Atlético Madrid 2-1 Real Madrid (agg 2-4): Champions League semi-final

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The brilliance of Karim Benzema and Isco booked Real Madrid a place back in the UEFA Champions League final after the holders survived an early scare in a 2-1 second-leg loss to city rivals Atletico at the Vicente Calderon.

Early goals from Saul and Antoine Griezmann gave Diego Simeone's men realistic hope of hauling back a 3-0 first-leg deficit before a goal from Isco late in the first half effectively ended the contest.

And it was Frenchman Benzema who shone brightest as Real ultimately cruised to a 4-2 aggregate win, setting up Isco's effort and having a major impact on a much more consistent second-half showing from his side.

As the rain poured down and the thunder boomed, Atletico fans stayed to applaud the effort of their team. "Proud to not be like you," a huge tifo had told Madrid before the game in response to being taunted at the Bernabeu about losing two finals to their neigbours in three years.

They may not want to be like Madrid, but they wouldn't mind just one of their Champions League trophies. Four eliminations in successive years against anyone is hard to take, let alone your city rivals.



Real Madrid will defend their UEFA Champions League title against Juventus on Saturday, June 3 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.

The clash of giants was confirmed after the sides eliminated Atletico Madrid and Monaco, respectively, in the last four of the competition.

Los Blancos are aiming for a 12th European Cup title after constant success in recent years.

Juventus are en route to a sixth straight Serie A title. And while they are also into second Champions League final in three years, they still can’t get people to call them one of Europe’s best teams.