Heading into the Champions League final Saturday, all that was certain was that the trophy would be going to Madrid, it was only a matter of if it would see Plaza Cibeles or Plaza Neptuno the next day. And throughout the game no one could really say which team looked destined to pull it out, one could lean toward Atlético Madrid, but Griezmann missed from the penalty spot which would have put them equal with Real.

Luckily Yannick Carrasco bailed his teammate out, authoring a brilliant goal that seemed to give los colchoneros the momentum. However they could not convert their advantages in ball possession and created opportunities into a second goal. Carrasco played a phenomenal game after coming on for Augusto Fernandez. All season Carrasco has been a spark of creativity for Diego Simeone's side, which may be a reason he leaves, although there are no rumors, creativity isn't something asked for in Simeone's approach.

Throughout the second half Atlético found themselves in Real's half of the pitch, and held a significant advantage in time of possession. Cristiano Ronaldo looked off all game, possibly not 100% fit and Gareth Bale was absent save for a few deep runs that ended up in no goals.

Captain Sergio Ramos opened up the game's scoring, thanks to Bale nudging a Toni Kroos cross (with some help from that magnificent man bun no doubt) with his head and just finding the edge of Ramos' boot. 

Both teams seemed to run out of gas towards the end, although Isco played the role of Real Madrid' Yannick Carrasco, injecting needed energy and creativity for los blancos after coming on for Toni Kroos. It's unfortunate that he may not have opportunities for more playing time next year, unless Zinedine Zidane crates a spot for him in a crowded midfield.

Speaking of Zidane, there are murmurs that his place at the head of Madrid's table was in jeopardy, with Florentino Perez keeping a keen eye on Sevilla manager Unai Emery. Although now with the Champions League trophy in tow, Perez would be even more a fool to replace Zidane now. Whether or not Real won the final, Zidane deserved to stay on for next year. He resurrected Madrid from depths that have not experienced in recent years and the team was in shambles. To have them playing for a La Liga and European titles was unthinkable before he came on.

Although thanks to Ronaldo's clinching penalty kick, they don't ahve to think about that. Hopefully.

Photo: Flickr/Nazionale Calcio