May 5 – One of Europe’s most iconic stadiums, the San Siro in Milan, will play host to the second all-Madrid Champions League final in as many years on May 28 after 10-time titlists Real joined Atletico in a repeat of their 2014 showdown.
Victory over Manchester City in Wednesday’s semifinal put Real into yet another final but the neutrals will be backing Atletico, who have knocked out both Barcelona and Bayern Munich as they seek to clinch the trophy for the first time.
Two years ago Sergio Ramos headed in a 93rd-minute equaliser in Lisbon to crush Atletico’s hopes in Europe’s most prestigious club competition on their way to a 4-1 extra time victory.
Gareth Bale, whose first-half effort against City was helped into his own net by Fernando to give Real a 2-1 aggregate win on Wednesday, said the Milan showdown with their cross-town rivals was hard to call. Atletico have had a strong domestic record in recent meetings with Real, if not in the Champions League
“It’s great to be in the final again but there’s another game to go against a very difficult and stubborn Atletico Madrid team,” said Bale. “We know it’s going to be another difficult game, it always is against them.”
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