A dramatic All-Madrid Champions League final

So close to a grand finale to the fairy-tale season, Diego Simeone's side buckled in the dying minute and witnessed the Los Bloncos never looked back after Sergio Ramos' equaliser. The final scoreline may not truly reflect the match. Real Madrid was unconvincing for most of the regular time, but they kept their belief and persistence to finally overcome Atletico Madrid. It is the result that matters. Carlo Ancelotti would have little complaints on how his third personal Champions League trophy is achieved. 

Simeone had made most of his decisions right. He managed to silent the "BBC" trio and did not let his team expose much to Real Madrid's speedy counter attack. Thibaut Courtois barely needed to glove in the first half. On the other end, a routine cross following clearance from corner caught Iker Casillas' hesitation. A rare mistake from the experienced goalkeeper gifted Diego Godin second goal in last two matches, potentially both title winner.

So close to celebration

There is just too much quality in Real Madrid that to beat them, you have to be almost perfect for more than 90 minutes. Their two best players had vanished among the spiritual defence. When Gareth Bale uncharacteristically squandered two golden chances, somehow they still managed to pull something out of the bag. Ramos' inch-perfect header and Angel Di Maria's superb run in the extra time were pure quality and determination which also defines how extraordinary Real Madrid is. Bale's header is no easy either, with his body balance adjusted so well to meet Courtois' save.

Being no rookie to big occasion both as a player and manager, also managed to get four points out of six in the two Madrid derbies this season, no wonder Sergio Ramos declared themselves as the underdog against Simeone's side. Nevertheless, the Argentine would be backfired with his decision to risk playing Diego Costa, a sentimental but ultimately costly decision.

A debatable decision to play Costa for merely 10 minutes

While Ancelotti also played an unfit Sami Khedira in the starting lineup, Khedira is more of a role player and Real Madrid could afford to have him being unconstructive to the offense. With no surprise, Khedira was Ancelotti's primary target to go to when an more attacking approach was required.

On contrast, Diego Costa is the scoring machine that Atletico Madrid desperately needs him to be fully fit. Knowing that his fitness condition is marginal, Simeone allowed Diego Costa ten minutes on the field with no contribution with the price of one substitution. However insignificant as it sounds, Felipe Luis' fatigue, Juanfran's cramp and Godin's inability to race back in extra time how demanding physically to defend Real Madrid in regular time. Extra pair of fresh legs would do no harm to Atletico. There was no shocking face when Costa was taken off. This seemed to be an understood decision among the squad, but certainly debatable if this was a wise one.

Ancelotti celebrating his third Champions League trophy

Many key players in this epic final will be at their own crossroads to their future. Diego Costa looks destined to move to London, while Courtois may also return to Chelsea. Raul Garcia, Koke and Gabi will all be hot targets in the market. Iker Casillas could be on the way out as his importance at Madrid is fading. The future of Benzema and Morata are also questionable as Ancelotti is keen to pursuit a top-class striker. Over a summer, it could be a completely new look at Madrid, but this night will certainly go into the history book as one of the most dramatic and memorable final ever.