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Sunday, May 25, 2014

Jacob Zuma inaugurated in S Africa


South African President Jacob Zuma takes the oath during his inauguration ceremony at the Union Buildings in Pretoria May 24, 2014.
Jacob Zuma takes the oath during the ceremony at Union Buildings in Pretoria

South Africa's President Jacob Zuma has been sworn into office for a second term, following his party's victory at the polls.

The African National Congress (ANC) won a commanding victory in the general election on 7 May.

More than 4,000 guests and several heads of state are at the ceremony in Pretoria.

Neither the US or UK are sending a representative but officials from Russia, China and India are attending.

President Zuma was officially elected for a second five-year term on Wednesday by the ANC-dominated parliament.

The expected formality of the re-election was disturbed only by MPs from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), who turned up at parliament in red overalls and hardhats.

The EFF, led by former ANC member Julius Malema, said they dressed as maids and miners to show they intend to represent the interest of workers.

A man walks past an ANC party election poster in the Soweto township of Johannesburg - 9 May 2014
Once the celebrations are over, Mr Zuma faces the tough tasks of rejuvenating South Africa's economy

South African media say Saturday's inauguration ceremony is as much about celebrating Nelson Mandela, who died last year, and 20 years of democracy, as about officially sealing Mr Zuma's re-election.

Mr Zuma took the oath of office after prayers opened the ceremony at 11:00 local time (09:00 GMT).

Several heads of state are in attendance, including Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe, Nigeria's Goodluck Jonathan, and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni.

The US is not sending a representative but a White House statement said President Obama spoke to Mr Zuma on Friday to congratulate him on his re-election.

The centrepiece of the event was due to be a 90-minute cultural show, with performances from local musicians, dancers and a youth choir.

Proceedings are being broadcast at 45 public viewing sites across the country as well as being shown live on television and radio.

Members of the public descended on the Union Building in Pretoria, the site of the ceremony, to watch on large TV screens.

Mr Zuma will get back to work immediately after the national celebrations and is expected to announce his cabinet on Sunday.

His choices will be watched closely by political analysts with the country's economic problems continuing to mount and almost a quarter of all South Africans unemployed.


Malawi court blocks poll annulment


Joyce Banda
Ms Banda said the vote had been marred by allegations of fraud

Malawi's High Court has rejected a decision by President Joyce Banda to annul this week's general election - in which she was a candidate.

Ms Banda had earlier said Tuesday's vote had been marred by rigging, multiple voting and computer-hacking.

She said a new vote should be held within 90 days but she would not stand again in any new poll.

However, the head of the electoral commission said the president did not have the power to annul the vote.

The High Court made its ruling after the commission said that despite problems involving the electronic count the poll remained valid and vote-counting would go on.

Malawi's election was chaotic, with one BBC correspondent reporting people voting two days on from election day because of delays in distributing polling material.

Frustrated voters set one polling station alight and smashed election material at another.

In some places, voting boxes or lids did not arrive so officials used buckets and plastic wrap.

Late on Friday, the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) said Joyce Banda's rival candidate Peter Mutharika had taken a lead of 42%, with 30% of votes counted. Ms Banda was in second place with 23%, the commission said.

Malawi Electoral Commission workers count ballots on 20 May
Tuesday's vote was chaotic with many polling stations opening hours late

"I am nullifying the elections, using the powers invested in me by the Malawi constitution," Ms Banda told a news conference.

"I want to give Malawians an opportunity to choose a candidate of their choice in a free and fair manner. When elections are to be held again, I will be stepping aside," she added.

Mrs Banda had previously accused a party, which she did not name, of infiltrating and hacking the MEC's counting system.

The MEC's chairman denied that its system had been hacked.

In a previous statement about the elections, Mrs Banda had said that irregularities included

• The arrest of presiding officers who were "caught in the act of rigging"

• Some people voting up to three times

• "Serious anomalies" where some candidates won more votes than the number of registered voters

• Discarded and tampered ballots

• Communication devices of some monitors being blocked

Around 7.5 million people were eligible to vote in the fifth elections since the end of one-party rule 20 years ago.

This was the first time that Malawi held presidential, parliamentary and local elections on the same day.


Facebook announces listening feature


Facebook app on smartphone
This Shazam-like feature will listen to your music and TV to help users quickly share what they're listening to

Facebook is to release a new feature on its mobile app that "listens" to your music and TV shows.

If the song or show is recognised by the app, users can publish the information on their profile or to selected friends.

The service hopes to take advantage of the "second screen" trend, which sees fans of TV shows in particular sharing their experiences on social networks.

However, some users have privacy concerns.

The feature, which will be available in a few weeks' time, uses the microphones inside users' smartphones to detect nearby music or TV shows.

As the user begins writing a status update, a small animated icon will appear at the top of the app.

If the app detects the appropriate audio signals and finds a match from its database, the user can then share what he or she is watching or listening to.

Facebook says the feature can be turned off at any time, the audio recording is not stored anywhere and the device cannot identify background noise or conversations.

"If you share music, your friends can see a 30-second preview of the song. For TV shows, the story in News Feed will highlight the specific season and episode you're watching," Facebook said in a statement.

The company hopes this new method of sharing user listening and watching habits will take advantage of the five billion status updates related to TV and music experiences that the social networking giant sees on a yearly basis.

However, automating part of the sharing process has left some users suspicious, with Nicole Simon commenting on TechCrunch that: "While the idea is nice and technology really interesting, I have no interest in Facebook 'observing' my audio and surrounding. Yes, it starts currently as opt-in, and only on occasion, but there is no trust from my side for even that."

Advertising and Shazam

The BBC understands that this new feature was not specifically designed to enhance Facebook's advertising. However, the company could push an advert to a user's phone based on their tracked listening habits.

This is in keeping with Facebook's current approach to advertising, which uses publicly provided information on users' profiles to push advertisements that are more relevant to each individual user.

The basic idea behind Facebook's feature is not a new one - since 2002 Shazam, which has recently seen a $3m investment from Sony Music Entertainment, has been providing a similar audio recognition service, with its website describing itself as "a mobile app that recognises music and TV around you".

Users of Shazam - all 450 million of them - can not only share their listening habits with other users of the app, but they can also push their updates to Facebook and Twitter.

The app also provides artist biographies, lyrics, videos, recommended tracks and concert tickets.

Facebook's much larger user base could pose a future threat to the comparatively smaller company.


Google 'making 3D-imaging tablet'


Google Project Tango
Google announced its plans for Project Tango in March

A tablet computer capable of taking 3D images is set to be put into production by Google, according to reports.

