Two contrasting football games.
Two which made live betting interesting until almost the very end but, ultimately, ensured the pre-match betting odds were correct.
Although for what is supposedly the pinnacle of the game, one team will be wondering why there are still decisions which are more Sunday League than Champions League?
Leicester City 1-1 (1-2 on agg.) Atletico Madrid
My word they gave it a good go.
But there was always a feeling this would be one match too far for England’s champions, especially once last season’s beaten finalists doubled their lead with their first effort on target.
From the moment Saul Niguez headed home midway through the first half, the Foxes were always up against it, needing to score three times.
That they didn’t was not down to lack of spirit.
Indeed, they deserve credit for picking themselves up and earning a draw on the night through Jamie Vardy’s close-range finish.
Atletico are now in the semi-finals for the third time in four seasons, while who knows if Leicester will ever return to Europe’s top table.
Yet, no-one can deny them this wonderful adventure.
As one writer said, this was like the conclusion of a victory parade which started last May.
Unbeaten at home in Europe with a journey that lasted longer than Arsenal, Man City and Spurs, they carried the mantle of England’s sole remaining representative superbly.
To Leicester to pride, to Atletico the plaudits.
Real Madrid 4-2 (6-3 on agg.) Bayern Munich
Ultimately the best player on the planet won Real the tie.
Indeed, writers will no doubt pen the Ronaldo 5-3 Bayern Munich headline; such was the phenomenal impact the world player of the year had on this tie.
He scored five of his side’s six goals – his 96th, 97th, 98th, 99th and 100th in this competition – as Madrid twice fought back to end Bayern’s brave challenge after extra-time.
In many ways this would have made a great final.
Spare a thought for Bayern though.
Chilean Arturo Vidal won the ball but was harshly sent-off with six minutes of normal time remaining to give the Germans a mountain to climb.
Then Ronaldo scored his second from an offside position.
That he went on to become a centurion should be celebrated.
That this competition still hasn’t got video technology should be lambasted.
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