Real Madrid lift 11th European Cup after Champions League final victory over Atletico Madrid (5-3 pens)

Real Madrid won their 11th Champions League title in the most dramatic of circumstances after beating city rivals Atletico Madrid on penalties.

The Spanish sides played out a 1-1 draw over 120 minutes, but Los Blancos prevailed 5-3 on penalties to seal their second European Cup in three years.

A cagey encounter led to the lottery of spot kicks, and it was the white half of Madrid who were left in tears of happiness, breaking a run of 14 games without a win at the San Siro to become kings of Europe.

Real Madrid captain Ramos poked his side in front after 15 minutes inside the San Siro – Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

It was Real Madrid who initially took the lead, going ahead with just a quarter of an hour on the clock. Toni Kroos’ low free-kick was nodded on by Gareth Bale, and Sergio Ramos was on hand to poke the ball past Jan Oblak. There were suspicions of offside, but the goal stood and Real led.

The goal knocked the wind out of Atletico, as many of their passes were misplaced, and challenges became rash rather than tactical.

Antoine Griezmann had several speculative efforts, but none were ever troubling Keylor Navas.

Kroos and his midfield partner Luka Modric dominated the midfield, and Diego Simeone brought on Yannick Carrasco for Augusto Fernandez to help turn the tides.

Shortly after the interval; Pepe clattered Fernando Torres, and referee Mark Clattenburg awarded Atletico a penalty. However, Griezmann’s spot kick rattled off the bar, and the deficit remained.

Dani Carvajal would be the first victim of fatigue, leaving the field in tears after 50 minutes, being replaced by Danilo.

Carrasco forced extra-time after netting Atletico’s equaliser just 11 minutes from full-time – Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

Stefan Savic and Saul Niguez went close for Simeone’s side, but Real Madrid continued to weather the storm.

With less than 20 minutes on the clock, Karim Benzema fluffed a one-on-one, whilst Cristiano Ronaldo and Bale somehow were denied in a goalmouth scramble.

Zinedine Zidane’s men failed to take their chances, and paid the price when Carrasco equalised, tapping in a low cross from Juanfran.

The Belgian winger had tormented Danilo throughout the second-half, and a goal was the least he deserved.

Real Madrid threw every man forward to try and restore their lead, but the closest they came to a winner was through Marcelo’s fizzed cross, but no one in white could find a touch.

No winner could be found over 90 minutes as extra-time beckoned.

Atletico boss Simeone seemed to have learned from the mistakes of the 2014 final, saving two substitutes for the next half hour – Zidane, however, had used all of his.

Ex-Real Madrid midfielder Zidane guided his side to their 11th European Cup, just four months after taking charge – Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

Filipe Luis and Koke dropped like flies, and both had to be replaced. For Real Madrid, the likes of Bale and Modric could barely walk.

Referee Clattenburg blew his whistle one last time, as the 22 players collapsed at the thought of the upcoming shoot-out.

Atletico had managed to beat PSV Eindhoven 8-7 in the round of 16, but were unable to re-create those efforts in Milan.

Lucas Vazquez, Marcelo, Bale and Ramos all netted for Real Madrid, whilst Griezmann, Gabi and Saul scored for Atletico.

Juanfran then stepped up for Los Rojiblancos fourth attempt, but his effort struck the post.

Cue Ronaldo to step up for the final penalty. The Portugal superstar smashed it home to win Real Madrid’s coveted ‘La Undecima’.