in Champions League, Real Madrid

Champions League: Real Madrid claim their 11th trophy after penalty win over Atletico

Despite a predictably stern and hard-working performance from their city rivals, Real Madrid clinched their second Champions League in 3 years after a penalty win at the San Siro. The match was played with a physicality befitting of most derbies, with the defeated fully earning their tag as ferocious warriors, however Zinedine Zidane’s side looked to have the edge for most of the tie with superior individual quality.

Los Blancos hit Atletico early on with a Sergio Ramos opener after Toni Kroos’s floated free-kick was flicked on by Gareth Bale, the Spaniard being left with the opportunity to nod past the helpless Oblak. The goal was perhaps hard on Atletico after replays suggested the goal may have been offside.

The goal spured on Simeone’s band of bulldogs as they attacked their opponents with far more verve, they were even handed a chance to equalise on a silver platter after the hapless Pepe brought down Fernando Torres in the box. The excellent Griezmann however was denied from the spot when his shot clanged against the cross-bar.

The blow didn’t stop the red and whites from pushing for their equaliser. With just 10 minutes left on the clock, Yannick Carrasco’s finish from close range sent Atletico fans into raptures.

Both teams laboured through extra time with the onslaught of cramp proving to be the real winner. The ensuing penalty shoot-out however saw a host of excellent penalties, right up until Juanfran who cruelly hit the post.

Naturally it was talisman Cristiano Ronaldo who stepped up to deliver the winning finish, all before he took his shirt off of course.

Here’s the best of the action.

Ramos’ opener.

Griezmann’s missed penalty.

Carrasco’s equilser.

And the winning penalty.

Atletico MadridCristiano RonaldoRead Madrid