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