Saturday, 24 May 2014

Real Madrid 4-1 Atletico Madrid (AET): Gareth Bale heads home in extra time to clinch Champions League success

In the end it was the young man from Cardiff, the most expensive footballer the world has known, who settled an epic tussle between Madrid’s two sides in Lisbon’s Stadium of Light.
Gareth Bale it was at the far post who was on hand to head home when Angel Di Maria’s shot had rebounded off the leg of Thibaut Courtois and fell invitingly for him 20 minutes into extra time
In doing so, as he wheeled away to be engulfed by a mass of celebrating bodies and greeted by a roar of utter relief, redemption was found.
This might have been the final defined by his miss on 32 minutes. Instead Real Madrid have their illusive tenth European Cup, Bale joins an illustrious group of Britons who have won the famous old trophy with foreign clubs and Carlo Ancelotti has equalled Bob Paisley’s record of winning the European Cup three times: all thanks to Bale.
VIDEO Scroll down for Simeone invades pitch to challenge Varane in Champions League
Delight: Gareth Bale scored a vital goal for Real Madrid in extra time in the Champions League final
Delight: Gareth Bale scored a vital goal for Real Madrid in extra time in the Champions League final
Real Madrid's Gareth Bale celebrates with the trophyGareth Bale of Real Madrid celebrates with the Champions League trophy
Hands on the prize: Bale lifts the Champions League trophy after scoring in extra time

Welsh wonder: Bale with the flag of his home nation as he celebrates Real's victory
Welsh wonder: Bale with the flag of his home nation as he celebrates Real's victory
Silverware: Captain Iker Casillas lifts the Champions League trophy for Real Madrid
Silverware: Captain Iker Casillas lifts the Champions League trophy for Real Madrid

Uplifting: Ronaldo gets his hands on the trophy in Lisbon after Real's extra time victory
Uplifting: Ronaldo gets his hands on the trophy in Lisbon after Real's extra time victory

Cristiano Ronaldo expected to be fit for Real Madrid's Champions League final clash with rivals Atletico

Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to be fit for Real Madrid's Champions League final showdown against Atletico on Saturday, manager Carlo Ancelotti has revealed.
The Portugal international, who has not played since being withdrawn through injury during Real's 1-1 draw with Valladolid on May 7, was set to face Espanyol in his side's final La Liga game of the season last weekend, but was removed from the squad as a precaution after feeling discomfort during the warm-up.
However, despite worries over fitness, Ronaldo trained in Lisbon with the rest of his Madrid team-mates on Friday and doesn't appear to have any problems as Real look to claim their 10th European Cup.
VIDEO Scroll down to watch Ronaldo say he is confident he will be fit for final
Thumbs up: Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to be fit for Real Madrid's Champions League final showdown