2016 Champions League Final vs Atletico Madrid

Lore & Background

The 2016–17 season was one of the most successful campaigns in the history of Real Madrid. The club attained four titles, including a La Liga and Champions League double, a feat only achieved twice before by Real (in 1956–57 and 1957–58).

In Their Own Story

As extra time drained into nothingness, the San Siro held its breath, heavy with the weight of two decades of domestic tension. The air grew electric as the referee pointed to the spot for penalties—a lottery where destiny waited. One by one, players stepped forward under the blinding floodlights; the pressure mounted until Juanfran’s saved strike sealed Atletico's fate. Confetti erupted in a blizzard of white and gold, drowning out the collective groan from the other side as Sergio Ramos lifted the trophy high above his head, the captain finally completing the 'La Undécima'.

Reader's Guide

This season was the first since 2008–09 without Álvaro Arbeloa who had departed to join English club West Ham United F.C. Arbeloa announced that he will not extend his contract for another campaign thus bidding farewell with Los Merengues during the conclusion of the previous season.

Did You Know?

• On 15 June 2016, Denis Cheryshev was sold to Villarreal.
• On 21 June 2016, Álvaro Morata re-joined the club under a buy back clause from Juventus for a €30M fee.
• On 8 August 2016, Jesé moved to Paris Saint-Germain.
• On 9 August 2016, Real won the UEFA Super Cup, producing a 3–2 comeback victory against Sevilla after extra time.