Real Madrid were outplayed for much of their 18th Champions League final but it ended in a familiar story – Los Blancos lifting the trophy for a record 15th time after a 2-0 win over Dortmund.
The German side squandered several big chances in the first half against a listless Madrid team for whom English star Jude Bellingham was the subject of internet memes due to his lack of involvement.
But after Karim Adeyemi, and Niclas Fullkrug, who hit the post, failed to covert before half time, Real got a grip on the game.
They went ahead on 74 minutes when Dani Carvajal, who had two previous sights at goal, beat his defender to head in a Toni Kroos corner. It was a beautiful way for Kroos to finish his distinguished career.
Madrid’s Vinicius Junior celebrates after his goal to make it 2-0. Photo: Tom Weller/dpa (Photo by Tom Weller/picture alliance via Getty Images)
The seal was put on the result by Brazilian superstar Vinicius Junior, who might count himself lucky to have still been on the pitch, on 82 minutes after an error by Ian Maatsen.
“Dortmund can have a couple of chances, but there’s a difference in level of players that you’re talking about here,” said former Socceroo Craig Foster on the Stan Sport coverage.
“We were surprised at Fullkrug scoring against PSG, right? Whereas these [Madrid] guys here, once they get themselves in positions, you know, you are dead.
“Did anyone in the world think that Vini Jr. wasn’t going to score that? Okay, it’s already 1-0, but that’s the difference.”
Vini Junior was booked in the first half and then dived to win a card against the Germans, but the potential second yellow card was missed by the referee.
It was a fourth European Cup for Madrid’s coach Carlo Ancelotti and his team did it the hard way, being fortunate to progress against Manchester City via penalties and then with two late goals against Bayern Munich in the semi.
They were outplayed for an hour on Sunday morning (AEST) but weathered the storm of 12 Dortmund attempts. They were much improved in the second half of the second term and the weight of pressure told.
MORE TO COME