Real Madrid through to Champs League final News

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Real Madrid through to Champs League final

By Daily Sports on May 11, 2017

Real Madrid inflicted a fourth Champions League elimination on Atletico Madrid in as many years on Wednesday, losing their semifinal second leg 2-1 but progressing to the final 4-2 on aggregate.

Atletico had threatened an incredible comeback, Saul Niguez's powerful header and Antoine Griezmann's penalty inside 16 minutes cutting Real's aggregate lead to a solitary goal.

The hosts fed off a ferocious atmosphere for their final Champions League match at the Vicente Calderon before moving to the Wanda Metropolitano next season.

However, Isco's away goal just before halftime settled Real's nerves and left Atletico with too much to do to progress.

Cristiano Ronaldo's first leg hat-trick ultimately proved decisive and Real will seek to become the first side to defend the trophy in the Champions League era when they face Juventus in the final in Cardiff on June 3.

"I am delighted to reach the final," said Real boss Zinedine Zidane.

"It is a long road to get there and to do so two years in a row, you have to congratulate the squad."

An already fierce rivalry between the Spanish giants has intensified in recent years by Real's three Champions League victories over Atletico, including in the 2014 and 2016 finals.

However, Atletico's players went a long way towards making amends for their meek display in the first leg eight days ago in a thrilling opening.

"The team showed once more why they have been competing at this level for so many years," said Atletico coach Diego Simeone.

"Those first 20, 25 minutes will be in the history of the club.

"The atmosphere was one of those magical moments in the Calderon that will live in people's memories forever," Simeone said.

*Photo shows an elated Real Madrid squad after beating Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.

Source Daily Sports

Posted May 11, 2017