Zinedine Zidane: My positivity was the game-changer

Saturday’s Champions League final penalty shoot-out victory brought almost instant glory for Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane, while Atletico Madrid and their boss Diego Simeone were dealt the cruellest of hammerblows.

When the teams met in 2014’s ‘derbi’ final, Madrid’s momentum on equalising late saw them ease to a 4-1 victory in extra-time. The script seemed reversed for long periods this year, with Atletico substitute Yannick Carrasco responding late to Madrid captain Sergio Ramos’ first-half opener.

But Simeone’s side could not push home their advantage and penalties were needed. Colchoneros right-back Juanfran Torres missed, leaving it to Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo to convert the decisive kick.