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Sunday, May 25, 2014

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'."

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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.

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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.

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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?

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"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.

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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...!"

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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...

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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.

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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...

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

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."

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

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.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

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."

Text us on 81111

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

Monday, May 19, 2014

Travel firms halt Kenya coast tours

Hundreds of UK tourists are being evacuated from parts of the Kenyan coast, after the Foreign Office warned of a "high threat" from terrorists.

Tour operators Thomson and First Choice cancelled all flights to Mombasa until October and said some 400 holidaymakers would be flown back as a precaution.

The main threat has been linked to the militant Islamist al-Shabab group.

As UK tourists left, officials in Kenya said at least 10 people had died in two blasts in the capital Nairobi.

TUI Travel, which operates Thomson and First Choice, said those already in the country would be flown home by Monday.

A spokesman confirmed a flight carrying some of the tourists landed at Gatwick on Friday morning, and that some holidaymakers were due to touch down at the airport at around 21:40 BST.

The FCO's warning against non-essential travel covered the Mombasa Island area, Kiwayu and coastal areas north of Pate Island, the Garissa district, the Eastleigh area of Nairobi and the slum areas of the Kenyan capital.

Areas within 60km (37 miles) of the Kenya-Somalia border are also included in the warning.

British tourists leaving Mombasa
Planes have been chartered to fly British tourists home before the weekend
Diani beach
The popular Diani beach resort is not subject to any Foreign Office warnings
African Union on patrol in Qoryooley, Somalia, after the town was liberated from al-Shabab militants
Kenyan troops have formed part of the African Union force targeting militants in neighbouring Somalia

But the FCO said its advice did not include the Diani beach resort or nearby Moi International Airport.

It said the main threat was from terrorism, which included kidnapping, and that Westerners could be targeted.

While Thomson and First Choice have cancelled flights until October, long-haul travel company Kuoni said it was not offering holidays to the Kenyan coast for the time being.

It said in a statement: "Although the advice does not include Moi International Airport, Diani beach or Malindi, the main road to access these resorts goes through the restricted area defined by the FCO advice.

"This means that we are no longer able to offer holidays to the Kenyan coast at present."

Meanwhile, holidaymaker Alex Dolphin from Surrey arrived back at Gatwick having spent three days at a resort on Diani Beach.

I didn't feel uneasy until we were in a convoy of three coaches parked on the roadside waiting to leave for the airport.

"I was keeping an eye open as we drove through Mombasa."

Foreign Office travel warning

Holidaymakers had been told they were being evacuated "under armed guard", British tourist John Bonar said on Twitter from Kenya on Thursday.

The United States, France and Australia issued similar alerts, prompting the Kenyan government to criticise the advice as "obviously unfriendly".

President Uhuru Kenyatta said if Western countries had intelligence which "warrants what they have done", they had not shared it with Kenyan intelligence officers.

Fearing the impact on the country's tourism industry, Interior Ministry spokesman Mwenda Njoka said: "The threats are perpetual, we are at war. But we have not received any specific threat on the hotels."

security correspondent Frank Gardner said there may have been a tip-off from an informant that al-Shabab, based in Somalia, was planning an attack.

"What sources are saying is that it is specifically Westerners they are after - either by kidnap or blowing them up," he said.

Our correspondent added that while the Kenyan government was "upset" by the FCO warning, this was a threat the UK could not ignore.

Foreign Office minister Hugo Swire said the government had a duty to issue the warning to its citizens.

"It's carefully targeted advice and we apologise to no-one in trying to provide the most accurate and up-to-date advice we can to our own people," he said.

The Kenyan government said there had been two explosions in the Gikomba market area of Nairobi on Friday.

Kenya has been hit by a spate of attacks in recent years, mostly blamed on al-Shabab, and President Kenyatta vowed to fight "evil" terrorism following the latest incidents.

UK Foreign Secretary William Hague said there was "no place" for such "appalling acts of violence", and said Kenyan authorities had Britain's "full support".

British tourists leaving Moi airport
More tourists visit Kenya from the UK than from any other country
British tourists leaving Moi airport
The Foreign Office said there were 5,000 UK nationals resident on the Kenyan coast, and 500 in or around Mombasa
Westgate Mall
Sixty-seven people were killed last September during a siege of the Westgate shopping centre, which lasted four days

Speaking from Nairobi, British aid worker Jonathan Tench said he heard about the explosions earlier and spent time trying to make sure no one he knew had been hurt.

