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November 3rd 2010, Real Madrid traveled to the San Siro stadium to face old enemies AC Milan in the Champions League group stage. Early into the tenure of coach Jose Mourinho, the ‘Special One’ had been received with mixed reception amongst the fans and was expected to meet Real Madrid’s high expectations on the European scene.

It was 2-1 to Milan, courtesy of a double strike from Filippo Inzaghi, with Mourinho’s unbeaten run in charge of Los Blancos on the line. In the 80th minute, Mourinho brought on Pedro Leon, the club’s €10 million summer signing.

Time was running out for Madrid, but in the third minute of extra time, Karim Benzema released Pedro Leon, who thundered it under Christian Abbiati to make it all even. The goal prompted a flurry of activity on the touchline from Mourinho and when the full time whistle blew it meant Real Madrid had qualified for the knock out stages.

From the outset, it looked like the perfect start for the 24-year-old midfielder. Although he found his arrival eclipsed by Mesut Ozil and Angel Di Maria, Leon appealed to the local support, who were hopeful for a new role model similar to the recently departed Raul. Elegant on the ball, impassive and good looking, few could deny the initial comparisons.

Although very skilful and excellent from an attacking perspective, Pedro Leon is flawed defensively, seemingly unwilling to make up the ground to help his teammates. This is due partially to his introduction to football, as it was always something that took a back seat in his upbringing. This lack of discipline is made up for by an unparalleled determination and desire to win that’s seen Leon play so consistently in La Liga.

However, after just a few weeks at the Santiago Bernabeu, Pedro Leon entered into a battle he could never win. He came into direct conflict with a man prepared to destroy his Real Madrid dream for the good of the team: Mourinho. The former Chelsea boss took issue with Leon’s lack of aggression and, to some extent, his attitude. Unaccustomed to the level of football he’d been thrust into, few can blame Leon for being somewhat overwhelmed.

Despite these early differences, Leon was determined to make it at the highest level and expected to play a role in Madrid’s trip to Auxerre during the Champions League group stage. However, his hopes of playing were dashed as Mourinho denied him the opportunity he so desperately craved. This set Leon on his path to an early exit, lined with frustration through a lack of playing time and dwelling on the dismissive treatment by his coach.

Mourinho did not need to play Pedro Leon. The team was performing well in both the league and in European competitions, and were eventual Copa del Rey champions. He wasn’t the only player to be left out by Mourinho either. After four positive seasons in the capital, Fernando Gago managed just seven appearances under Mourinho. Leon would come to blows with the Argentinian in a training session, allowing Mourinho to exploit his lack of discipline. Leon’s sheer desperation was tarnishing his usually composed demeanour.

Having made it as far as the winter transfer window, Leon sought an escape from his torturous stay in Madrid, only to find the club unwilling to comply with his request to leave. He would see out the rest of the season in the capital, a shadow of the man that had joined the club. In the summer, he returned to Getafe on loan, throwing off the metaphorical shackles and rekindling his determination to succeed.

Now into his third season with Getafe, having made his loan from the Bernabeu permanent, Leon has made more than 80 appearances with 11 goals and 15 assists to his name. This particular season has seen him score seven times, one more than Alvaro Morata and one less than Isco. He is a vital member of the Getafe attack and is, once again, valued.

For some, Leon’s demise at Real Madrid was a disappointment, particularly as Spanish elements like Guti and Raul had left. Although a return seems all but impossible, the 27-year-old could be tempted as he nears the pinnacle of his footballing career. Troubled by his style of play and a coach with a grudge, Madrid fans have just his goal against Milan by which to remember him. Having run to the corner flag to celebrate, Leon must have thought he’d reached the big time, only for his dream to become a nightmare.

Follow Louis Gibberd-Thomas on Twitter: @mercutio156

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Real Madrid have started negotiations to renew the contracts of Sergio Ramos and Angel di Maria, according to Spanish radio station COPE.

After having won La Decima, Los Blancos are working on consolidating their solid project for the next few years. After having extended Pepe and Coentrao’s deals, Ramos and Di Maria are expected to be next.