The Wall Street Journal quoted sources close to the company as saying a run of 4,000 devices will be manufactured next month.

The tablet will have two rear-facing cameras and advanced imaging software - and will be shown off at the firm's forthcoming developers' conference.

Google has said it will not comment on "rumour and speculation".

But in March, Google showed off Project Tango, an effort to bring 3D technology to its handheld devices. A prototype smartphone had been given out to 200 developers to try out.

The technology makes use of infrared sensors to measure depth of surroundings.

While the ability to create 3D images with small devices is by no means a new technological feat, Google's strategy will be to harness the hardware to contribute to, among other things, its mapping effort.

For instance, the devices could be used to create quickly a 3D map of indoor environments.

Virtual reality race

According to the Wall Street Journal, the 3D tablet will be shown off at Google's annual developers' conference at the end of June.

As it did with the Google Glass eyewear product, it is expected the firm will allow a select number of developers and engineers to experiment with the technology before a consumer launch is planned.

Although still a relatively minor industry, the race to create the "killer app" for building and viewing virtual reality environments is building apace.

In March, Facebook swooped in on a $2bn (£1.2bn) deal for Oculus VR, a company making a virtual reality headset.

A mini-site for Project Tango has highlighted a few of the firm's plans in the area.

"Project Tango is an attempt to create a mobile device unlike like any other," the site explains.

"A mobile device that shares our sense of space and movement, that understands and perceives the world the same way we do."

In the past few years, devices able to view and create 3D images have made it to market, but suffered heavily from a lack of consumer interest, said Jack Kent, an analyst at IHS.

"If Google really pushes it, that might change the dynamics of the market.


Real Madrid 4-1 Atletico Madrid


Gareth Bale

• Story of the match:

• Diego Godin opened scoring for Atletico after Iker Casillas error

• Sergio Ramos forced extra time with dramatic 93rd-minute header

• Goals from Gareth Bale, Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo seal win

• Real end their search for a 10th European Cup

Real Madrid came from behind to claim the Champions League crown in extra time at the expense of Atletico Madrid.

Diego Godin profited from an Iker Casillas error to head Atletico in front after Gareth Bale had fired wide.

Real fought back after the break and Sergio Ramos finally broke Atletico's resolve in the 93rd minute.

Bale put Real in front before Marcelo scored a third and Cristiano Ronaldo added a penalty to seal victory and a 10th European Cup for Real.



Key points

- Real Madrid clinch 10th European Cup

- Ronaldo scores from the spot for Real's fourth

- Marcelo adds third deep into extra time

- Bale puts Real ahead in extra time

- Ramos levels in third minute of injury time

- Diego Godin heads Atletico in front on 36 mins

LIVE TEXT
By Tom Rostance

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Okeke Obinna: Diego Simeone should be proud of himself and his players they have done well this season both domestically and in Europe

Saikat: Casilas was there in 2002 winning it. He is here again.

Chris Parker: Has anyone seen John Terry in a Real Madrid kit, by any chance?

Real Madrid win their 10th European Cup

"Real Madrid have the prized "La Decima." Atletico coach Diego Simeone takes time out from fighting the world to gather his players together. They could give no more once Sergio Ramos equalised."

Real Madrid win their 10th European Cup

Gareth Bale has the Welsh flag draped proudly across his shoulders and he's also got hold of the matchball. He's a Champions League winner in his first season at Real Madrid.

Real Madrid win their 10th European Cup

"After an hour Atletico went deeper and deeper and Real came back at them. Once Sergio Ramos' header went in, the body language of Atletico said 'we've nothing left in the tank'."

Text us on 81111

George, Clapham: Bale won them the Copa del Rey and the Champions League. That's a return on an investment.

Graham Dyer: Last time Austria won the Eurovision in 1966, Atletico Madrid won La Liga, Real Madrid won the European Cup - over to England now

Real Madrid win their 10th European Cup

"If Gareth Bale was honest he'd say he worked hard in the game game tonight, but had three glorious chances until he scored with that header.

"It will go down in history, and we've seen him play better than tonight but he stuck at it, and we can say well done, Gareth Bale."

Real Madrid win their 10th European Cup

Diego Simeone looks to have calmed down now, he's clapping the support who remain as loud and passionate as ever. Gareth Bale takes the acclaim of his team-mates as Cristiano Ronaldo gives his shirt to a lucky fan in the stands.

Real Madrid win their 10th European Cup

Zinedine Zidane embraces Carlo Ancelotti as Real Madrid celebrate a famous, famous win. Atletico Madrid's players are out on their feet but the scoreline does not come close to doing the game justice.

Real Madrid win their 10th European Cup
120 mins Real Madrid 4-1 Atletico Madrid
120 mins Real Madrid 4-1 Atletico Madrid

He's lost it. Absolutely lost it. Diego Simeone runs on to the pitch to confront Raphael Varane as Real Madrid celebrate that fourth goal and there's a circus on the pitch, stewards, coaching staff, all sorts.

That's a shame. It shouldn't tarnish a wonderful effort by Simeone and his players.

Real Madrid 4-1 Atletico Madrid

"People will look and say Atletico got a hammering, but its not the case - they just ran out of legs. Once it got to extra-time, there was only going to be one winner."

120 mins Real Madrid 4-1 Atletico Madrid - Cristiano Ronaldo (pen)

A 17th goal of the Champions League season for Cristiano Ronaldo but it's so harsh on Atletico Madrid now. Ronaldo buries the spot-kick and the night is done.

120 mins Real Madrid 3-1 Atletico Madrid

Gabi trips Cristiano Ronaldo and it's a penalty.

118 mins Real Madrid 3-1 Atletico Madrid - Marcelo

That's it! Make space in the trophy cabinet for La Decima!

There's so much space now as the Atletico Madrid stamina tanks finally hit empty, Marcelo drives forward into a huge gap and shoots hard and low from 20 yards, Thibaut Courtois can't hold on to it and it squeezes into the net.


"Everything that goes before, doesn't matter one iota. If you score the winning goal in a Champions League final, you will be a hero!"

116 mins Real Madrid 2-1 Atletico Madrid

Gareth Bale leads another counter, it comes to Cristiano Ronaldo on the left, he cuts inside - and falls over.

115 mins Real Madrid 2-1 Atletico Madrid

It's been a good week for Welshman in extra-time. Last week Aaron Ramsey, tonight Gareth Bale.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball
Rio Ferdinand - Footballer

"Just repaid that fee right there.....have that all the people hammering Bale for a missed chance...."

