There is an old saying in Spain that Los Blancos do not make it to European Finals -- they win them. That is why they hold a record 10 continental titles, and were looking to stretch that 11. Trying to prevent that was a team that has had their number lately -- cross-city rivals Atletico, who had won 7 of the last 8 meetings between the clubs since Real beat them in the 2014 Final.
Atletico trying to deny their city rivals a record extending title -- while also winning their first-ever crown.
And new FIFA President Gianni Infantino would be in attendance.
Real get the first good chance -- in the sixth minute off a Gareth Bale free-kick, his cross is hit well by Karim Benzem, but Jan Oblak makes the save. That keeps the game scoreless.
But the 10-time champs would take advantage of another free-kick in the 15th minute. It is flicked on by Bale, and Sergio Ramos scores to make it 1-nil. The captain also scored in the final 2-years ago against the Atleti, this one though may have been a touch off-side.
It stays that way till half-time -- after the restart, Atletico catch a break -- Fernando Torres taken down in the box by Pepe. That is a penalty.
Antoine Greizman steps up for the underdogs in the 48th minute -- and he rattles the bar -- he also missed a penalty against Real in the Madrid Derby. It remains 1-nil.
Real Madrid defeat Atletico on kicks.
And then with about 12 minutes to go -- Los Blanco look to extend the lead -- Bale makes a move and lays off for Ronaldo. That is stopped, and Bale's attempt is cleared off the line. Atleti still in it.
And that would prove huge, because a couple of minutes later -- they are able to equalize -- Juanfran volleys in the cross from the right -- and substitute Yannick Carrasco beats his man to the far post -- and gets some love from the stands. 1-1 game. That forces extra-time. There would be no scoring, so we need kicks to determine a winner.
Griezmann who missed earlier -- finds the net -- that makes it 1-1.
Neither side would miss early on -- Ramos gives his side a 4-3 edge.
Pressure on Atletico -- and Juanfran hits the post. That means Real are on the verge of victory.
That means Ronaldo can seal the win -- he missed 8-years ago in the Champions League against Chelsea -- but he fires it home, and Los Blancos have another European crown.
The club picks up their record 11th trophy -- and the celebration begins.
"I have dreamt about it since the president gave me the opportunity to train such a great club, since I am a positive man and I have such a fantastic team that worked very hard, the message is this; we have worked, we have fought for it and when you have players of such great talent then you can manage something great like what we have achieved tonight," said Zinedine Zidane, Real Madrid coach.
"The truth is that it was an incredible feeling, again, an unforgettable feeling, one to keep with you and to save it in your heart. There will be time to make analyze the game, it was a very tough game, very intense. We had a rival in front of us that really stood up to us. They did everything possible to try to win. As captain of Real Madrid I have to congratulate them for the great year they have had, extraordinary but soccer is like this, there cannot be two winners and luckily the trophy is coming to our home," said Sergio Ramos, Real Madrid defense.
"First of all I have to congratulate Real Madrid. Once again they have been superior to us even if it was taken to penalties. I want to congratulate the rival team for their new conquest of this trophy which is full of history and prestige," said Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid coach.