The Spaniard and the Argentinian were the best players of the Champions League final against Atletico Madrid and Florentino Perez could give them a nice reward.

Los Merengues directors have long been thinking of raising Di Maria’s salary, since he’s a brilliant season at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Argentinian had been linked with Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain, but Carlo Ancelotti has convinced him to stay and the club will do their job.

Perez is expected to offer Di Maria a six-million-euros salary. He is making five millions a year at the moment.

Ramos, who has also played his best season with Los Blancos, could be offered eight million per season -two more than what he earns at the moment.

The Andalucian has stated he wants to retire at Real Madrid. During the title celebrations, he told the fans he wants to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu for many years to come.

“I’m a privileged person for playing in the best club of the world; I’ve said that many times. Since I first arrived here, I’ve felt the fans’ affection and I’ll always be thankful for that. For me, lifting the Champions League is a dream come true,” Ramos admitted.

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Florentino Perez, Real Madrid president

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has spoken of his joy after conquering La Decima, and he has admitted that many in the club are already thinking of winning La Undecima -the 11th European champions title.

“The best thing about this club is the culture of the fans, which is passed down from parents to their children, who will already be thinking about the eleventh European Cup. That is what makes Real Madrid eternal. I would like to thank, congratulate and dedicate this to all the fans around the entire world,” he told the press.

“This is a win for the players and for the fans, who have managed to grow Real Madrid’s legend with the magic number that is the Decima. I feel proud to be the president of a club that has these players, of the effort and hard work all year and of the fans, because they got us here,” Perez added.

“I feel proud of everything that surrounds Real Madrid. The legend of this club has been built by the players, but with fans who have always demanded a lot. Overcoming every challenge is in our DNA, but now it’s time to enjoy the Decima.”

When asked about Carlo Ancelotti’s part in winning the Champions League, Perez praised the Italian, pointing out “he has come and he has delivered us the Decima in his first year.” “It has been a difficult year as we had a new coach in addition to seven new players, but they’ve all worked very hard and we must thank them. They have all won the Decima, they have done a very good job, had a great season and played a great final,” he pointed out.

Perez also congratulated Atletico Madrid for their brilliant year: “Atletico have had a great season and played a great Champions League final. They made it very hard for us and I want to tip my hat to the opponents. I want to congratulate their president and all the players. They have great fans and they showed it.”

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Iker Casillas

Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas stated after Los Blancos won La Decima that “this is more important than the World Cup.”

After 12 years waiting to become European champions again, La Decima had become an obsession for Los Merengues, and Casillas couldn’t hide his relief: “It is so long since we won it, and it’s the Decima, which is a round number.”

“It was a very tough final, I think they scored a lucky goal. We tried during the 90 minutes and given our chances I think it was just. They defended well, they play another kind of football that is also effective,” he added.

“We missed a few chances, put some away and luckily everyone will remember that Madrid won a European Cup in Lisbon. I can’t complain because it was my error that the side had to come back from and were able to win. In the second half of extra time we were both very tired, but they felt it more. I think when Bale’s goal went in it killed them,” Casillas told the press.

The Spanish international also had kind words for their city rival: “We have to congratulate Atletico for their part and everyone who has come here and those who have stayed home. They will have suffered as much as we have and they can say they’re European champions. There was no bad blood between the fans. They have shown dignity and respect.”

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Sergio Ramos was exultant after having scored a decisive goal for Real Madrid to conquer La Decima. “The reward and satisfaction are incredible. We have fought until the end and this goal isn’t just mine, it’s all of the Madrid fans. All of them who have supported us to the final and got their result,” he said after the match.

The Spanish defender scored the equaliser against Atletico Madrid in the 93rd minute, sending the Champions League final into extra time. Real went on to win 4-1 and lifted their 10th title after 12 years of wait.

“After so many years it’s a great pleasure to dedicate this to the fans, all of them who have come and are at home. Viva Madrid, viva Camas, viva Seville, viva Andalusia and viva España,” Ramos told the reporters.

Asked about his feelings after the final, Ramos confessed “I can’t explain what I’m feeling inside.” “Today we’ve made history and against an Atlético side that have had a great season and deservedly won the league. After having gone through the good and the bad in a split second, to draw in the last minute, the hug with Casillas is a hug for all Madrid fans,” he added.

