Real Madrid seal bragging rights to European glory in Spain

It’s certainly been an emotional weekend for football fans the world over especially Real Madrid fans. ‘Los blancos’ managed to outwit Diego Simeone’s men in a Champions League final that looked like being in the bag for los colchoneros if it were not for Sergio Ramos’ late header to take the game into extra time. Gareth Bale then came good in a game he’d want to forget in a hurry after missing out on various chances to put the game to bed. He managed to beat Courtois at his far post after a save from a Di María effort to put Real 2-1 up in the second half of extra time.

It wasn’t over yet as Simeone’s men then crumbled under the pressure with Marcelo firing past the Atlético keeper and finally a penalty kick from Ronaldo making sure that the ‘Décima’ was well and truly in the bag.

Real Madrid now have 13 major European trophies making Los Blancos the second most successful team in Europe ahead of FC Barcelona. Only Italian giants AC Milan have more silverware but Ancelotti’s men can draw with them if they beat Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup on 12th August.

Real Madrid have always been in front of Barcelona as far as European honours are concerned but the Catalan giants have managed to catch up in recent times thanks to the terrific era of Dutch coach Frank Rijkaard and the majestic period under Pep Guardiola in which the Blaugrana’s clinched 2 Champions League trophies and 2 European Supercup trophies as well as 3 La Liga titles, 2 World club cups, 1 Copa del Rey and 3 Spanish Supercups.

The current leaders in the trophy stakes are A.C Milan, whose 14 European trophies (seven Champions Leagues, two Cup Winners’ Cups and five Super Cups) make them the most decorated club in Europe. To match the Italian serie A giants, Ancelotti’s side will have to lock horns with Sevilla who won’t be a pushover as they too are on the hunt for a 5th European trophy of their own.