'The responsibility falls onto the shoulders of Real Madrid's greatest ever goalscorer.... Ronaldo to win the Champions League: and he does do! Real Madrid have won the Champions League for the 11th time!'
-Darren Fletcher (BT Sport Commentator) on the 28th of May, 2016.
Before these words were uttered, the world saw what you'll describe as a pulsating and entertaining final between two city neighbours in Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid respectively. Man of the match and Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos put his side ahead in the early exchanges after turning in Gareth Bale's flick on from Toni Kroos' deft free-kick delivery. French superstar Antoine Griezmann, who's been Atlèti's saviour many times this season thumped his penalty onto the underside of the crossbar, but not over the line. Referee Mark Clattenburg penalised Kepler Pepe for a thwack on the back of Fernando Torres' calf in the 18-yard box. There was an equaliser deservedly you feel: halftime substitute Yannick-Ferreira Carrasco ghosted behind Los Blancos' back four and converted Juanfran centre past a stretching Keylor Navas into the roof of the net. The Giuseppe Meazza erupted as that went in. Game went all the way into the dreaded penalty shootout. Koke Resurecciòn and Dani Carvajal limped off after feeling great discomforts. Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey and fullback Danilo took their places respectively. Lucas Hernandez also came on for injured Filipe Luis.
Just like in Lisbon two years ago, no side ever laid down. Real got in front and had chances to kill the game off, notably the chances that fell to both Karim Benzema and talisman Cristiano Ronaldo who for some reason we're not as clinical as they have been throughout this season. Gareth Bale and substitute Lucas Vazquez (on for Benzema) also had chances, but Jan Oblak proved impenetrable. Simeone's side had chances of their own after the equaliser. Antoine Griezmann went for the spectacular after Real Madrid failed to clear an Atlèti corner. His effort went just about over Keylor Navas' bar.
Mark Clattenburg ended proceedings after the end of extra time: still nothing to differentiate the sides on the scoreboard. Tired legs, tired minds, nerves of steel and veins full of ice needed from 12 yards out. Everyone dispatched their penalties with aplomb, everyone but, Spanish defender Juanfran. A hero against PSV Eindhoven earlier in the competition, turned villain as his effort hit the post and went out. What happened next needed the attention of the engraver. Up stepped a certain player, who wasn't up to his usual standards during those two hours. Cristiano Ronaldo, who said he had a premonition about this particular shootout, buried his penalty and sent a shockwave of emotions round the football world. Zinedine Zidane became the first Frenchman to win the trophy and also to win it as a player, an assistant manager, and as head coach. For a side deemed finished when he was called in January, this is truly magnificent. Eleven times Kings of Europe! Koke couldn't watch as he broke down in tears only to be consoled by compatriot El Niño (Fernando Torres). Marcelo, overwhelmed by the occasion, also let the tears out. It was Real Madrid's night as it turned out, and that wrapped up the club footballing season for 2015-2016. They will play Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup this summer.
Next up, the European Championship in France which kicks off on the 10th of June. Will it be a Cristiano redemption in international tournaments, or a German superiority? The Copa America 2016 and the Rio Olympics, not so far away. Leo Messi and Luis Suarez, here are your chances alright. This is going to be a good old sporting summer you feel. Not to forget, Josè and Pep will be back in August. Will he cement his name again as 'the Special One'? Will Zidane win La DuoDecima for Real Madrid in quick succession?
Don't forget to join our Euro 2016 Fantasy league with the code 145838UP. The winner gets a France home or away jersey. We're expecting you.
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