Said this, with hindsight Real Madrid always put forward the initiative while Atletico de Madrid perhaps sinned of being too speculative. Risky strategy that was paid dearly when Mexican & Real Madrid forward Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez broke the grid lock after a CR7 - James Rodriguez play that found Hernandez who tapped in the ball in the 87th min for the winner.
Other stats to bear in mind are 66% ball possession by Real Madrid with more than 16 goals attempts (At Madrid around 5) & Atletico de Madrid goalie Olbak their best player with numerous saves. This should give you an idea that Real Madrid deserved the victory solely on the basis that they looked for it from the kick-off.
The controversial moment was the sending off in the 76th min for a double yellow card Atletico Madrid midfielder Turan Arda after dangerous play on Sergio Ramos. The video reply shows that it was not as bad as it looked in "real-time" & perhaps the second yellow card was harsh & not necessary at all. With Atletico de Madrid down to 10 men Real Madrid did have more spaces & later did come the winning goal. Atletico was overcome by "emotion" & lost control "mentally" of the match.
Although Chicharito had scored his teams goal, a goal from Atletico Madrid in the remaining time ( +5 extra time) would have been enough to get them through with the away goal rule. Instead of concentrating on this fact, the visitors poured out their frustration with psychical Football that was counter productive.
Real Madrid Coach Ancelotti half surprised us all before the match lining up Sergio Ramos as a midfielder. The experiment worked today - due to the win - & was effective not for the Football displayed by Ramos but by his leadership pulling his team onward to find the win. In this aspect the "Ancelotti Experiment" worked well. Other names to mention are James Rodriguez, Kroos & Isco who ran their hearts out along with Varane who was simple spectacular as usual.
Lastly, a dream moment for Mexican Chicharito who has not had the best season & has spent most of his time in Madrid on the bench. The man is a hard worker, humble & tonight is the hero of Real Madrid with his winner. Football once again creates stars & dreams when you least expect, or when you believe in yourself enough.
Atletico de Madrid go out of the competition with their heads high as they put in a brave & noteworthy show. However, as mentioned, they speculated too much & paid the price.
Real Madrid joins fellow Spanish Football Club FC Barcelona, Bayern Munich & Juventus as the last four remaining teams only awaiting now to know their match ups in semi-finals. At this stage-phase of Champions League all 4 are the "creme de la creme" of European Football & its all up for grabs.
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