From Kyiv to Crisis: Examining Liverpool’s Descent After the Ramos-Salah Clash
The 2018 Champions League final in Kyiv remains a watershed moment for Liverpool Football Club, a game etched in the memories of fans not just for the 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid, but for the controversial injury sustained by star forward Mohamed Salah. The incident, involving a challenge from Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos, sparked outrage and debate, and whereas often framed as a single pivotal moment, it’s become increasingly clear that the repercussions extended far beyond that night, contributing to a period of underperformance and, a significant decline in Liverpool’s Premier League standing. Currently facing a challenging season, Liverpool finds itself in an unfamiliar 16th place in the league table, a stark contrast to the dominant force they were just a few years ago. This article examines the events of that fateful night, the immediate aftermath, and the long-term factors that have contributed to Liverpool’s current struggles.
The narrative surrounding the 2018 Champions League final often centers on the collision between Salah and Ramos in the 25th minute. The Egyptian forward, enjoying a sensational debut season with Liverpool, was forced to leave the pitch in tears after a challenge that left him with a dislocated shoulder. Reports at the time detailed the severity of the injury, which ultimately ruled Salah out of Egypt’s World Cup campaign. Jurgen Klopp, then Liverpool’s manager, was visibly furious, describing the tackle as “brutal” and questioning the refereeing decisions. The loss of Salah undeniably impacted Liverpool’s attacking threat, but the defeat itself, and the subsequent events, proved to be more far-reaching.
The Immediate Aftermath: A Final Lost and a World Cup Missed
The absence of Mohamed Salah was keenly felt as Liverpool struggled to overcome Real Madrid’s dominance in Kyiv. Karim Benzema opened the scoring for the Spanish side, with Sadio Mané equalizing for Liverpool. However, two stunning goals from Gareth Bale secured a 3-1 victory for Real Madrid, marking their third consecutive Champions League title and a record-extending 13th overall. Beyond the immediate disappointment of losing the final, the injury to Salah had a significant impact on Egypt’s World Cup aspirations. As reported by Sporting News, Salah was unable to fully recover in time for the tournament, missing Egypt’s opening group stage match against Uruguay. While he did feature in the remaining games against Russia and Saudi Arabia, he was clearly not at his peak, and Egypt ultimately failed to progress from the group stage.
The incident ignited a fierce rivalry between Salah and Ramos, fueled by accusations of unsportsmanlike conduct. Klopp himself continued to express his frustration with Ramos’ actions in subsequent interviews, further intensifying the animosity. The narrative quickly became one of injustice, with many Liverpool fans believing that the outcome of both the Champions League final and Egypt’s World Cup campaign were directly affected by the challenge. However, attributing Liverpool’s current struggles solely to this single event would be a gross oversimplification.
Beyond Kyiv: A Complex Web of Factors
While the Ramos-Salah incident undoubtedly served as a catalyst for frustration and disappointment, Liverpool’s recent decline is rooted in a more complex set of factors. The years following the 2018 final saw Liverpool rise to unprecedented heights, winning the Champions League in 2019 and ending a 30-year wait for a Premier League title in 2020. This success was built on a cohesive team, a strong tactical system, and astute recruitment. However, the cracks began to appear in the seasons that followed.
A significant contributing factor has been injuries, particularly to key defensive players. Virgil van Dijk’s long-term injury in 2020, sustained in a clash with Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, proved devastating. The absence of Van Dijk, a commanding presence at the heart of the defense, exposed Liverpool’s vulnerabilities and led to a series of defensive errors. Further injuries to Joe Gomez and Joel Matip compounded the problem, forcing Klopp to rely on inexperienced players and disrupt the team’s stability. The defensive frailties were further exposed in the 2022-23 season, with Liverpool conceding a significantly higher number of goals compared to previous campaigns.
Another crucial element has been the midfield’s decline. The once-dominant midfield trio of Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum, and Fabinho gradually lost its effectiveness. Wijnaldum departed for Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, and while Henderson and Fabinho remained key players, their performances began to wane. The lack of investment in midfield reinforcements over several transfer windows left Liverpool short of quality and energy in the middle of the park. The arrival of new midfielders in the summer of 2023, including Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, was a belated attempt to address this issue, but it has taken time for the new signings to integrate into the team.
Sergio Ramos’ Career Trajectory
Sergio Ramos, the player at the center of the 2018 controversy, continued his successful career with Real Madrid for several more years, adding to his already impressive trophy cabinet. According to his Wikipedia page, Ramos won five La Liga titles and four Champions League titles with Real Madrid, becoming a club legend. He left Real Madrid in 2021, joining Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer. His time in Paris was less successful, and he moved to Sevilla in 2023 before joining Monterrey in 2025. Ramos is widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders of all time, known for his aerial ability, leadership, and goal-scoring prowess, having scored over 100 goals throughout his career.
Liverpool’s Current Struggles and the Path Forward
As of March 7, 2026, Liverpool’s current position of 16th in the Premier League is a stark reminder of their recent struggles. The team has been plagued by inconsistency, defensive errors, and a lack of attacking firepower. The departure of key players, combined with injuries and a failure to adequately strengthen the squad, has left Liverpool in a precarious position. Jurgen Klopp announced his departure as manager in January 2024, and Arne Slot is set to take over at the end of the current season. The appointment of a new manager represents an opportunity for a fresh start, but significant investment in the squad will be required to restore Liverpool to its former glory.
The challenge facing Liverpool is multifaceted. Rebuilding the defense, strengthening the midfield, and finding a reliable goalscorer are all priorities. The club must also address the underlying issues that have contributed to the recent decline, including a lack of tactical flexibility and a reliance on individual brilliance. The road back to the top will be long and arduous, but with careful planning and strategic investment, Liverpool can once again challenge for major honors.
The events of the 2018 Champions League final, and the subsequent injury to Mohamed Salah, remain a painful memory for Liverpool fans. However, it’s crucial to recognize that this was just one piece of a much larger puzzle. Liverpool’s current struggles are the result of a complex interplay of factors, including injuries, squad imbalances, and a failure to adapt to the evolving demands of the Premier League. The club now faces the daunting task of rebuilding and restoring its competitive edge, a challenge that will require patience, perseverance, and a clear vision for the future. The next key checkpoint will be the appointment of Arne Slot as manager and the subsequent summer transfer window, where the club will look to address its squad deficiencies.
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