MILAN — 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 win it 5-3 for Los Blancos after Juanfran’s attempt came back off the post.
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 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, 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.
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Antonie Griezmann smashed a penalty against the crossbar within minutes of the restart and Atleti 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 the cup for Real. —Eurosport
