Real Madrid are the new Champions of Europe

Real Madrid claimed their historic 10th European title with a breathless 4-1 victory after extra time over city rivals Atletico Madrid in an engrossing affair in Lisbon. With this win, they have ended their 12 years long wait for the Champions League crown.

The match started at a slow pace with Atletico’s defence stifling the much vaunted attack of Real with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale not able to play at their usual high standards.It was Atletico who took the lead against their illustrious opponents when Diego Godin scored in the 36th minute after a blunder from Iker Casillas.

Real came back strongly in the second half but Atletico defended bravely to restrict the Blancos to a couple of half chances. It looked as if Atletico would hold on to claim their maiden Champions League title but fate had other plans. Deep into the injury time, Sergio Ramos equalized to bring back Real into the game.

In the first period of extra time it always looked as if Real would score at any moment with the Atletico players tiring out. But they held on till the first half of the extra time. The second half of the extra time started in the same fashion with Real dominating the play and Atletico sitting deep in their own half. But the resistance was finally broken when Gareth Bale headed the second goal after some great work from Angel di Maria. And the demoralized Atletico players conceded two more goals from Marcelo and Ronaldo respectively to hand Real a deserved 4-1 victory.