Real Madrid 2-1 Atletico Madrid

"He might say it was one of the worst games of his life but Gareth Bale may have scored the winning goal."

113 mins Real Madrid 2-1 Atletico Madrid

It's not over yet. Not over yet.

Iker Casillas comes out again for a free-kick and doesn't gather it in, but he gets away with it this time.

Still six minutes left...

Real Madrid 2-1 Atletico Madrid

"Real seemed to have more energy, and Atletico were stretched out. Angel Di Maria should have scored, it was a good save by Thibaut Courtois, but Gareth Bale, who's had a night to forget, has come in with great header and just squeezed it in inside the post."

110 mins Real Madrid 2-1 Atletico Madrid

Just when you thought Gareth Bale's night was going to be remembered for a bad early miss, he goes and comes up with that key, key goal.

Is anyone not pleased for him?

109 mins Real Madrid 2-1 Atletico Madrid - Gareth Bale

Redemption! La Decima?

The boy from Cardiff may just have become a Madrid legend as Gareth Bale heads real Madrid in front. It's all down to Angel Di Maria though, who goes on a mazy run down the left, forces Thibaut Courtois into a fine save and Bale gets up well to flick in the loose ball.

The first Welshman to score in a European Cup final. Hats off to you sir...

108 mins Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid

Diego Godin summons the energy to go up for another free-kick but he can't get any purchase on the header this time. We are 10 minutes away from a shootout.

107 mins Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo hasn't had as many pot-shots as he can do, but a look at the stats reveals that he's had eight attempts - as many as Atletico.

Luka Modric shoots from range but it's deflected.

106 mins Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid

Miranda survives a half-hearted penalty shout as the ball bounces on to his collarbone. Here come Real again - it's relentless at times.

Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid

"There is no getting away from it, there are eight or nine Atletico players who are absolutely done in. "

105 mins Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid

We are back under way. One error, one piece of class, one stroke of luck will do it for either side...

22:01 Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid

Real Madrid have found an unlikely hero in the Champions League this season...

105 mins Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid

Diego Simeone sprints on to confront the referee. There are two men in black out there going toe-to-toe.

We are 15 minutes from penalties.

105 mins Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid

Almost at the half-time interval for extra-time.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball
Rio Ferdinand - Footballer

"Extra time at the end of a long season to win the #uclfinal ....cramp is a certainty...mental fatigue...the fear of losing gets even greater."

103 mins Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid

There's a distinct whiff of penalties about this one. The tempo has dropped down as Real shoehorn some of their many attacking players out there into more orthodox positions.

100 mins Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo hits a free-kick into the wall, he wants a handball but he gets a corner. Luka Modric keeps the move alive but Diego Godin clears his lines.

99 mins Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid

Marcelo arrows a low cross along the six-yard box, there are four men in white queuing up for a tap-in but that man Miranda is there to mop it up.

Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid

"Real look brighter, they have more pace about them and a couple of Atletico players have cramp. It's come up on them because they played at such pace - 100mph, and then they ran out of steam."

97 mins Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid

Fifteen European Cup finals have gone to extra time. The finals of 1958, 1968, 1970 and 1992 were decided in the additional period, while the 1974 showpiece between Bayern and Atletico went to a replay.

In 1984, 1986, 1988, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2008 and 2012 it was penalties.


"What a day of football, best game, the most unpredictable sport in the world. First Zamora now Ramos!!"

96 mins Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid

The pattern of play has continued, with Real bossing the play. It's not unlike Arsenal v Hull last weekend. Who will play the Aaron Ramsey role?

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

"There is nowt, nowt quite like football."

94 mins Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid

Gareth Bale has a sight on the edge of the box but his touch lets him down. There are some tired legs out there now.

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Ronnie in Kirkcaldy: I'm sick for Atleti. They have been outstanding and didn't deserve that. And neither did I because I had Atleti to win 1-0!

93 mins Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid

Who wants it more? That's perhaps the key question now. It's the Real fans who are the loudest, that's for sure.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Paul Thompson: If you are gonna concede in the last min and go to ET, Simeone's probably the best manager to have...he'll rally the troops well.

Ajay Patel: Ronaldo may be the best player in the world but Sergio Ramos is the spirit of Real Madrid this year in the Champions League

Chris Phethean: You would think a team that has defended as well as Atletico would know to put a defender on the post for a corner.

91 mins Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid

Five of the 13 Champions League finals this century have gone to penalties. I'm just saying...

90 mins Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid

We are under way...

Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid

"In the break before extra time, Atletico's players did some stretching exercises on blue mats laid out of the pitch while Real gathered in a huddle in front of their supporters."

21:43 Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid

What a momentum switcher. One thing's for sure, Real Madrid have got enough attacking players on the pitch now...

Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid

Steve Crossman at Atletico Madrid's stadium: "50,000 fans are inside this stadium, one is crying tears of joy.

"A single Real Madrid fan has been failing all night to hide himself, and he sunk to his knees when they equalised."

Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid

"What a contrast. Real Madrid's fans celebrate extra time as if they have won, their substitutes waving their arms and pumping fists in the direction of their followers. There is silence in the Atletico end before they also deliver a roar to lift their disappointed players, who were so close to history."

Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid

"For 75 minutes Atletico deserved the lead, they were the better side but in the last 15 minutes the fitness of the two sides told and a long season took its toll."

21:39 Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid

You have to feel for Atletico, who put in one of the defensive performances there. But you also have to say that on the balance of play Real deserved that. As for extra-time, who knows. More fireworks please...

21:38 Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid

Extraordinary, extraordinary stuff. There's the whistle, it's extra-time.

Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid

"Real are favourites now, they are fresher, moving the ball quicker and Atletico have been playing on memory for 10 minutes. It's not like them to concede from a set-piece, and Courtois had no chance with that header."

90 mins Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid

For the second time in one day a huge showpiece final sees a last-minute goal. It happens so often...

90 mins Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid - Sergio Ramos

Incredible! Sergio Ramos has done it! He's saved the quest for La Decima with a quite brilliant header, meeting a corner with a thumping header which he guides right into the bottom corner. Pandemonium.

90 mins Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid

Gareth Bale puts over a magnificent cross from the left but Miranda again heads it away. Xabi Alonso, hero of Istanbul, can't watch...

90 mins Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid

A forest of red shirts crowd out a Daniel Carvajal cross...

90 mins INJURY TIME

FIVE MINUTES added on.

88 mins Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid

Diego Simeone is working the crowd as Real give away a stupid free-kick to eat up some more time. And again! Brililant canny play from David Villa. Is he about to win the big trophy with a second club?

