On May 24, 2014, Real Madrid faced Atlético Madrid in the UEFA Champions League Final at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon, Portugal. In a dramatic and intense match, Real Madrid secured a 4-1 victory after extra time, claiming their 10th European Cup, famously known as “La Décima.”
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Real Madrid: 4 (Sergio Ramos 90+3′, Gareth Bale 110′, Marcelo 118′, Cristiano Ronaldo 120′ (pen.))
- Atlético Madrid: 1 (Diego Godín 36′)
- Possession:
- Real Madrid had 58% possession, while Atlético Madrid had 42%. Real Madrid’s control of possession allowed them to dictate much of the play, especially as they pushed for an equalizer in the second half and then dominated during extra time.
- Shots:
- Real Madrid registered 26 shots, with 11 on target, reflecting their relentless pressure, particularly in the final stages of the match and during extra time. Atlético Madrid had 10 shots, with 4 on target, showing their effectiveness in taking the lead and their attempts to defend it.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Real Madrid had a passing accuracy of 84%, completing 500 passes out of 598 attempts. Atlético Madrid had a passing accuracy of 73%, completing 307 passes out of 422 attempts. Real Madrid’s superior passing allowed them to control the game and build attacks, particularly as Atlético began to tire.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Atlético Madrid made 35 tackles compared to Real Madrid’s 28, highlighting their defensive resilience and commitment to maintaining their lead. Real Madrid’s defense, marshaled by Sergio Ramos and Pepe, was solid, particularly as they pushed forward in search of goals without compromising too much defensively.
- Set Pieces:
- Atlético Madrid took the lead in the 36th minute when Diego Godín headed in following a mistake by Iker Casillas, who had come off his line. Real Madrid’s equalizer came deep into stoppage time in the 93rd minute when Sergio Ramos rose highest to head home a corner from Luka Modrić, sending the match into extra time. In extra time, Real Madrid’s dominance became apparent, with Gareth Bale scoring the decisive goal in the 110th minute with a header after Thibaut Courtois parried Ángel Di María’s shot. Marcelo added a third with a low drive in the 118th minute, and Cristiano Ronaldo sealed the victory with a penalty in the 120th minute after he was fouled in the box.
- Individual Performances:
- Sergio Ramos was the hero for Real Madrid, scoring the crucial equalizer that kept their hopes alive. Gareth Bale, despite missing earlier chances, made a vital impact with his goal in extra time. Luka Modrić was instrumental in midfield, dictating the tempo and providing the assist for Ramos’ goal. For Atlético, Diego Godín was pivotal in defense and scored their only goal, while Thibaut Courtois made several key saves to keep them in the game until extra time.
- Tactical Overview:
- Real Madrid, managed by Carlo Ancelotti, used a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on controlling the midfield and using the pace of their wide players. Atlético Madrid, under Diego Simeone, employed a 4-4-2 formation, emphasizing defensive solidity, organization, and quick counter-attacks. Atlético’s tactics nearly paid off, but Real Madrid’s persistence and physical superiority in extra time proved decisive.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw seven yellow cards, five for Atlético Madrid (Tiago 33′, Raúl García 64′, Gabi 81′, Juanfran 106′, Diego Godín 118′) and two for Real Madrid (Fábio Coentrão 29′, Ángel Di María 91′). The game was intense and physical, with both teams committing tactical fouls to disrupt play and maintain their structure.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Real Madrid won 12 corners compared to Atlético Madrid’s 3, reflecting their sustained pressure, particularly in the latter stages of the match. Real Madrid were caught offside 3 times, while Atlético had 2 offside calls, as both teams looked to exploit the opposition’s defensive lines.
Summary
Real Madrid’s 4-1 victory over Atlético Madrid in the UEFA Champions League Final was a dramatic and emotional match that secured their 10th European title, “La Décima.” The match was tightly contested, with Atlético Madrid taking the lead through Diego Godín and defending resolutely. However, Sergio Ramos’ late equalizer in stoppage time forced the game into extra time, where Real Madrid’s superior fitness and quality shone through.
In extra time, Real Madrid dominated, with Gareth Bale scoring the decisive goal before Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo added further goals to seal a historic victory. The result was heartbreaking for Atlético Madrid, who had been minutes away from their first-ever Champions League title but ultimately could not withstand Real Madrid’s relentless pressure.
Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical adjustments and the individual brilliance of players like Sergio Ramos, Gareth Bale, and Luka Modrić were crucial in turning the match in Real Madrid’s favor. The victory was a testament to Real Madrid’s resilience and determination to claim their long-awaited 10th European crown, cementing their place as the most successful club in European football history.
