Real claimed their 11th European Cup with a 5-3 victory on penalties at the San Siro, Cristiano Ronaldo scoring the decisive spot-kick after the match had finished 1-1 after extra-time.
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Juanfran missed Atletico’s fourth spot-kick as the scores were 4-3 before Ronaldo slotted past Jan Oblak with the victor to hand Zinedine Zidane’s men the trophy they last took home two years ago.
Atleti then had a golden chance to tie the contest at the start of the second half when Pepe fouled Fernando Torres in the area, but Griezmann slammed his penalty shot off the crossbar to the growing dread of the white-and-red-clad fans in the stands at San Siro.
Atletico were literally seconds away from beating Real in the 2014 final, only for their more famous rivals to force extra time and then steamroll them 4-1.
The former France and Real Madrid forward’s superb match-winning volley secured the title for Real in 2002 when they beat Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 in Glasgow. “We showed resilience and what we are made of”.
Ahead of the UEFA Champions League final, a good number Barcelona players stated publicly that they preferred Atletico to win the Champions League, hoping Real Madrid do not take home anything this season.
“Firstly, congratulations to Real Madrid – once again they were superior to us, this time at penalties”, Simeone said. “I feel sorry for Atletico but I am glad for ourselves”.
It was the second time in three seasons that Atletico were forced to watch their biggest rivals lift European football’s greatest club trophy.
Real captain Sergio Ramos opened the scoring in the 15th minute, grazing the ball with his studs inside the box after Toni Kroos’ whipped corner was headed on by Gareth Bale.
However, Atletico failed to go for the jugular in extra time and will rue not making the most of their opponent’s poor display, a decent first 45 minutes aside.
In the shootout, Real’s Vazquez, Marcelo and Gareth Bale hit the spot for Real.
Real Madrid defender Alvaro Arbeloa lauded his team for a Champions League success he said no one expected just four months ago.
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Both sides scored their first three penalties in the shootout, before Juanfran hit the post and allowed Ronaldo to win the game for his team.