He has a minute or so of normal time to go...

87 mins Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid

Sergio Ramos is forward for Real now. All hands to the pump.

Xabi Alonso, the every epitome of cool before the game, has lost it now. All over the place in the stands.

86 mins FINAL FIVE

FIVE MINUTES LEFT.

Real have piled it on since the break but the message from Atletico remains the same: "You shall not pass...!"

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Kieran Colton: Atletico have parked the bus, put the handbrake on and slashed the tires.

84 mins Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid

Some of this defending is miraculous from Atletico Madrid. Bodies on the line doesn't do it justice...

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Matthew Baker: Long time Atletico supporter - on a flight currently listening to Radio Marca at 10000ft over US and using #bbcfootball for translation help.

Jon Evans: Bale's bottling it.

Sean Collins: For 85 million you'd think Gareth Bale could use his right foot.

Text us on 81111

Chris, London: Gareth Bale really has the air of a man who has let the occasion get to him and is just trying too hard rather than letting his game come naturally.

83 mins Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid

Intricate stuff from Gareth Bale again, this time he finds Angel Di Maria on the left, he feeds over a wonderful pass which somehow evades everyone.

Then Marcelo can't force in a header at the back post. It's siege time!

82 mins Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid

Atletico eat up the clock with another change. It's Toby Alderweireld on for Filipe Luis. Atletico are 10 minutes or so away from the double.

80 mins Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid

TEN MINUTES REMAIN. Atletico Madrid fans must feel like this half has lasted years already.

Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid

"Gareth Bale has gone with the outside of the left foot, but he's kicked the ground first and taken a divot out. That's another good chance for Bale."

78 mins Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid

Alvaro Morata, you have 12 minutes to save the quest for La Decima. The youngster replaces Karim Bezema.

Isco then conjures up an incredible touch to bring down a cross but he too is smothered by this blanket Atletico defence.

How many men have they got on the field? Must be 15 at least...

76 mins Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid

Like a Uruguayan Ryan Shawcross, Diego Godin has been magnificent in the air tonight, beating Karim Benzema again and again.

But there's another chance for Gareth Bale! Brilliant pace and power to skip away from a man on the right, but he shoots when this time the cross was on and he fluffs it wide.

Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid

"The seconds tick away and Real Madrid are just starting to find some openings - but their radar is off target and Atletico Madrid are defending every ball with fierce intent."

Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid

"I think that Atletico are coming off the pace slightly, they are playing deeper and Real are just getting back into it a bit."

74 mins Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo hooks an acrobatic effort over the top after Raphael Varane nodded it back across goal. Fifteen to go...

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Mike G: The way this game is going you'd be forgiven for thinking it was Atletico and not Real that has the team full of superstars.

John McEnerney: RM missing Xabi Alonso big time tonight, they are all over the place no shape at all.

David Ljunggren: If I didn't know better I'd say Real Madrid were suffering from nerves. What a horrible performance.

73 mins Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid

Surely there's a goal on the way?! Gareth Bale connects beautifully with Cristiano Ronaldo's lay-off, catches it sweet as a nut but it's always five yards wide. He holds his head in his hands, but this is far better from Real. Isco has added some pace into their passing.

72 mins Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid

Into the last 20 minutes now - it's attack against defence. I wager there's another goal in this but I wouldn't like to say which way.

Atletico counter and David Villa is booked for sliding in on Iker Casillas.

Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid

"The difference between the two sides is that Atletico work harder than any other team. They're good players, they're economical, they pass it well and when they don't have the ball they work incredibly hard to get it back."

69 mins Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid

Five men in the box now for Real Madrid - it's almost gung-ho o'clock.

They put a lovely move together too, with Angel Di Maria swapping passes with Marcelo but instead of pulling the trigger he tries to feed one across for Cristiano Ronaldo and it's snuffed out.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Andy Hall: Benzema and Bale haven't been in this game

Saikat Nandy: Real Madrid so much missing Alonso's long penetrating passes. Ronaldo and Bale are starved.

Text us on 81111

Graham, Oxford: I don't understand the praise for Atletico. Dirtiest team at the top level for many years. Absolutely cynical anti-football.

67 mins Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid

Isco drags a shot wide as real really dial up the tension now. He had two men over to his left - should he have gone one more?

Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid

Steve Crossman at Atletico Madrid's home ground:

"It's near pitch black now.

"The energy levels for Atletico must be sapping at the same pace the light has faded.

"Cristiano Ronaldo's miss was greeted almost as raucously as Godin's goal here."

64 mins Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid

A poor Real fan is already at the 'I can't watch' phase, burying his head in his scarf. A long way to go yet mate...

Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid

"They've got to take risks but can Real break quickly enough? Atletico get six men back every time, and it's a long, long way back for them at the moment.

"Real are starting to up the tempo and Atletico cannot keep this pace up, I'm sure they are going to look to make a couple of substitutions."

62 mins Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid

Almost! Terrific leap from Cristiano Ronaldo to meet Sergio Ramos' cross, but despite his athleticism the number seven can't quite get the header under control and it skims wide of the far post.

This is opening up. Stand by for a cracking last 25 minutes.

62 mins Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid

That is top class foraging from Adrian Lopez, the Atleti man holding off three men to chase down a lost cause and turn it into a crossing chance. Atletico then keep the ball for an extended spell, with Juanfran almost picking out David Villa in the middle.

Real then counter, with Atletico flooding men forward for the first real time. Cristiano Ronaldo can't get on the end of a cross but the men in white encouraged by that...

58 mins Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid

A double change for Real Madrid.

Marcelo replaces Fabio Coentrao at left-back and Isco is on for Sami Khedira in midfield. That's no real graft in there now for Real. All silk, no steel.

56 mins Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid

It's been all Real for a few minutes but Atletico then go close! A set-piece (naturally) is the root of it, with Adrian Lopez seizing his chance to fire in a low shot which is deflected narrowly wide.

Still over half an hour to go. But you feel the next goal is everything...

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Never has a team echoed the playing characteristics of their manager quite like Atletico Madrid.


OptaJoe: Atletico de Madrid lost none of the 31 league matches that they took the lead in during 2013/14 (W28 D3)

53 mins Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid

That's his best moment yet! Cristiano Ronaldo's free-kick is deflected and Thibaut Courtois stretches to punch the ball away.

From two following corners Ronaldo then squeezes efforts wide. There he is! Is that a shift in momentum?

52 mins YELLOW CARD

It's cynical again from Atletico, as Miranda goes into the book for hauling down Angel Di Maria. Lovely feet from Di Maria though, he was opening up the goal for a strike there.

