GN Soccer Magazine June 2014 Edition | Page 11

11 into Atletico's half to share a long celebratory hug with Marcelo. Bale's decisive goal sparked wilder celebrations, while Ronaldo pulled off his shirt before provoking tempers with a muscleflexing pose after scoring his penalty β€” extending his record for a Champions League season to 17 goals. Simeone β€” known for his fiery temper β€” came on the pitch for a second time in extra time in the final minutes and confronted Real defender Raphael Varane after he kicked the ball toward the Atletico bench. Simeone had to be restrained by his own staff and was sent to the stands. β€œHe's a young player with a bright future, Real goalkeeper Iker Casillas, centre, lifts the Champion hopefully he learns," Simeone said. League trophy, at the end of For pulling off his shirt, Ronaldo earned the Champions one of 12 yellow cards shown by referee Bjorn Kuipers of the Netherlands in an often physical match. The teams took chances by fielding players below full fitness, and a bruising first half tested their readiness and resolve. Ronaldo and Bale were both sent tumbling by tough tackles within 3 minutes, and Atletico's Costa was forced out early. Costa hobbled off after 9 minutes, making it clear that the gamble by coach Diego Simeone to put him in the starting lineup had backfired. Costa also exited last weekend in a 1-1 draw at Barcelona in the Spanish league decider and received a horse placenta treatment on his right hamstring during the week. Four minutes after Bale wasted Real's best early chance, scooping a left-foot shot wide from 12 yards, Godin made Real pay.