Topics: UEFA Champions League, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Mohamed Salah
Quick-fire start!

There was no better indication of an impending dramatic finale with Liverpool grabbing the lead in the 2018/2019 UEFA Champions League Final right from kick-off. Thanks to Sadio Mane, an attacking move by the Reds was rewarded with a penalty kick after a pass from the Senegalese was handled in Tottenham Hotspurs' penalty area, just 22 seconds after proceedings began.

Spurs' midfielder Moussa Sissoko was the unfortunate culprit as it was the Frenchman's outstretched arm that interfered with the direction of the ball. Following a brief consultation with the VAR room, referee of the night, Damir Skomina, confirmed the validity of his decision to award the infringement.

Mohamed Salah subsequently stepped up to convert from the spot, taking his goal tally in this Champions League campaign to five. He also became the fourth African in history to score in a Champions League Final after Sadio Mane (2018), Didier Drogba (2012) and Samuel Eto'o (2006 and 2009).

Per the UEFA Champions League's record books, Mohamed Salah's opening goal for Liverpool is now the second fastest goal scored in a Champions League final. Ironically, Paolo Maldini's strike under 50 seconds for AC Milan in the 2005 final against the Reds sits atop the list.

Watch Mo Salah's goal against Tottenham Hotspur below [geo-restriction may apply]:

Meanwhile, the incident has sparked a debate on social media with some fans suggesting that the referee's decision should have been overruled by the Video Assistant Referee.