The forward netted the decisive goal to beat Atletico
Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo admits he had a feeling that he would score the winning goal to secure undecima for Los Blancos against local rivals Atletico Madrid.
It was a historic night, even by Real’s standards, as club legend Zinedine Zidane guided the club to its eleventh Champions League – having only taken over in January – to become the first club to win 11 titles.
But it was down to the club’s most valuable asset to send the white side of the San Siro into euphoria, as he netted Real’s fifth penalty to, once again, be crowned European champions, after Juanfran had missed the fourth spot kick for Atletico.
“I had a vision and saw I was going to score the winning goal, so I asked (Zinedine) Zidane to take the fifth penalty,” said Ronaldo.
“It is a very special moment, and it is well deserved for the players and the fans, who’ve always been there for us.”
The evening marked a trio of Champions League successes for Ronaldo at Real Madrid, while Zidane became just the seventh man to win the cup as both player and a coach.
“Zidane has done a phenomenal job and he deserves it because he’s a gentleman and is humble, so I’m happy for him,” Ronaldo added.
However, the uncharacteristic performance of the 31-year-old didn’t stop his teammates from getting their side over the line – having had a quiet evening by his standards.
While it is now twice Atletico have lost to Real in the final in recent years, losing the 2014 final 4-1 in extra time – having been level at 1-1 after 90 minutes.