“The Decima tastes of all the sacrifice that it entails. We’ve maintained our humility and strength and today we can enjoy it, we dedicate it to all Madrid fans, those who have come and those who are at home. My goal is dedicated to my grandfather, my wife and my child. Now we have to celebrate it with all the fans,” Ramos concluded.

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Angel di Maria

Real Madrid winger Angel di Maria was chosen as man of the match for the Champions League final. The Argentinian played a brilliant game against Atletico Madrid, and he finished a superb season being named as the best player of La Decima.

Di Maria received the trophy from the hands of former Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson. When interviewed afterwards, he was all smiles and happiness: “It’s amazing to have won the Decima and my first Champions League title. It is something you dream of as a kid and I’m very happy. Also for the group and the sacrifice all year. Today we deserve to be champions”.

The 26-year-old confessed it was a hard-fought victory: “It was a match that we knew would be very tough. They were always going to sit back, we had a chance for Sergio and it went in, thank God. Everything ended up fine, we’re not tired now. Now it’s time to celebrate and for people to enjoy it”.

It was an even more special day for Di Maria, since the final was played at Benfica’s stadium, where he played for three years. “I’ve really felt at home this week, in this stadium I did some great things that brought me to Real Madrid. Playing here again made me very happy, but winning the Champions League, even more so,” he admitted.

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Carlo Ancelotti was radiant after winning the Champions League in his first year as Real Madrid manager. “It has been a very good season,” he claimed.

“I have had a fantastic group of players who have always been professional and they showed that in this match too. Not only those who were delighted to be playing, but also those who were not playing. We’ve worked hard this season to achieve this,” Ancelotti stated.

Of course, the Italian admitted Sergio Ramos goal was crucial: “The most difficult thing was equalising because we really had to dig deep to do that. We didn’t have any space and Atlético defended very well. We gave our all and in the end we managed to equalise. Then the match changed because of our desire. The goal gave us strength.”

When asked about the controversy on the added time at the end of the game, Ancelotti explained he doesn’t think five minutes was too much. “There were a lot of stoppages in the second half. In the end you could say I was a lucky man, but the truth is that we gave our all until the last second of the match,” he confessed.

“From the first day when I saw the trophy room in the Bernabeu I said there was one missing and that we would try and get it this year. Now we’ve done it. I have felt the confidence of the whole club by my side and I think that is why we had the peace of mind that we needed to win the matches,” Ancelotti concluded.

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La Decima press report

Madrid-based sports newspapers congratulate Real Madrid for their Champions League victory against Atletico Madrid, emphasizing Sergio Ramos star role as he scored a late equaliser to send the game into extra time.

“La Decima!,” titles Marca, alongside a picture of Ramos cellebrating his goal. “Ramos header in the 93rd minute destroyed Atletico and opened the way to the sky for Madrid,” they state.

“A slalom by Di Maria and a header from Bale put an end to the Rojiblancos’ dream,” they add. “Atleti was only two minutes away from glory,” they point out.

Meanwhile, the other main sports daily from Madrid, As, titles “La Decima is here.” “Champion with honours,” they publish.

Alfredo Relano’s newspaper focuses on the statements from the players. “It’s the most important goal of my career,” said Ramos. “La Decima is more important than the World Cup,” said Casillas.

“I have dreamed about it since I was a child,” claimed Di Maria, who was picked as the best player of the match.

Diego Simeone, on the other hand, confessed “this match does not deserve a single tear.”

* Follow Realmadridnews.com on Twitter at @realmadridnewsw

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Real Madrid lifted the long-awaited Decima in a thrilling match that they seemed to have lost until the 93rd minute, when Sergio Ramos equalised and sent the game into extra time.

Iker Casillas’ mistake had given Atletico Madrid the lead, and the Colchoneros defended brilliantly during most of the game. However, in extra time they were so exhausted that Los Merengues managed to score three goals and take the trophy home.

It was not the best game to watch for someone who’s not a fan of one of the two Madrid sides. Atletico was tightly closed in defence, while Real didn’t seem to know how to threaten Thibaut Courtois.