He said the market where people died was usually busy with shoppers and traders.

"It's so sad to think that it's poor, ordinary Kenyans being targeted," he said.

"I have been coming to Kenya for a long time over many years and this is really the first time that I've felt personally like my security is under threat."

Al-Shabab's attacks in the region have been carried out in response to the Kenyan military's intervention in Somalia.

Three people were killed and more than 80 wounded in explosions on two buses in the capital Nairobi earlier this month.

The Kenyan government said al-Shabab, which is linked to al-Qaeda, was behind the attacks.

The most high-profile of the group's recent attacks saw 67 people killed when its fighters stormed the Westgate shopping centre in September.


SA challenges Zuma home report

Home of Jacob Zuma in Nkandla
Satellite images showed Mr Zuma's growing residence

South Africa's government is seeking a judicial review into a report which said President Jacob Zuma should repay some of the $23m (£14m) used to upgrade his home.

The report, published in March by a government ombudsman, said the president had "unduly benefitted" from the renovations at his home in Nkandla.

The government has always said the work was needed to improve security.

It included building a swimming pool, cattle enclosure and chicken run.

In a statement, the government's security ministers said "some of the findings and remedial action proposed by the Public Protector in her report are irrational, contradictory and are informed by material errors of law".

Public protector Thuli Madonsela responded by saying "she could not imagine any court of law finding in the ministers' favour", the AFP news agency reports.

She was last month named as one of the 100 most influential people in the world by the US Time magazine.

The main opposition party, the Democratic Alliance, has laid corruption charges against Mr Zuma over the use of taxpayers' money to upgrade his Nkandla residence.

While many South Africans were angered by the report, Mr Zuma's African National Congress still won an emphatic 62% of the vote in elections earlier this month.

The DA came second with 22%.


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Sunday, May 18, 2014

Leaders declare 'war' on Boko Haram

President Goodluck Jonathan and President Francois Hollande
Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Francois Hollande warned of Boko Haram's links to other terror organisations

African leaders meeting in Paris have agreed to wage "war" on Nigeria's Boko Haram Islamic militants.

President Hollande of France, who hosted the summit, said regional powers had pledged to share intelligence and co-ordinate action against the group.

Last month it abducted 223 schoolgirls in north-eastern Nigeria, where it is based. Fresh attacks were reported in Nigeria and Cameroon overnight.

Thousands of people have been killed by Boko Haram in recent years.

The Paris summit brought together President Francois Hollande, Nigeria's Goodluck Jonathan, and their counterparts from Benin, Cameroon, Niger and Chad.

Afterwards, Mr Hollande said participants had agreed on a "global and regional action plan".

He said this involved "co-ordinating intelligence, sharing information... border surveillance, a military presence notably around Lake Chad and the capacity to intervene in case of danger".

Screen grab of video released by Boko Haram showing abducted Nigerian schoolgirls (12 May 2014)
A video emerged on Monday showing about 130 of the girls wearing hijabs and reciting Koranic verses

Cameroon's President Paul Biya said: "We are here to declare war on Boko Haram". Idriss Deby of Chad said it would be "total war".

Earlier, Mr Hollande called Boko Haram a "major threat to West and Central Africa", and said it had links with al-Qaeda's North-African arm and "other terrorist organisations".

 International Development Correspondent Mark Doyle says the group is an international threat, drawing fighters from not just Nigeria but also from neighbouring Niger, Cameroon and Chad.

Border disputes

In the latest violence, suspected Boko Haram militants attacked a camp run by a Chinese engineering company in the far north of Cameroon, near Nigeria's north-eastern border.

Ten Chinese workers are believed to have been abducted. One Cameroonian soldier was killed, officials say.

In Nigeria itself, 11 people were reported killed in a separate attack on a village a few hours' drive from the Cameroonian border.

A relative of one of the victims said a woman and a child were among the dead.

Representatives from the UK, US and EU also took part in the Paris meeting.

Before it began, UK Foreign Secretary William Hague said regional powers needed to co-operate better when it came to cross-border intelligence.

Boko Haram has some of its bases in the Mandara mountain range that straddles the border. But the long frontier has been disputed in at least two places in recent years.

