Milan: Cristiano Ronaldo said penalties are just a game of chance after scoring the winning spot-kick to give Real Madrid an 11th Champions League crown on Saturday.
“The penalties are always a lottery, you never know what’s going to happen, but we showed that our team had more experience and we showed that we scored all penalties – it was unbelievable, a fantastic night,” Ronaldo told BT Sport after the shootout triumph.
Ronaldo scored the winning penalty just after Juanfran had missed for Atletico in Milan’s San Siro stadium where the game finished 1-1 after extra-time. Real won 5-3 on penalties.
Atletico’s Yannick Carrasco had scored a 79th minute equaliser after Sergio Ramos opened the scoring for Real on 15 minutes.
Many players ended the game suffering with cramp.
“It’s difficult, it’s the end of the season, people are not fit any more so we have to rest now and do it for European Championship,” said Ronaldo.
Wales winger Gareth Bale overcame cramp to score his spot-kick for Real.
“I can’t feel a lot to be honest, I’m cramping up. What an amazing feeling,” he said.
“It was difficult, in extra-time a lot of people were getting cramp. We showed resilience and what we’re made of.
“I had cramp afterwards, thank God it wasn’t before. It’s an amazing feeling, I can’t describe what it feels like.
“The boys gave everything. The club, the fans have been amazing on this journey – we deserve it.”
And he said beating their bitter city rivals in the final again for the second time in three years was extra special.
“That’s the most important thing. Obviously they gave a great game, I’m obviously feeling a bit sorry for them but a final’s a final and you have to win.”
Real’s French striker Karim Benzema, who has not been picked for France’s Euro 2016 squad, suggested this result would make up for his personal disappointment. “It’s great! This season has been very difficult but we fought to the end,” said Benzema.
“We showed we’re a real team and we’ve entered into history. I’m happy and proud.
“We’re here to win titles and go through nights like this.”
Real full-back Danilo paid tribute to coach Zinedine Zidane, who after just five months in charge became only the seventh man to win the competition as a player and coach. “We’ve learnt everything with (Zidane) and he created a real group. At Real Madrid we never accept that we’re beaten,” said the Brazilian.
In Madrid, hundreds of fans descended into the streets of the Spanish capital in the early hours of Sunday morning to celebrate a historic 11th European Cup win. “The 11th is here,” fans chanted with many expected to wait for their heroes to return from Milan with the trophy at the Plaza de Cibeles – a traditional meeting point for Real’s trophy celebrations – in the heart of the city well after sunrise.
“I am delighted. Two Champions League titles in three years, it is incredible,” said Monica Gonzalez, a 25-year-old Real fan.
“They (Atletico) deserved it. They almost played better. I am happy my team won, but it could have been any of the two teams.”
