Ronaldo Does it Again!
28 May, 2016
Real Madrid were crowned champions of Europe for the 11th time after beating Atletico Madrid in a dramatic penalty shootout in Milan.
Sergio Ramos’ controversial finish put Zinedine Zidane’s side ahead before Atletico striker Antoine Griezmann missed a penalty. However, substitute Yannick Carrasco sent the Champions League final into extra-time with a close-range finish.
Cristiano Ronaldo struck the winning penalty after Juanfran had missed.
In the shootout, Lucas Vazquez, Marcelo and Gareth Bale scored for Real, with Griezmann, Gabi and Saul Niguez replying to make it 3-3.
After Ramos stepped up to make it 4-3, Juanfran hit the post, leaving Ronaldo with the chance to win the cup.
The competition’s all-time leading scorer kept his composure to win it – his third individual Champions League triumph following on his from his successes with Manchester United in 2008 and Real in 2014.
Zidane, a Champions League winner with Real as a player in 2002, replaced Rafael Benitez as manager at the Bernabeu in January, with Real still reeling from a bruising 4-0 hammering by Barcelona earlier in the season and facing the prospect of a second successive campaign without major silverware.
The 43-year-old finishes it as the seventh different manager to deliver a European Cup to Real.
As stylish as his side were going forward, they were just as impressive at the back as Atletico’s attacking duo of Griezmann and Fernando Torres were starved of service before the interval.
Bale and Ronaldo repeatedly dropped back into midfield to help cut out the supply routes to Griezmann and Torres, while Karim Benzema also typified Real’s work rate by doing his defensive duties.
Atletico were the better side after the break yet fortune was on Real’s side as Pepe’s rash challenge on Torres went unpunished and Stefan Savic stabbed another golden chance wide.
Bale was excellent as Real dominated the first half – powerful going forward and quick to help out at the back when required.
The Wales international was a danger at set pieces while he was heavily involved as his side took the lead.
Despite having an effort cleared off the line, Bale faded after the break and he spent most of extra-time limping around the pitch with cramp, unsurprising considering his work rate.
Yet he still put himself forward for the decisive shootout – and scored with a cool, low finish to help his team to a famous win.
BBC
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