The abducted schoolgirls, who include Christians and Muslims, were seized on 14 April in the north-east Nigerian town of Chibok in Borno state.

Mr Jonathan was due on Friday to visit the town but the trip was cancelled for security reasons.

Boko Haram released a video earlier this week showing more than 100 of the girls and offering an exchange for prisoners.


President Jonathan has ruled out negotiations over their possible release, officials say.


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Tanks and hunks prompt Cannes chaos

Sylvester Stallone, Dolph Lundgren, Harrison Ford and Jason Statham
[L-R] Sylvester Stallone, Dolph Lundgren, Harrison Ford and Jason Statham caused a stir on the Croisette

What do you get if you park two tanks carrying some of the world's biggest action leads in the middle of the Cannes Film Festival?

Answer: a muscle-bound recipe for complete and utter chaos.

There was little improvement inside Cannes' Carlton Hotel as hundreds of journalists squeezed into its ornately pillared ballroom for a raucous press conference.

Sylvester Stallone took the mayhem in his stride with practised aplomb, though other members of The Expendables 3 cast looked as if they had been caught in the eye of a hurricane.

Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mel Gibson and Harrison Ford completed the quartet of Hollywood stalwarts, with Spain's Antonio Banderas, Sweden's Dolph Lundgren and Britain's Jason Statham fleshing out the film's middle-aged contingent.

Dolph Lundgren, Jason Statham, Harrison Ford, Mel Gibson, Sylvester Stallone, Ronda Rousey and Wesley Snipes
[L-R] Dolph Lundgren, Jason Statham, Harrison Ford, Mel Gibson, Sylvester Stallone, Ronda Rousey and Wesley Snipes waved from the tank

Indeed, such was the ratio of hunk to microphone that Wesley Snipes - the Blade actor who recently served a three-year prison term to tax evasion - could barely get a word in.

The atmosphere was one of back-slapping camaraderie, with Gibson describing the Bulgaria shoot as "a blast" and Ford calling his co-stars "a great bunch of guys to work with".

"It's a very unique project," said Lundgren, who famously made his name playing Stallone's antagonist in 1985's Rocky IV. "The audience feels like the characters are friendly for real."

"I'm a big fan of action movies," said Terminator star Schwarzenegger, who shot his contribution to the first Expendables film in 2009 while still serving as Governor of California.

"They are always a great way of entertaining people," the 66-year-old went on. "They have a universal language."

Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger
Stallone and Schwarzenegger are old friends

According to Twilight actor Kellan Lutz, one of the younger members of the cast, being on set was like "winning an action sweepstakes - running around shooting guns with all my favourite heroes."

"All these guys have worked on so many films," said Patrick Hughes, the sequel's Australian director. "To have that wisdom on set was like [being in] film school all over again."

Jokes were freely exchanged between the actors, with Stallone and Schwarzenegger swapping jibes about their less successful, more comedic ventures.

Inevitably, though, talk soon turned to how long the mercenary-based series can continue in the light of the various injuries sustained and mishaps endured during filming.

One of them - an accident that saw a truck plunge into a dock with Statham at the wheel - featured in a montage of behind-the-scenes footage shown before to journalists before Sunday's press conference.

Dolph Lundgren, Kellan Lutz, Glen Powell, Antonio Banderas, Kelsey Grammer, Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ronda Rousey
Posing for the press: [L-R] Dolph Lundgren, Kellan Lutz, Glen Powell, Antonio Banderas, Kelsey Grammer, Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ronda Rousey

Statham swam away unscathed on that occasion, unlike the stuntman who died in a boat explosion during the making of The Expendables 2 in 2011.

"Everyone gets hurt," sighed Stallone. "There's no getting around it. Everyone goes home bruised.

"You try to take precautions, but when you do hands-on action that's what you take pride in - actually talking the bumps and bruises."

"You do get hurt and things do go wrong," nodded Statham, also known for his recurring role in the Transporter series. "It's par for the course.

"We have a battery of physicians who come in like elves and fix us every night," joked Lethal Weapon star Gibson, who takes the role of the villain in the latest Expendables instalment.

Harrison Ford, Sylvester Stallone and Mel Gibson
Sylvester Stallone [M], with Harrison Ford [L] and Mel Gibson, described the older members of the cast as "very adult children… with arthritis"

Ford's involvement in the franchise coincides with his return to the resurgent Star Wars series, which began shooting in the UK this week.