What can Cristiano Ronaldo do from here? 30 yards out...

49 mins Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid

The Atletico midfield trio of Koke, Gabi and Raul Garcia are bossing this now. Sami Khedira may be a bit rusty, he can't get near them at the moment. David Villa then slides in to stop Gareth Bale in his tracks.

Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid

"It's been a good start by Atletico, they are very bright, coming high up the field and are pressing Real. They are dictating the pace of the second half already."

Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid

A rare - but costly- error from Iker Casillas...

46 mins Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid

More excellent play from David Villa almost fashions a chance for Atletico, but the final ball is not up to scratch. Without labouring a point, we've got to see more from Cristiano Ronaldo in the next 45 minutes.

This is his stage surely?

45 mins Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid

We are back in play. No team has scored twice against Atletico this season in the Champions League. Can Real buck the trend?

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Lifa Nati: Win or lose, Diego Simeone is proving why he is better than Guardiola and Mourinho combined. Small budget, great team.

Dan Reuben: Watching the Final from a bar in Ypres, big cheers for Atletico in here, presumably because of their allegiance to Courtois.

20:44 Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid

I'm sorry to drag this up in this glorious week for you Gunners out there, but Arsenal were the last team to be winning at half-time of a Champions League final and not lift the trophy.

Sol Campbell's header had put Arsenal 1-0 up in Paris eight years ago - but Barcelona eventually found two late goals to lift the cup.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

sportingintelligence: The odds on Atletico doing a La Liga and CL double at start of season: 2746-1. (Odds on alien life being confirmed any year before 2020: 100-1).

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Paddy Emmerson: I know Costa went off in the ninth minute but when did Ronaldo go off? Surely he couldn't have gone missing in a big game?

Vikas M: The energy and desire shown by Atletico especially after a gruelling season is phenomenal.

20:40 Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo has only had 25 touches so far. He normally has 25 shots a game.

Atletico are shutting him down superbly.

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George Musleh: At my best mate's wedding and he interrupted the priest to see a replay of the goal! #priorities.

Kevin in Hornchurch: Ronaldo is a top top player, but to move to legendary status he needs to stay on his feet more and start performing in the really big games like tonight and the forthcoming World Cup

20:37 Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid

Diego Godin has scored eight goals this season - all of them headers.

Gary Cahill, if you're reading this, he's your man in the World Cup, all right? Mark him up!

Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid
Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid

"Atletico Madrid have left Real coach Carlo Ancelotti with plenty of fast talking to do during the half-time interval. Real have simply not matched the work-rate and intensity of their city rivals and new La Liga champions.

"Gareth Bale has had their best chance but Cristiano Ronaldo has not even registered."

Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid

"If Atletico keep this up they are going to lift the cup. They've been going round at 100mph, closing Real down and not giving them any time on the ball."

Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid

And there is the whistle. Halfway there for Atletico Madrid and another chapter in this incredible season...

45 mins Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid

Lovely, lovely stuff from David Villa as he holds the ball up, beating two men before Sami Khedira mows through him and goes into the book. Almost half-time...

Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid

"We knew exactly what Atletico were going to do and they are doing it very, very well. Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema are playing too high, they have got to come deeper to get the ball."

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Paul Mulligan: Bad miss by Bale followed by a bad mistake by Casillas. Kind of moments the big games hinge on. Ronaldo needs to get into it.

43 mins Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid

Diego Godin is the first Uruguayan to score in a Champions League final.

But the fact that Gareth Bale is not (yet) the first Welshman to do so is equally as important. Unfortunately that miss could well be a huge moment in Bale's career.

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Charlie Smith: Worst possible goal for the neutral. Atletico bus to now be parked, wheels removed etc

Khoi Nguyen: What's Spanish for 'park that ruddy bus'?

40 mins Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid

Atletico go close again from another set-piece as Adrian Lopez flicks a header over the top.

Is this a good time to point out that Atletico Madrid have the best defensive record in the Champions League this season? They've conceded only six goals in 12 games.

Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid

"The look of desolation on the face of Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas says everything. So experienced but badly at fault with an "in-out" hokey-cokey rush from his goal that has effectively handed Atletico Madrid the lead. Desperate error."

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Adam Momoniat: Awful decision making from Casillas, that's why he hasn't featured in the league all season after being dropped last season

39 mins Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid

One end of the Estadio da Luz is rocking off its foundations as the Atleti fans bounce up and down in glee. Iker Casillas was a match-winner off the bench for Real 12 years ago but that was a real misjudgement.

Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid

"I thought it would be a set-piece from Atletico, because they have not created much in general play. Luka Modric plays them onside slightly, and Iker Casillas is in no-man's land. It had to come from a set-piece."

36 mins Real Madrid 0-1 Atletico Madrid - Diego Godin

An absolute Atletico Madird legend is confirmed! Diego Godin scored the goal which won La Liga last weekend, and now he scores the opener in the Champions League final!

Real Madrid clear a corner, it's hooked back in and Godin gets there ahead of goalkeeper Iker Casillas, who is left awkwardly hovering in no man's land. Casillas scrabbles back and almost gets it out, but the ball is clearly over the line.

This is a tough ask for Real now...

Real Madrid 0-0 Atletico Madrid

"What a chance for Gareth Bale. Tiago gives a sloppy pass crossfield, Bale reads it but maybe Miranda puts him off at the last minute and it goes well wide."

32 mins Real Madrid 0-0 Atletico Madrid

Gareth Bale! No!

What a chance for the Real Madrid number 11! Tiago coughs up possession in midfield far too cheaply and it falls at the feet of Bale, he bursts past one man, has Cristiano Ronaldo on the overlap, uses him as a decoy and brilliantly jinks inside. He then waits and waits for Thibaut Courtois to make his move - before shooting agonisingly wide...

Almost brilliant. But at 100m Euros you probably expect him to score there...

31 mins Real Madrid 0-0 Atletico Madrid

Panic stations! Real go to bits at the back as a cross from the right is fluffed out to David Villa. He doesn't connect properly and it almost falls to a team-mate...

Real Madrid 0-0 Atletico Madrid

"You can see what Atletico's game-plan is - get stuck in, see what happens, ride your luck as much as you can."

30 mins Real Madrid 0-0 Atletico Madrid

Real are turning up the tempo, and Atletico are breaking it up with a series of niggly fouls. This is a tough one for referee Bjorn Kuipers to get a hold of. The spectactle is in danger of being swallowed up.

