive.
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The Brazilian, who left Liverpool in 2023 after eight memorable seasons and 111 goals, spoke with admiration rather than resentment. “It’s Real Madrid — they have that mentality. They always believe, even when you think you have control. Facing them twice in finals taught me how small the margins are at the very top level,” he added.
Firmino remains one of the most beloved players of the Klopp era, remembered for his flair, pressing, and unselfish play that helped Liverpool claim the 2019 Champions League, 2020 Premier League, and several other major trophies.
Now playing in Saudi Arabia for Al Ahli, the forward’s reflections highlight not just the pain of defeat but also the respect and humility of a player shaped by Europe’s biggest stages — and by the team that has mastered them all.