Wednesday 1 June 2016 20:40, UK
Terry Gibson said Atletico Madrid blew the chance to win the Champions League after their shoot-out defeat to Real Madrid.
Sergio Ramos gave Real the lead in the 15th minute but, after Antoine Griezmann missed a penalty, Atletico levelled late on through Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco.
Heading into extra-time the momentum seemed to be with Atletico, who were looking to avenge their 2014 final defeat to Real.
However, neither side could find a winner and Juanfran hit the post with Atletico's fourth penalty to give Cristiano Ronaldo the chance to seal victory for Real.
"Atletico blew it in extra-time," said La Liga expert Gibson on Sky Sports. "They were so much better in the second half of the game and they looked more likely to win it in 90 minutes.
"They looked fitter and sharper, but in extra-time fear took over and gripped both teams. Real Madrid were there to be beaten and they showed great character and resilience to stick in there.
"Three or four players were hobbling in extra-time, even after taking penalties, and they really had to work hard."
Real have now won the competition 11 times while Zinedine Zidane is one of only seven men to lift the trophy as a player and coach.
"Five months in charge and he has won the Champions League," said Gibson. "Many managers at the top of the game for years don't get near it. It's been an extraordinary turnaround in a topsy-turvy season for Real Madrid and it has ended on a high.
"We underestimate the desire and spirit of the elite players that play for Real. They have had so much experience, win trophy after trophy, but they dug deep tonight.
"We associate spirit and work-rate with Atletico, but Real showed that tonight."
While it was celebration time for Real, it was more heartbreak for Atletico, who have lost three times in the final.
But Gibson does not expect manager Diego Simeone to depart and thinks they have a bright future.
"This squad is in really good shape and has been built for the future. It has good balance and young players. Why would he want to leave? He has so much to accomplish, particularly in this competition."
