Madrid, et de trois

Three competitions, three victories for Real Madrid CF. After a dramatic final that went into extra time, the Blancos finally saw off AC Milan to complete a hat-trick of European Champion Clubs' Cup titles.

With André Waterkeyn's silvery Atomium structure overlooking Heysel Stadium in Brussels, the defending champions went into the game at full throttle but were matched by a Milan side with similar ideas.

Both enjoyed chances during a frenetic first half, much to the delight of the 67,000-strong crowd. Madrid's surges forward were thwarted by the excellent Narciso Soldan, who stopped every effort on target.

Milan responded with some enthusiastic attacks of their own but were unable to fully capitalise on their efforts and the opening 45 minutes ended goalless.

The deadlock was finally broken when Uruguayan forward Juan Alberto Schiaffino's shot ended in the back of the net on 60 minutes, much to the dismay of Madrid goalkeeper Juanito Alonso.

The goal wounded Madrid, but they responded 14 minutes later, a swift counterattack producing an equaliser as Alfredo Di Stéfano picked up a loose ball in the area and smashed past Soldan. Suddenly the game sprang into life and goals at both ends followed.

Ernesto Grillo responded by firing Milan ahead on 78 minutes. Seconds later, José Rial connected with Raymond Kopa's centre from the right and neatly brought the ball down before foxing Milan's custodian with an exquisite lob to make it 2-2.

The remaining minutes were played out with both sides determined not to lose, forcing the match into extra time.

Francisco Gento escaped the Milan defence to send a vicious effort against the post, which stirred the Italian side into pushing forward and once again they were caught.

Kopa's pass found Gento who beat Cesare Maldini and Alfio Fontana before smashing a low drive that flummoxed the keeper and ended in the back of the net.