Real Madrid overcame city rivals Atletico 4-1 in the Champions League final

Gareth Bale joined the firmament of Real Madrid players here in Lisbon with a close-range, simple header that finally broke the resistance of the Spanish capital's other team in an enthralling final. Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo then finished the job.

When the hype stops and the chances come they must be taken, and Bale answered that call at the third time of asking. Half an hour into this tale of one city, a mistake by Atletico Tiago fed the ball to Bale and off he dashed to make his mark in history. Three opponents were cast aside but then came the shot: loose and screwed and wide.

On 77 minutes it happened again to this 24-year-old phenomenon from Wales.

A determined sprint into Thibaut Courtois' penalty area ended with him stabbing a shot wide the outside of his left boot when his right foot would have directed the ball more sharply. No matter. The collective will and all the ghosts of Real Madrid's history put them back in the contest as Spain's capital fought over the prize all the way into extra-time.

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