Audio By Carbonatix
Real Madrid once again recorded the ultimate bragging rights at the expense of neighbours Atletico as they secured a record 11th Champions League triumph on penalties after a fiery final at the San Siro.
Cristiano Ronaldo lashed home the winning kick from the spot to make it 5-3 to Los Blancos after the match had finished 1-1 with neither side able to find the net in extra time.
It caps a fairytale conclusion to a first season at the helm for Zinedine Zidane after he replaced Rafael Benitez in the dugout in January. The French icon becomes the seventh man to win the cup both as a player and as a manager.
Atletico had seen their hopes of a maiden success in Europe's premier competition deflated by their arch rival in Lisbon two years ago and it was a case of deja vu in more ways than one as Diego Simeone's men came up agonisingly short on the night.
Sergio Ramos, who had scored the last-gasp equaliser to deny Atletico the trophy in their previous final showdown, was their nemesis once more as he touched home Gareth Bale's flick-on from Toni Kroos' left-wing free kick to give Real the lead on 15 minutes.
There was a touch of offside about the goal but it was not seen by referee Mark Clattenburg and his assistants, meaning Ramos joined an elite group of just four defenders who have scored in a European Cup final.
Atletico had reached the San Siro with a stubborn rearguard to deny the might of both Bayern Munich and Barcelona en route, but they struggled to cope with Real's movement early on. However, a half-time change altered the rhythm and swung it in their favour with Yannick Carrasco playing a starring role in their recovery.
Antonie Griezmann smashed a penalty against the crossbar within minutes of the restart but Atletico continued to press until Carrasco crashed in Juanfran's delicious cross from close range to force extra time.
Both sides had chances to snatch the victory but it ultimately came down to spot kicks with Juanfran the first to miss after seven superb attempts, leaving Ronaldo - who was a doubt for the match - to take the honour of delivering Undecima for Real.
-
Follow Joy Sports on Twitter: @JoySportsGH. Our hashtag is #JoySports
Latest Stories
-
Traceability is the new currency of global cocoa Trade
2 minutes -
Asiedu Nketia holds lead in NDC race but Ato Forson closing gap fast – Poll
15 minutes -
Collaboration across sectors key to tackling MoMo fraud — MobileMoney Ltd CEO
17 minutes -
President Mahama commends Catholic Church for role in Ghana’s development
21 minutes -
Canadian PM Carney on verge of Liberal majority gov’t as votes cast in three by-elections
22 minutes -
UK could adopt EU single market rules under new legislation
23 minutes -
Ghana Shippers’ Authority CEO to meet association of Port Transport Drivers over intended strike
24 minutes -
MTN Ashantifest musical concert lives up to bill
29 minutes -
Ninani Group launches D. A. Twum Jnr. Fellowship to address skills gap in creative industry
41 minutes -
Independent assessment by Lands and Mines Watch backs Heath Goldfields for mining operations
43 minutes -
Leaders must be held accountable for their words – Lom-Nuku Ahlijah
53 minutes -
Multimedia Group Limited unveils innovative programming for World Cup 2026
53 minutes -
EBID board unveils ambitious investment drive and new GRO strategy to transform West Africa
55 minutes -
Teacher found dead after days of absence at Oda SHS
55 minutes -
MoMo independence to expand credit, savings and investment — MobileMoney Ltd CEO
57 minutes