THE Lions roared into the history books 47 years ago in Lisbon and last night they watched Real Madrid achieve a new milestone in the Portuguese capital. Carlo Ancelloti’s side have now won a record 10 Champions League titles after they saw off city rivals Atletico Madrid in a titanic tussle. Europe’s premier club competition has evolved greatly since 1967, but the elation and euphoria at lifting that iconic trophy remains the same. This time it was Real captain Iker Casillas who had the privilege of holding the silverware aloft in Lisbon amidst his jubilant team-mates. As Cesar and his team-mates looked on, it must have brought those magical memories flooding back. Something they wouldn’t have remembered was the spectacular opening ceremony to the main event, which culminated in two massive badges being unfurled on the pitch, along with one of the trophy, whilst the Champions League anthem was belted out by Mariza – a famous Portuguese singer. UEFA certainly know how to put on a show – but who needs that when you have Bertie Auld singing Hail Hail going down the tunnel. Hosted in Benfica’s ultra-modern Estadio da Luz, the ground was divided between the red of Atletico and the white of Real as thousands made the 312-mile journey from the Spanish capital. Unlike in ’67 when Inter Milan were huge favourites to beat the Bhoys, this was expected to be a tight contest and so it proved in the first half. Real’s celebrated attacking triumvirate of Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo were starved of possession by Atletico’s incredible work-rate and organisation. It underlined why the newly crowned Spanish champions had enjoyed such stunning success this season. The togetherness and team spirit of Los Rojiblancos would surely have impressed the Lions, whose camaraderie was one of the pillars of their successes and still exists to this day. Diego Simeone’s side were remorseless, constantly harassing Real in possession and wearing them down. Even the loss of talisman Diego Costa to injury after 20 minutes didn’t disrupt them. And then they got a goal just before the break as defender Diego Godin looped in a header from a corner. One half of the stadium erupted, the other fell into stunned silence. However, while the Lions would have appreciated the work-ethic and unity of Atletico, they would also have admired how Real persevered in their search of a leveller in the second half. Time and time again they were rebuffed by the resolute Los Rojiblancos defence but they remained undeterred. Just like Celtic against Inter 47 years ago, Los Blancos never gave up, continuing to drive forward, committing more men to the attack. Deep into added time, they got their reward as the outstanding Sergio Ramos headed home from a corner to send the compelling contest into extra time. After that, there was only one winner. A revitalised Real struck three times against a visibly tiring Atletico side without reply to reach their long-coveted ‘decima’ of triumphs in the competition. Lisbon, once again, had severed up a stunning spectacle, that will take its place in football history. But no-one will roar like the Lions. Ever.
Posted on: Mon, 26 May 2014 09:13:51 +0000
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