"I'm just delighted to be involved," he said of JJ Abrams' as yet untitled sequel. "We have a great script and a wonderful cast.

"JJ is a director at the top of his game and I'm looking forward to it," the actor continued.

The 71-year-old would not be drawn, however, on whether his Han Solo character would return in future Star Wars movies, feigning deafness when pressed by this British reporter.

Aiming for younger viewers

For his part, Stallone expressed delight to see Ford become one of what he described as a group of "very adult children… with arthritis".

"We go back a long time," he said of the Indiana Jones and Blade Runner star. "I think Lincoln was in the White House when we first met."

The makers of The Expendables 3 are hoping it receives a PG-13 certificate in the US, the equivalent of a 12A in the UK. (Previous entries have carried an R or 15 rating.)

"We want to reach as much people as possible," said Stallone. "We owe it to the next generation for them to be able to enjoy the film, without having to sneak into the theatre."

The Expendables 3 is released in the UK on 14 August, while the Cannes Film Festival continues until 25 May.

Kim and Kanye 'to marry in Florence'


Kim Kardashian and Kanye West

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West will get married at Florence's 16th Century Belvedere Fort in Italy on 24 May.

According to a spokeswoman at the mayor's office, the couple rented the villa for 300,000 euros (£244,000).

A Protestant minister will preside over the ceremony, said Elisa Di Lupo.

The 36-year-old rapper proposed to the reality star on her 33rd birthday in October 2013, renting out San Francisco baseball ground AT&T Park for the occasion.

This is the first marriage for Kanye West, who was previously engaged to designer Alexis Phifer.

It will be the third trip down the aisle for 33-year-old Kardashian.

Kanye West and Kim Kardashian Vogue cover

There has been no confirmation of the nuptials from either Kardashian or West yet.

She was married to music producer Damon Thomas from 2000 to 2003 and spent 72 days married to professional basketball player Kris Humphries in 2011.

Their ceremony was broadcast as a two-part TV special called Kim's Fairytale Wedding.

In an interview with Florence's La Nazione newspaper on Friday, 36-year-old West talked about the beauty of Florence and said he was "very excited" about the wedding.

He said he and Kardashian had been to Florence last year and believed that their daughter, North, born in June 2013, was conceived "among the Renaissance masterpieces".

"It was our first honeymoon," he added. "It's one of the most beautiful cities of the world, for me the most beautiful in Europe."

Elisa Di Lupo said the proceeds from the rental would go to fund restoration of many of Florence's artistic treasures.

The couple featured on the cover of Vogue magazine's April issue, with Kardashian wearing a wedding-style dress.

The couple had reportedly been planning a wedding ceremony in Paris but that's unlikely as anyone wanting to get married there has to be resident in the French capital for four weeks before authorities will grant a marriage licence.


Apple and Google settle patent row

Smartphones. File photo

Mobile phone industry giants Apple and Google have agreed to dismiss lawsuits they had brought against each other over technology patents.

In a joint statement, the companies said they would work together in "some areas of patent reform".

But the deal did not include licensing their technology to each other.

Apple - which produces iPhones - and firms that make phones using Google's Android software earlier filed dozens of lawsuits against one another.

Earlier this month, a jury in California ordered South Korea's Samsung firm to pay Apple $119.6m (£71m) for for infringing two of its patents.

The court also ruled that Apple infringed Samsung's patents and awarded $158,000 in damages.

Android software is now installed on some 80% of new phones sold every year.


Sunday, May 11, 2014

Deadly hot air balloon fire in US


Hot-air balloon on fire in Virginia, US, 9 May 2014
Witnesses said the balloon drifted upwards rapidly after the crash, propelled by the intense flames beneath

At least two people have died after a hot air balloon hit a power line and burst into flames in front of a horrified US crowd.

The bodies were found after Friday's accident in Richmond, Virginia.

Two passengers jumped or fell from the gondola as the pilot attempted to control the balloon, police say.

It had been one of 13 that took off from Meadow Event Park and was approaching a nearby landing site when it drifted into the live cable.

One witness said she saw the balloon in flames and heard people screaming.

"They were just screaming for anybody to help them," Carrie Hager-Bradley told WWBT TV, adding that one person had screamed: "Help me, help me, sweet Jesus, help. I'm going to die. Oh my God, I'm going to die."

