Modric, Kroos among Madrid stars to make history with latest UCL triumph
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It seems as though every time Real Madrid play in the Champions League final, the record books require a rewrite.
The club’s record-extending 15th European Cup triumph saw several players make history Saturday. Dani Carvajal – scorer of the first goal in Madrid’s eventual 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund – Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, and captain Nacho joined club legend Paco Gento as the only players to win the tournament six times.
Carvajal, Modric, and Gento are the only members of the group to actually feature in all six of the title-winning games. Kroos, whose first triumph came while he was at Bayern Munich, missed the 2013 final due to injury.
In addition to the players’ achievements, decorated bench boss Carlo Ancelotti also extended his own record as the most successful Champions League manager ever, getting his hands on the trophy for the fifth time.
“You never get accustomed to this. It was very difficult, much more so than we thought it would be,” the Italian coach said after the win at Wembley Stadium. “First half, we had to suffer; second half, we lost the ball less, played better – but those are all trifling details now. We won. The dream continues!”