Could this come back to haunt Madrid?
Several fans have suggested that Real Madrid have inadvertently motivated Liverpool to go on and win the Champions League final after the LaLiga side wore celebratory shirts after their semi-final win over Manchester City.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side secured a sensational comeback win over Pep Guardiola’s men in the semi-final, winning the tie 6-5 on aggregate.
🤯🤯🤯#RMAMCI #UCL pic.twitter.com/vXxlsuCDSr
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) May 4, 2022
The Premier League side came into the tie with a 4-3 aggregate lead after overcoming Madrid in the first leg, and the away side took the lead through Riyad Mahrez in the second half to increase their advantage.
However, Madrid scored in the 90th minute and in added time to take the game to extra time – before talisman Karim Benzema calmly converted his penalty in the first-half of extra-time to secure the home side’s place in the Champions League final.
Real Madrid celebrate with ‘Go for the 14’ shirts
After the full-time whistle, Madrid’s players and staff were – understandably – celebrating their incredible victory and achievement of reaching another final.
The initial celebrations saw the squad embrace the supporters, before the majority of players put on shirts which read ‘Go for the 14’ on the back – which is a reference to the LaLiga side looking to win their 14th Champions League title when they face-off against Liverpool in Paris on May 28.
All @realmadriden players wearing 14TH UCL shirt! In Real Madrid we Believe! pic.twitter.com/xjV2te7qbO
— iamAVINASH (@iamnotAVINASH) May 4, 2022
How did social media react?
People on social media were somewhat split on Madrid’s shirts, with some fans suggesting that it provides Liverpool with added motivation.
One Twitter user wrote: “Real Madrid players with the ‘Go for the 14’ shirts already printed. Jurgen Klopp’s pre-match team talk for the final in Paris is already done #LFC #UCL”.
Real Madrid are saying “Lets go for number 14”. #AporLa14
Salah says he wants to play them. May 28 will decide! #ucl pic.twitter.com/nkHDMMRRSk
— Juliet Bawuah (@julietbawuah) May 4, 2022
https://www.instagram.com/p/CdJvo0JKFh8/
Another person added: “Real Madrid already printed shirts for the 14th #UCL title?”
Real Madrid already printed shirts for the 14th #UCL title? 👀 pic.twitter.com/DktARciHQZ
— Eric Njiru (@EricNjiiru) May 4, 2022
A third wrote: “Real Madrid got the shirts out even… They taking it mos”.
Real Madrid got the shirts out even😂😂 They taking it mos
— Zwide Senpai (@Mac_Lucid) May 4, 2022
Another added: “Real Madrid players really wearing shirts with number 14, like they already won their 14th UCL hmm”.
Real Madrid players really wearing shirts with number 14, like they already won their 14th UCL hmm
— Diver 7 (@Na7hannn) May 4, 2022
This user stated: “That has just tightened the noose for them Liverpool don’t need anymore incentives but they have just poked a bee hive”.
Real Madrid wearing the number 14 shirt 👕
That has just tightened the noose for them Liverpool don't need anymore incentives but they have just poked a bee hive— Jamie Hayes (@JamieHa45846696) May 4, 2022
Liverpool and Real Madrid will compete for Champions League glory at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis on May 28.
