Real Madrid puts boot to Atletico once again
MILAN— Cristiano Ronaldo did it again for Real Madrid, stepping forward to score a penalty and inflict another devastating loss in a Champions League final on rival Atletico Madrid.
For the second time in three finals, the biggest game in club soccer ended with Ronaldo sealing victory, then ripping off his shirt to show off his muscled torso to adoring fans.
Ronaldo’s decisive spot kick in a Saturday night shootout gave Real Madrid a 5-3 victory on penalties, following a 1-1 draw after extra time.
Two years ago, the Portuguese superstar’s penalty had sealed a 4-1 extra-time win over Atletico and prompted the first of his provocative celebrations.
“I knew I was going to score the winning penalty, I was confident,” said Ronaldo, who won his third Champions League title. “I asked (coach Zinedine) Zidane to let me take the last penalty.”
Rising to the dramatic moment after a quiet game for him, Ronaldo sent goalkeeper Jan Oblak the wrong way seconds after Atletico defender Juanfran struck a post with his team’s fourth kick.
Real Madrid got its record-extending 11th European title and left Atletico with bitter memories of its third loss in a European Cup or Champions League final. In its two previous finals, Atletico gave up last-minute equalizing goals.
“I don’t believe in injustices,” Atletico coach Diego Simeone said. “In football, the team that wins deserves to win. They were better.”
Simeone said he will consider his future at Atletico, where he has coached for five years.
Zidane has coached for less than five months, yet is already just the seventh man to both coach and play for champion teams in the competition’s 61-year history. The France great joins an elite group that includes Johan Cruyff and Pep Guardiola.
Just like the 2014 final, a Madrid derby finished 1-1 after 90 minutes. This time, it was Real Madrid instead of Atletico in the role of longtime leader giving up a late equalizer.
Real Madrid was crowned the best in Europe to cap a season when it had not even been best at home.
Victory helped eclipse rival Barcelona winning four major trophies.
Just not the one that matters most in Madrid.