Real Madrid fortunate to win Champions League
Real Madrid won their 11th European Cup on Saturday night against Atletico Madrid by winning on penalty kicks following a 1-1 draw after normal and extra-time. Los Blancos will be breathing a sigh of relief though, because most of their players looked spent in extra-time.
Real deserved their lead in the first half and completely dominated the first half. Atletico did not look like their normal combative and spirited selves. Los Blancos may have felt disappointed to have only gone in at the break with just a one-goal lead.
The second half was a completely different story, as Atletico came out in a far more positive mood. The Rojiblancos came close equalising just seconds into the second period. Fernando Torres was upended by Pepe in the penalty area.
Atletico’s top scorer Antoine Griezmann stepped-up and smashed his spot-kick against the bar. Diego Simeone’s side continued to dominate, with Real attempting to hit Atletico on the break. Rojiblancos earned their reward through an equaliser from substitute Yannick Carrasco, who turned out to be an inspired introduction by Diego Simone.
Atletico continued to dominate and looked the more likely team heading into extra-time, where the likes of Gareth Bale and Marcelo limped through to the end of the game. Zinedine Zidane’s team showed the sort of resilience that their neighbours have become renowned for in recent years.
They held firm and attempted to hit Atletico on the break. Neither side could find a winner and the game went to the lottery of a penalty shoot-out. Cristiano Ronaldo scoring the winning penalty kick, after Atletico full-back Juanfran hit the post with his effort.
Everybody connected with Real Madrid will be celebrating, but after that second half display they will also be breathing a sigh of relief.
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