Bale named Champions League final man of the match

UEFA's technical observers have chosen Real Madrid's Gareth Bale as their UEFA Champions League final man of the match.

Brought on in the 61st minute, the Welshman scored a stunning overhead kick to restore his side's lead, and the 28-year-old's long-range shot on 83 minutes then put the game beyond Jürgen Klopp's Liverpool.

Peter Rudbæk, representing the technical observer group, said: "The observers chose Bale due to his game-changing display off the bench and his outstanding acrobatic goal to put his team ahead."

Gareth Bale, man of the match: "To score a goal like that on the biggest stage in world football is a dream come true. I've never actually scored a bicycle kick – I've had many attempts! – and it's been something I've always wanted to do. I remember Marcelo clipping the ball and it was just at the right height – it was great to get the right connection and see it hit the back of the net."

Previous men of the match

2017: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
2016: Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)
2015: Andrés Iniesta (Barcelona)
2014: Ángel Di María (Real Madrid)
2013: Arjen Robben (Bayern München)
2012: Didier Drogba (Chelsea)
2011: Lionel Messi (Barcelona)
2010: Diego Milito (Inter Milan)
2009: Xavi Hernández (Barcelona)
2008: Edwin van der Sar (Manchester United)
2007: Filippo Inzaghi (AC Milan)
2006: Samuel Eto'o (Barcelona)
2005: Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
2004: Deco (Porto)
2003: Paolo Maldini (AC Milan)
2002: Zinédine Zidane (Real Madrid)
2001: Oliver Kahn (Bayern München)