26 mins Real Madrid 0-0 Atletico Madrid

Great break! Angel Di Maria skins one man on the left and beats another, he could play a big switch ball out to the right and Atletico enforcer Raul Garcia takes him out with a real ankle tap from behind.

He goes into the book, it all boils over a bit and Sergio Ramos is also booked in the aftermath.

Cristiano Ronaldo hits the free-kick through a ragged wall but it's comfortable for Thibaut Courtois.

Real Madrid 0-0 Atletico Madrid
Sport Chief Football Writer Phil McNulty in Lisbon

"Atletico Madrid play with such intensity and so far it has led to little or nothing being seen of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema. Diego Simeone edges regularly towards the touchline as if he is desperate to join the action. The laconic Carlo Ancelotti simply stands with his hands in his pockets - but Real are not getting any joy so far."

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James: Following this on live feed whilst revising for A-levels. Could do with some of Atletico's work ethic!!

You can't pass an exam on the counter...

24 mins Real Madrid 0-0 Atletico Madrid

David Villa hits a tame pass straight at Cristiano Ronaldo on the edge of Real Madrid's 'D' and just for a moment there is real danger.

That sounds ridiculous, 80 yards from goal, but Ronaldo can score from there inside six or seven seconds. He burns down the middle but passes to Karim Benzema and the counter dissipates.

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Tom Maher: So it turns out rubbing horse placenta on your leg isn't as effective as some eastern European doctors will have you believe.

Chris Harvey: Feel sorry for anyone on holiday in Madrid. Going to be a heck of a long wait to get a drink at the bar.

22 mins Real Madrid 0-0 Atletico Madrid

Another buffering run down the left sees Real win a free-kick - which is wasted by Luka Modric. That's disappointing stuff, he had all the big men forward there.

Real Madrid 0-0 Atletico Madrid

"You want to see Cristiano Ronaldo higher up the field, but he's coming too deep and Gareth Bale just cannot get into the game. Karim Benzema is very tightly marked and Luka Modric and Angel Di Maria are having to help them out."

19 mins Real Madrid 0-0 Atletico Madrid

Intensity, yes. Passion, yes. Quality? Not so much so far.

The world's two most expensive signings have been periphery in the opening 20 minutes and Atletico's main man has gone off injured. Can replacement Adrian Lopez do a Bobby Zamora?

Real Madrid 0-0 Atletico Madrid

Service in Lisbon: "Thousands of supporters have travelled from Madrid to Lisbon just to experience the atmosphere, which is superb so far.

"The chants inside the stadium can be heard in the distance as the whole of Lisbon watches this derby intently."

Real Madrid 0-0 Atletico Madrid

"It's gone as we thought, Real are getting the ball down to try and play, Atletico are trying to stop them, and Gareth Bale is not having any joy on his wing. The referee has handled it well so far, he could easily have got the card out on a couple of occasions."

16 mins Real Madrid 0-0 Atletico Madrid

Tetchy, tetchy! Fabio Coentrao and Atletico captain Gabi go head-to-head after a right old tussle on the touchline, Coentrao was nibbling at his ankles all the way up the sideline and Gabu did not like it.

Referee Bjorn Kuipers sorts it out sensibly. Well played ref...

15 mins Real Madrid 0-0 Atletico Madrid

Angel Di Maria spins away from a man in midfield but his long pass forward isn't the best, before a rare Atletico break is cleared up by some fine sweeping from Real keeper Iker Casillas, who finds touch with a 70-yard hoof away.

On the bench, Diego Costa looks bemused.

Real Madrid 0-0 Atletico Madrid

reporter John Bennett in Madrid: "The rivalry certainly looks very friendly in this first half. I'm in the Marca Sports Cafe in the heart of the city. Real and Atletico fans are watching the game together. The Real fans look nervy but they cheered as Diego Costa left the field."

Real Madrid 0-0 Atletico Madrid

"Diego Costa's importance to Atletico Madrid made very obvious by coach Diego Simeone's willingness to play him when clearly unfit. The Argentine said last night that his side had been preparing to play without him - now they get that chance but will it have a psychological impact?"

Real Madrid 0-0 Atletico Madrid

"We heard about all these injuries before the match, but it's such a competitive game, a high-demand match at the end of a long season. When Diego Costa was chasing Sergio Ramos, he looked across to the bench and gave a signal."

11 mins Real Madrid 0-0 Atletico Madrid

Almost 70% possession for Real in the opening 10 minutes. No chances to speak of yet though, and that will suit Atletico. They are getting touch tight to Cristiano Ronaldo.

9 mins Real Madrid 0-0 Atletico Madrid

Well that didn't last long.

Diego Costa's experiment lasts less than 10 minutes as he comes off injured. It's Adrian Lopez who takes his place, to huge jeers around the stadium.

That horse placenta just hasn't done the trick. Get well soon for the World Cup DC...

9 mins Real Madrid 0-0 Atletico Madrid

Sami Khedira is dovetailing nicely with Luka Modric in the Real Madrid midfield as he makes his comeback from a serious knee injury. You could see that with Bastian Schweinsteiger in the Germany midfield in a few weeks' time.

6 mins Real Madrid 0-0 Atletico Madrid

When that Real front three combine, you are in trouble. Terrific break down the right from full-back Daniel Carvajal sees him pick out Karim Benzema and he almost picks out Gareth Bale with a lovely touch - it just doesn't quite work out though.

Has the die been cast here? Atletico are sitting deep and waiting to hit on the counter.

Real Madrid 0-0 Atletico Madrid

"I hate to say that it's too early for a yellow card, Miranda should have been booked for that elbow in the back on Ronaldo."

3 mins Real Madrid 0-0 Atletico Madrid

Diego Simeone, a force of nature on the touchline, is already waving his men around like a traffic cop in downtown New York. Cristiano Ronaldo's first real touch sees him clattered by Miranda - the Atletico defender carrying as much clout as the comedienne.

Ronaldo is down on his backside moaning at referee Bjorn Kuipers but it's game on. Good tempo to the opening stages.

1 min Real Madrid 0-0 Atletico Madrid

Tremendous atmosphere in Lisbon - as you'd expect. Real start us off with Gareth Bale beating two men down the right flank inside the opening 40 seconds before running into a red-and-white wall.

19:46 Real Madrid 0-0 Atletico Madrid
Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid (19:42)

"This is what they've been waiting for, but now the teams want to focus, get the game started and let's see what happens."

19:43 Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid (19:45 BST)

The Atletico fans hold up a huge banner which translates as 'Our Way of Life.'

