Real end to Atlético fairy tale

REAL Madrid won the Champions League for the 10th time thanks to extra-time goals from Gareth Bale, Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo as they came from behind dramatically to beat Atlético Madrid 4-1 in Lisbon last night.

Atlético seemed set for a first European crown as they led deep into stoppage time thanks to Diego Godin’s first-half header, but Sergio Ramos took the game into extra time with a towering header in the 93rd minute.

And for the second time this season, having already scored the winner to hand Real the Copa del Rey against Barcelona last month, Bale scored the crucial goal when he headed into an empty net after Thibaut Courtois had parried Angel di Maria’s effort.

With Atlético committed to attack, Real were able to counterattack at will and Marcelo killed the game off when his low shot had too much power for Courtois before Ronaldo sealed his return to Lisbon from the penalty spot.

The game came to life just before the half hour when Raul Garcia was shown a yellow card for chopping down Di Maria and Ramos joined him in the book for squaring up to Garcia. Ronaldo’s resulting free kick was comfortably dealt with by Courtois, but Real missed a golden chance to open the scoring minutes later through Bale.

The Welshman pounced on Tiago’s errant pass in midfield and scampered forward into the area but side-footed wide.

Three minutes later Atlético took the lead as Juanfran headed a cleared corner back into the box and Godin took advantage of indecision by Iker Casillas to loop the ball over the Spanish captain.

Just when Atlético thought they had the trophy won, though, Real got their reward as Ramos rose to power Luka Modric’s corner past the helpless Courtois.

Atlético’s tiredness showed in the second period of extra time as Real had too much pace and power and finally went in front 10 minutes from the end when Di Maria burst into the area and despite his effort being saved by Courtois, Bale headed in at the back post.

Courtois also got a hand to Marcelo’s low drive eight minutes later, but the Belgian international couldn’t keep it out.

And Ronaldo got the goal he craved back in his homeland when he was clipped by Gabi moments later and got back up to slam the resulting penalty home. — AFP