Ronaldo hails 'unbelievable' Champions League final shootout win

By foxsports
Published

Match-winner Cristiano Ronaldo was delighted to fire home the winning penalty as Real Madrid won the Champions League for a record 11th time with a 5-3 penalty shoot-out victory over city rivals Atletico at San Siro.

Sergio Ramos tapped Gareth Bale's flick home from close range after 15 minutes before Belgium winger Yannick Carrasco leveled after 80 minutes to see the scores level at 1-1 before a goalless extra-time period.

Juanfran missed Atletico's fourth spot-kick as the scores were 4-3 before Ronaldo slotted past Jan Oblak with the winner to hand Zinedine Zidane's men the trophy they last took home two years ago.

Ronaldo told BT Sport Europe: "You know that the penalty is always a lottery. You never know what's going to happen.

"But we showed that our team had most experience and we showed that we scored all the penalties so it was unbelievable - a fantastic night."

With concerns over many players on both teams suffering from cramp, former Manchester United striker Ronaldo stressed it had been a long season.

He added: "It's difficult, it's the end of the season, people are not fit any more. We have to rest now."

Wales international Bale was successful as he fired in Real's third penalty after Lucas Vazquez and Marcelo were on target and before Ramos slotted home the fourth.

The 26-year-old former Tottenham winger was pleased with the victory as he and his Real team-mates battled through the cramp for the win.

He said: "What an amazing feeling. It was difficult in extra-time with a lot of people getting cramp. But we showed our resilience, we showed what we're made of and we won in the 11th (hour).

"I had cramp after it (the penalty) thank God it wasn't before. I actually wasn't too nervous - I was nervous after it (the penalty). I don't know why. They were brilliant penalties from everyone.

"It's an amazing feeling, I can't describe how it feels.

"It's amazing and the boys gave everything. The club, the fans have been amazing on this journey and they deserve it."

On beating their city and Primera Division rivals, he added: "That's the most important thing (beating their rivals). Obviously they gave us a great game and we're obviously feeling a little bit sorry for them but a final is a final and you have to win.

"Everyone was struggling...I spoke with a few of their players who were struggling. We tried not to show it too much but we just kept going and I can't wait to lift that trophy again."