To be honest, huge finals haven't been their way of life for the past 20-odd years but that's all changed under Diego Simeone. A lovely live rendition of the Champions League anthem and we are good to go!

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Henry: When you look at this line-up for Real Madrid, how do they even lose games? Scary, talented starting XI.

Teknicality: Ronaldo will play his heart out, Lisbon is home turf and he wants it.

19:41 Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid (19:45 BST)

It's like the opening scene from Les Miserables as a load of sailors play tug of war with some blue rope. Have I got any idea what is going on? Nope. It's the nonsense of an opening ceremony. It's keeping the players waiting in the tunnel, that's for sure. Gareth Bale looks pumped.

19:39 Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid (19:45 BST)

Five minutes to go in Lisbon. Here come the teams, here comes the music...

19:37 

The World Cup! It's less than three weeks away now. Just get this small game out of the way and then you won't be able to move for Manaus...

Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid (19:45 BST)

England captain Steven Gerrard, speaking to ITV about the forthcoming World Cup: "We have that determination to come back with your head held high, give it one last final go. We've only been together for four or five days, we have this weekend off before joining back up at St George's Park next week. Hopefully the spirit will build and get stronger closer to the games. But it is winning that makes that spirit stronger, hopefully we can get off to a good start against Italy.

"It's great that the team and squad is full of legs and energy - especially for me coming up to my 34th birthday. Your career flies by so quickly that you have to enjoy these moments, but you only enjoy them when you're winning. With three games to go before the Italy match the manager has to start looking at the team that he will start in that first game. I'm sure he will try a few tweaks but it's close and I'm sure he will want to get that starting XI sorted."

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Your opinions on trophy-winning/not-winning travesties continue to come in...

Sean Williamson: Ross Turnbull, Champions League winner. Just let that sink in for a moment.

Rezaa Sait: Has to be Steven Gerrard not winning the PL after the loyalty and professionalism he has shown throughout his career.

Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid (19:45 BST)

For those of you just joining us - here are the teams...

Real Madrid: Casillas, Carvajal, Varane, Sergio Ramos, Fabio Coentrao, Modric, Khedira, Di Maria, Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo. Subs: Diego Lopez, Pepe, Marcelo, Arbeloa, Morata, Isco, Illarramendi.

Atletico Madrid: Courtois, Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Filipe Luis, Raul Garcia, Gabi, Tiago, Koke, Villa, Diego Costa. Subs: Aranzubia, Mario Suarez, Adrian, Rodriguez, Alderweireld, Diego, Sosa.

Referee: Bjorn Kuipers (Holland)

19:31 Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid (19:45 BST)

There goes your 15-minute warning. The nerves will really be kicking in for some of these players now.

Twelve months ago Gareth Bale had just scored the winner for Tottenham in their last game of the season against Sunderland. In a little over two hours time he could be a Champions League winner...

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Rob, Newbury: "What nonsense about John Aston - he was brilliant in the 68 final, and was Man of the Match."

Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid (19:45 BST)

Suspended Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso, speaking to Sky Sports: "We know Atletico Madrid pretty well. Last year they beat us in the Cup final. But this year they have been so regular over the whole season. A lot of credit goes to them. In the league we have not beaten them but in the Cup we beat them home and away. They are not shy to sit deep and try to break out on the counter-attack as quickly as possible.

"We need our players like Angel Di Maria and Luka Modric, who has had a terrific season, to get open their defence. That is the plan, but we will see if we can do that on the pitch. Gareth Bale is feeling good. He has already integrated in the club and the city. Real signed him for many years the best is still to come we hope."

Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid (19:45 BST)

"Atletico are a team, there are no stars apart from Diego Costa, but he is still a worker, like the team. He puts himself about, but they are not household names, they're a unit."

19:28 

Wasn't last year's opening ceremony Paul Breitner dressed in a suit of armour?

Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid (19:45 BST)
Chief Football Writer Phil McNulty in Lisbon

"Atletico Madrid fans delivering a cacophony of noise - Real Madrid supporters a little more subdued. Uefa often conjure up something a little different, to put it politely, for the Champions League Final opening ceremony. Anticipation is building among those of us who have been regularly treated to this surreal spectacle."

19:26 Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid (19:45 BST)

Lots of Premier League eyes on Atletico goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois tonight. That could be one of the biggest calls in Jose Mourinho's summer. Does he put the Belgian in next season or stick with Petr Cech?

The difficulty is that Cech is - remarkably - only 32. Years left in him yet. But he won't want to be back-up.

Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid (19:45 BST)

Steve Crossman, Service football reporter, is in Atletico's Vicente Calderon Stadium in Madrid:

"On my way in I had to wade through great plumes of orange smoke, we're now inside this great stadium and a lot of people are in Native American head-dresses and facepaint of orange and white to match their team's colours."

19:24 Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid (19:45 BST)

Xabi Alonso there, straight off the set of the latest Tarantino film. What a guy - what a player...

Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid (19:45 BST)

Suspended Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso, speaking to Sky Sports: "For Real it is all about this game. For so many years they have been trying to reach the final. But today is not about the pressure it is about the chance to make history for this club. We all want to part of that big history and we have a big chance today.

"Cristiano Ronaldo is fully focused, he has been waiting for this game for five seasons, it will be special for him here in Lisbon and if he performs to his best we will have a chance. It's not just about what he has achieved, every day he tries to do better. He wants to win tonight and he wants to win the World Cup. He wants to be part of Real's history, and at Real it is all about the Champions League. We have nine so far and we want the 10th."

Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid (19:45 BST)

And, for balance, John also met these Atletico fans lapping up that pre-match atmosphere...

Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid (19:45 BST)

Sport news presenter John Watson snapped these Real Madrid fans before they entered the Stadium of Light...

19:18 Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid (19:45 BST)

Real Madrid have won 11 of their last 13 Champions League games, while Atletico are the only side unbeaten in the competition this season. If they keep that up the red and white half of Madrid will be partying until about Thursday...

Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid (19:45 BST)

Former Atletico Madrid and Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink speaking to BBC Sport: "I hope Atletico win it because they are one of my old clubs, but I fear the final may be for Real Madrid.

"It could be one game too far for Atletico. Saying that, they are in such a good run and they have such confidence from winning the league that everything is possible.

"They don't concede many goals and are they are a really strong unit and that might win it for them. They were excellent against Chelsea in the semi-final."

19:12 Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid (19:45 BST)

A galaxy of stars are out warming up in the Lisbon sunshine. I've been lucky enough to go to a Champions League final as a fan and it's a marvellous occasion. Drink it in.

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Jules Delay: Pavel Nedved, touch of a genius and a Ballon d'Or winner to boot - a travesty he never lifted the trophy.

