Atletico Madrid Take Control in Champions League Final, Leading 1-0 at Half-Time
Lisbon, Portugal – Atletico Madrid are on the verge of history, leading Real Madrid 1-0 at half-time in the 2013-14 UEFA Champions League final. The crucial goal came in the 38th minute courtesy of Diego Godín, whose header was made easier by Iker Casillas‘s moment of indecision in goal.
Atletico’s path to this point has not been smooth. Diego Costa, their star striker, was forced to leave the pitch after just 9 minutes due to injury, leaving a big hole in the attack. Despite this setback, Atletico showed resilience. Real Madrid dominated possession but struggled to create significant opportunities, with Gareth Bale squandering a great chance just before Atletico’s opener.
Cristiano Ronaldo, usually the star of the show, has been largely anonymous in the first half and will need to find his form if Real Madrid are to turn things around.
As the match stands, Diego Godín could be a key figure in Atletico’s quest for their first-ever Champions League title, having also scored the equalizer against Barcelona in the 2014 La Liga season. The second half promises to be a thrilling contest as Real Madrid will be desperate to respond.
