Real picked up the pace somewhat in the second 15 minute period, but with neither side managing to break the 1-1 deadlock, the game headed to penalties.
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Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring the winning penalty.
Atletico missed a penalty kick in the 48th, given for Pepe’s clumsy tackle through Fernando Torres.
The first seven players stepped up and deposited the ball in the back of the net Lucas Vazquez, Marcelo, Bale and Ramos for Real Madrid and Griezmann, Gabi and Saul Ñiguez for Atletico, but a Juanfran attempt that hit the post put the Colchoneros hopes on life support.
Recall that Gerard Pique and some other Barcelona players made mockery of Real Madrid during the Catalan giants’ parade, after they won the La Liga.
Atleti had a flawless chance to draw level right at the start of the second half after Pepe dragged Torres down in the area, but Griezmann crashed the resulting penalty against the crossbar and out.
Diego Simeone’s men, with star-forward Antoine Griezmann orchestrating things up front, were ready to take on Real Madrid and Cristiano.
No one could separate these two sides, so the game went to a penalty shootout.
Real almost went ahead after just five minutes when Casemiro connected with Gareth Bale’s free-kick, however the Brazilian was denied by fine reflex save from Jan Oblak.
It was Los Blancos who managed to hold their nerve, as they triumphed 5-3 in the shootout to clinch their 11th Champions League title.
“I had cramp after it (the penalty) thank God it wasn’t before”.
Real’s players, especially Ronaldo and Bale, were visibally exhausted in the extra half an hour of play, but Atletico couldn’t take advantage as the game ended level after 120 minutes.
Two years after coming within seconds of the Champions crown in Lisbon, now it was Real Madrids turn to rue a late equalizer.
“I think we deserved to win”. It’s not easy at all.
“We worked so much”, said the Frenchman, the first coach from his country to win the trophy. “We have worked a lot and when you get something as big as the Champions (League), it means a lot for the staff and the supporters”.
Real Madrid fans celebrated the team’s victory over social media outlets.
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Real won their eleventh European by beating cross-city foes Atletico on penalties after a hugely engrossing final at the San Siro on Saturday evening. “Now we must continue to work and fight for next year”. I’m happy because I’ve been part of this great club for a long time now.
