May 28 at 20:45 UTC, the 2016 Champions League final is played. It is an all-Spanish showdown between the rivals from the capital Madrid. The 2016 final is also a replay of the 2014 final were the two met. What could then have been an unexpected double victory for Atletico Madrid, who won the 2013-14 La Liga, was turned into a Real Madrid triumph after a late tying goal and overtime victory. Atletico now has a chance to show Spain and the world that the 2014 season was not just a coincidence: they are a team that our to be counted with when it comes to winning great titles. The odds, however, favors Real Madrid.
The final is played at San Siro Stadium, Milan, Italy.
The 2016 Champions League playoffs
Real Madrid begun their journey in the playoffs by eliminating Roma in the round of 16. In the quarterfinal they were behind 0-2 against Wolfsburg after the first leg, but a hat-trick from Cristiano Ronaldo changed that in game two. Then they eliminated the only British team left in the semifinal.
Atleticos journey has been much tougher. They advanced from the round of 16 after penalties against PSV. In the quarterfinals they were drawn against the 2015 La Liga and Champions League winners Barcelona. They managed to win just to be drawn against another European giant in the semifinal: Bayern Munich. However, Atletico found a way to win that match as well and the only thing between them and the Champions League trophy is their local rivals Real Madrid. It is quite amazing that one capital is the home of the two greatest club teams in the world! However, no-one will remember the runner up.
Prior winners of the Champions League (2000-)
2015 Barcelona
2014 Real Madrid
2013 Bayern Munich
2012 Chelsea
2011 Barcelona
2010 Inter
2009 Barcelona
2008 Manchester United
2007 Milan
2006 Barcelona
2005 Liverpool
2004 Porto
2003 Milan
2002 Real Madrid
2001 Bayern Munich
2000 Real Madrid