Yet, Gareth Bale had a glorious opportunity to put Los Blancos ahead as he intercepted a shocking Tiago Mendes pass and set off towards goal. The Welshman shot from inside the box, but his effort was wide of the far post.

However, Los Merengues got unlucky in a corner kick. The ball was initially cleared, but a header was looped back into the area. Iker Casillas thought he could make it and started the charge from his goalline, but when he realised he couldn’t reach the ball it was too late. Diego Godin flicked a header towards goal, and despite Casillas effort, the ball ended up in the back of the net.

Carlo Ancelotti men were more intense in the second half, especially after Marcelo and Isco came in for Fabio Coentrao and Sami Khedira. Luka Modric and Isco took control of the game, and Madrid started having their chances.

Isco missed a clear shot from inside the ball, and Bale also had two great chances to equalise, but both efforts went wide of the post.

Madrid kept insisting desperately, with Angel di Maria and Marcelo sending dozens of crosses from the left. Courtois and Atletico’s defence denied all Los Blancos efforts.

However, when Atleti saw themselves lifting the trophy, Ramos headed Real level with just a minute remaining. The Andalucian peeled away from his marker and planted a powerful header right into the bottom corner from Luka Modric’s outswinging corner.

The extra-time was very tense. Both teams feared of making mistakes and didn’t risk a bit. Real had control of possession, but Atletico had eleven man defending and Los Blancos didn’t even send one shot on target during the first half.
The 22 players were exhausted as the second half of extra-time kick-off. Juanfran Torres was injured, but he had to keep on playing since Atletico had made all three substitutions.

And it was in Juanfran’s side that Di Maria found space to run in a counter-attack. He drove at two defenders and tried to bend a shot towards the far corner. Thibaut Courtois made a great save, but Bale leaped into the air and headed the ball into an empty net.

With ten minutes remaining, Atletico players had no energies to chase the equaliser neither to defend Real threat. Marcelo and Ronaldo scored two goals in two minutes to seal the victory. The Brazilian shot from inside the box into the back of the net and the Portuguese scored a penalty after a foul by Juanfran.

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Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid match preview
Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid match preview

Real Madrid will look to conquer the long-await Decima as they face city rivals Atletico Madrid at Estadio da Luz, in Lisbon. The champion of the Copa del Rey and the winner of La Liga will meet in a game that will decide who’s the best European team of the season.

Xabi Alonso will be Carlo Ancelotti’s most crucial miss. The Spanish international was shown a yellow card against Bayern Munich and will sit on the stands through suspension. It seems like Asier Illarramendi will replace him, although Sami Khedira could also make it in the starting eleven.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe and Karim Benzema have arrived in Lisbon with physical problems. However, they trained normally yesterday and are expected to feature. Ronaldo will start for sure, while Pepe and Benzema will be a doubt until the last minute. Raphael Varane and Isco will be ready in case they can’t make it.

Meanwhile, Diego Simeone has the doubts of Diego Costa and Arda Turan. The Brazilian has travelled to Belgrade this week to undergo a horse placenta treatment, and it seems to have worked. He completed a regular training session yesterday and could start tonight. Turan also seems recovered from his muscle problems. Adrian and Jose Sosa would replace them if they were not perfectly fit.

Real and Atletico have met four times so far this season. The Colchoneros earned a victory and a draw in La Liga, but they lost 3-0 and 0-2 in the Copa del Rey. This time they arrive very motivated after having won La Liga in Barcelona last Saturday.

Atletico have never won the Champions League, and they face a historic opportunity. They’ve only played one final, but they lost to Bayern Munich in 1974. Real Madrid will look for their tenth title. After 12 years without playing a final, Los Blancos draught could end tonight.

Possible line-ups:

Real Madrid: Casillas; Carvajal, Sergio Ramos, Varane, Coentrao; Di Maria, Illarramendi, Modric; Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo.

Atletico Madrid: Courtois; Juanfran, Godin, Miranda, Filipe Luis; Koke, Gabi, Tiago, Turan; Villa, Diego Costa.

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