Marcus Braeburn: Matt Le Tissier never got his hands on any silverware, surely the greatest honour-free player.

Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid (19:45 BST)
Andy West - European football writer

"Real are precariously teetering with one foot on the edge of glory and the other on the verge of immense disappointment.

"In the high-pressure and extreme environment of the Bernabeu, at the most glamorous and hype-ridden club in the world, there is no middle ground.

"Win, and the current Los Blancos crop will be hailed as milestone-marking legends; lose, and they will be castigated as inexcusable failures.

"Win, and their poor finish to the league campaign - where they finished third behind Atletico and Barcelona - will be retrospectively excused as a period of physical and mental preparation for an even bigger prize; lose, and it will be condemned as the ill-fated onset of careless sloppiness."

Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid (19:45 BST)
19:06 Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid (19:45 BST)

Forty minutes to kick-off. Forty minutes everyone.

Just time to order a takeaway, get the drinks in the fridge and take the phone off the hook...

Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid (19:45 BST)
Chief Football Writer Phil McNulty in Lisbon

"Chelsea may have fallen to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-final but they will still have more than a passing interest in tonight's events. Thibaut Courtois is tipped to return to Stamford Bridge next season from his lengthy loan spell as Atletico keeper to challenge Petr Cech while Diego Costa may not be too far away from a move to rejoin him.

"Courtois is rated as one of the world's best young keepers and on Friday night Real's veteran Iker Casillas claimed: "Right now Courtois and David de Gea at Manchester United are going to be the two most successful in the future."

"High praise indeed from one of the game's most celebrated goalkeepers."

19:03 Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid (19:45 BST)

Everyone's following tonight's game. Everyone who is anyone in football, anyway.

"We are going to watch the game with the complete squad tonight, and I am very curious," said Netherlands captain Robin van Persie, speaking from the training camp in Lagos, Portugal.

"I find it fantastic to see how Diego Simeone works as a coach at Atletico Madrid. I think it is beautiful to see how a technical staff and a group of players are completely on one line. That is the most striking thing that the side shows. They really go through fire and water for each other. They reach the final with a smaller budget than the competition, and with less known players. If you see what they are capable of doing during a match, then that really shows skill."

Much like working with David Moyes, eh Robin?

19:02 Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid (19:45 BST)

The fans are streaming into the Estadio da Luz now, the atmosphere is really building. Can Atletico contain that frightening front three of real? How fit is Diego Costa?

We will find out soon enough...

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We asked for your worst-ever winners of major honours, and best players never to win big-time silverware...

Andy in London: Fellow Newcastle fans will remember World Cup winner and complete non-entity Stephane Guivarc'h signing for us post-France 98.

Rob in Oldham: Europe's worst winner - Johnny Aston for Man U in 1968. Talentless!

18:56 Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid (19:45 BST)

No Welshman has ever scored in a European Cup final - can Gareth Bale be that man tonight? The world's most expensive footballer has had a good opening season for Real, and won one trophy already with a stunning solo goal in the Copa del Fey.

His stock could go up to a whole new level if he wins 'La Decima.'

Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid (19:45 BST)

reporter John Bennett in Madrid:

"There's a really friendly atmosphere in the Madrid ahead of the game. I'm in the "Marca cafe" sports bar and the Atletico & Real fans are all gathering to watch the game together. There are no big screens in the city centre so the bars will be rammed with supporters from both sides. Real are out singing Atletico so far..."

Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid (19:45 BST)

For Real fans, a 12-year wait for a European Cup final may have felt like a lifetime.

But Atletico fans have been waiting for 40 years. Their last - and only - European Cup final appearance was against Bayern Munich in 1974, with the German giants winning in a replay.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Fahad A Subhan: Francesco Totti, Michael Ballack and the Brazilian Ronaldo have to be up there with the best players not to win the European Cup.

18:48 Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid (19:45 BST)

Real Madrid: Casillas, Carvajal, Varane, Sergio Ramos, Fabio Coentrao, Modric, Khedira, Di Maria, Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo. Subs: Diego Lopez, Pepe, Marcelo, Arbeloa, Morata, Isco, Illarramendi.

Atletico Madrid: Courtois, Juanfran, Miranda, Godin, Filipe Luis, Raul Garcia, Gabi, Tiago, Koke, Villa, Diego Costa. Subs: Aranzubia, Mario Suarez, Adrian, Rodriguez, Alderweireld, Diego, Sosa.

Referee: Bjorn Kuipers (Holland)

Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid (19:45 BST)
BBC Sport Chief Football Writer Phil McNulty in Lisbon

"The two "speakers" - or should that be "shouters" - for each Champions League Final club are currently attempting to inject atmosphere at Lisbon's Stadium of Light. Not really required as Atletico and Real fans can do that job perfectly well.

"Big call for Real coach Carlo Ancelotti to start Sami Khedira in midfield after he sustained a serious knee ligament injury in November. He has only played for an hour in six months.

"For Atletico, meanwhile, it looks like the horse placenta has done the trick and Diego Costa starts after his hamstring injury."

Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid (19:45 BST)

John Bennett in Madrid: "I spoke to Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid's training ground this week and he told me that this is the moment he has been waiting for since he signed from Man United in 2009.

"But he was slightly concerned about the lack of experience in Real's team. Only four have played in the final before. He told me: "I don't play alone."

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James in London: Only Macedonian winner was Goran Pandev for Inter wasn't it?

Yes James (and many others). Yes he was...

Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid (19:45 BST)

Cristiano Ronaldo's 16 goals in a single European Cup/Champions League campaign is a record.

Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 37 goals in his last 29 Champions League games.

Cristiano Ronaldo is just ridiculous.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Arsalan Khan: It is one of the great travesties of the game that a player of Michael Ballack's calibre never lifted the UCL trophy.

Corin Garbett: One man who deserves that European top honour that still doesn't have it... Zlatan, he's got it all except the one that matters

Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid (19:45 BST)

Diego Costa is fit to start for Atletico Madrid - but Arda Turan does miss out. David Villa is the only man in this side to win the Champions League before.

Atletico XI: Courtois; Juanfran, Godin, Miranda, Filipe Luis; Gabi, Tiago, Koke, Raul Garcia; Villa, Diego Costa

Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid (19:45 BST)

Real Madrid make three changes from their last league game as Sami Khedira - just back from a serious knee injury - is handed a start. No surprises that Ronaldo, Bale and Benzema all start.

Real XI: Casillas; Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Coentrao; Khedira, Modric, Di Maria; Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo

New