Die Mannschaft midfielder Toni Kroos helped Real Madrid claim Champions League success on Saturday at the expense of city rivals Atlético in Milan’s San Siro. The game ended 1-1 after 120 minutes of action but Real held their nerve from the spot, winning the shootout 5-3 to lift their 11th European Cup.
Sergio Ramos put them in front after just 15 but Cristiano Ronaldo took the plaudits, converting the fifth penalty after Juanfran miscue for Atlético. Their equaliser came courtesy of Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco (79’).
Real race out of the traps
Zinedine Zidane’s side started strongest and could have gone in front after just six minutes but Karim Benzema’s smart volley from a Gareth Bale free kick was pushed to safety by Jan Oblak. Kroos started the game and put in another expert performance.
Real’s next set piece saw them take the lead. Ramos, who appeared to be offside, got on the end of another free kick to tap the ball home from close range. The Spaniard had also scored when the sides met in the 2014 final. Atlético fought hard before the break but failed to create any chances of note.
Atlético grab a leveller
Diego Simeone’s men were much improved after the break and could have been back on level terms just three minutes into the second period. Mark Clattenburg awarded a penalty after Pepe brought down Fernando Torres in the box but Antoine Griezmann smashed the spot kick against the bar. The game became a more balanced affair afterwards. Kroos was withdrawn after 72 minutes with Real on the back front and Atlético were rewarded for their endeavour when Carrasco grabbed an equaliser from close range.
Extra-time was dominated by Atlético, however, the first chance of the period fell to Cristiano Ronaldo, however, his header lacked conviction (94’). Griezmann could have wrapped up the game with 10 to go and was left to rue this miss as Real claimed success in the shootout.
Die Mannschaft midfielder Toni Kroos helped Real Madrid claim Champions League success on Saturday at the expense of city rivals Atlético in Milan’s San Siro. The game ended 1-1 after 120 minutes of action but Real held their nerve from the spot, winning the shootout 5-3 to lift their 11th European Cup.
Sergio Ramos put them in front after just 15 but Cristiano Ronaldo took the plaudits, converting the fifth penalty after Juanfran miscue for Atlético. Their equaliser came courtesy of Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco (79’).
Real race out of the traps
Zinedine Zidane’s side started strongest and could have gone in front after just six minutes but Karim Benzema’s smart volley from a Gareth Bale free kick was pushed to safety by Jan Oblak. Kroos started the game and put in another expert performance.
Real’s next set piece saw them take the lead. Ramos, who appeared to be offside, got on the end of another free kick to tap the ball home from close range. The Spaniard had also scored when the sides met in the 2014 final. Atlético fought hard before the break but failed to create any chances of note.
Atlético grab a leveller
Diego Simeone’s men were much improved after the break and could have been back on level terms just three minutes into the second period. Mark Clattenburg awarded a penalty after Pepe brought down Fernando Torres in the box but Antoine Griezmann smashed the spot kick against the bar. The game became a more balanced affair afterwards. Kroos was withdrawn after 72 minutes with Real on the back front and Atlético were rewarded for their endeavour when Carrasco grabbed an equaliser from close range.
Extra-time was dominated by Atlético, however, the first chance of the period fell to Cristiano Ronaldo, however, his header lacked conviction (94’). Griezmann could have wrapped up the game with 10 to go and was left to rue this miss as Real claimed success in the shootout.