Rescue teams at the site of a hot air balloon crash in Virginia, 10 May 2014
The emergency operation has moved from rescue to recovery efforts

None of the victims has been identified, and around 100 people were scouring nearby woods and fields for the third victim and remnants of the balloon.

It drifted upwards rapidly after the crash, being propelled by the intense flames beneath, witnesses said.

The balloon had been scheduled to take part in Saturday's Mid-Atlantic Balloon Festival, which was subsequently cancelled.

"Because of the time that has transpired since the hot air balloon crash Friday evening and the fact that we have not been able to make any contact with any of the three occupants that were in the hot air balloon we are now transitioning from a rescue operation to a recovery operation," said police spokeswoman Corinne Geller.


First Lady condemns Nigeria kidnaps


US First Lady Michelle Obama has said the mass kidnap of Nigerian schoolgirls is part of a wider pattern of threats and intimidation facing girls around the world who pursue an education.

She said she and her husband Barack Obama were "outraged and heartbroken" over the abduction on 14 April of more than 200 girls from their school.

She was speaking instead of her husband in the weekly presidential address.

The Islamist militant group Boko Haram has claimed the abductions.

In the latest incident attributed to Boko Haram, residents said the group destroyed an important bridge near the area in north-eastern Nigeria where the girls were seized.

It is the second reported bridge attack in two days, and may indicate an attempt to limit access for anyone trying to rescue the captives, correspondents say.

'Call to action'

Mrs Obama, who was speaking ahead of Mother's Day in the US on Sunday, said the girls reminded her and her husband of their own daughters.

"What happened in Nigeria was not an isolated incident. It's a story we see every day as girls around the world risk their lives to pursue their ambitions," she said.

She cited the Pakistani schoolgirl and campaigner Malala Yousafzai, who was shot and wounded by the Taliban for speaking out for girls' education.

"The courage and hope embodied by Malala and girls like her around the world should serve as a call to action," Mrs Obama said.

It is unusual for a US first lady to make outspoken foreign policy remarks, but Mrs Obama has campaigned for the girls' release.

Michelle Obama has often appeared alongside her husband during the weekly address, but this is the first time she has delivered the speech alone.

Earlier this week, she tweeted a picture of herself in the White House holding a sign with the message "#BringBackOurGirls".

The UN Security Council expressed outrage over the abductions, saying it would consider "appropriate measures" against Boko Haram. The US is seeking to have UN sanctions imposed on the group.

Michelle Obama with sign "#BringBackOurGirls"
Michelle Obama has been actively campaigning for the release of the girls

Western help

US and British experts are in Nigeria to assist with rescue efforts.

A senior US official said Washington was also considering a Nigerian request for surveillance aircraft.

British High Commissioner Andrew Pocock said drones could help gather intelligence but urged caution.

He told Today programme: "The eye in the sky, even if it were able to be focused on the spot, isn't a panacea."

Traditional hunters armed with bows and arrows and old-fashioned shotguns are ready to enter the forest where the girls are thought to be held, local officials in Borno state have told the BBC's Mark Doyle.

They say 400 to 500 men have gathered but their departure is not imminent - they still hope the army will step up its efforts.

Our correspondent says it is a sign of Nigerians' frustration with the lack of progress in the search.

Nigerian army spokesman Major General Chris Olukolade told the allegations of a lack of action were being made in order to discredit the military and there was no truth in them.

"This is not the first time we're hearing of hunters wanting to go into the forest. The military has always carefully utilised the support and understanding of locals ... and others who have vital knowledge and information that could enhance counter terrorism operations," he said.

Boko Haram has admitted capturing the girls, saying they should not have been in school and should get married instead.

Boko Haram, whose name means "Western education is forbidden" in the Hausa language, began its insurgency in Borno state in 2009.

At least 1,200 people are estimated to have died in the violence this year alone.


Map

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Jackson & Happy Wedding

As you two begins life as HUSBAND AND WIFE, this comes to wish you LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING and lasting togetherness IN YOUR MARRIAGE...
Congratulation on Your Wedding...


Jackson & Happy Wedding
Place: Mlimani City Mall
Date: 26th April 2014
MC Jackson Gichogo

Pictures & Videos by: Emmamalle blog









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