Plenty should’ve prevented Real Madrid from winning another European title, but the club’s ability to navigate the biggest stage—and all its variables—is an immeasurable intangible.
PARIS — The numbers, and not for the first time in this remarkable run, favored the opposition. Liverpool had 24 shots and an expected goals of over two, Real Madrid just four shots and an xG of under one. But it was, of course, the Spanish giant that won the UEFA Champions League title on Saturday here in the French capital, its record 14th European success story, for that is how it has been throughout the knockout stage and triumphs against PSG, Chelsea, Manchester City and now Liverpool: Madrid is under pressure, Madrid holds out, Madrid scores just when it needs to.