Simeone is phenomenal. What he did this season was astounding. But good grief, he should have taken hints. He overplayed Costa throughout the year, played him through injury, and didn't give him the rest he needed. He still won La Liga and beat Barca in the champions League despite Costa limping off with an early injury in pretty much every critical game, so what does Simeone do for this final? Why play Diego Costa, of course! As a result, he lost a crucial substitution in a match that went to extra time. Stupid.
Madrid were poor in the first half, but pushed forward in the second and the introduction of Isco and especially, Marcelo were game-changing. Ronaldo had probably his worst game this season (that didn't stop him from celebrating his goal like he won it), and Bale made some boneheaded decisions, but at least he was lively. Nevertheless, he scored the crucial goal so that's that. Di Maria however, has been Real's standout player this season (after Ronaldo). He's such a menace, and his work leading up to Bale's goal was class.
Props to Sergio Ramos too, for being a true leader, despite his flaws. He saved Casillas' butt last night.
The true credit though, should go to Carlo Ancelotti. Yes, the decision to play Khedira off of a 6 months layoff was questionable at best, but everything else he's done this year was phenomenal. He took over a side that had locker room trouble due to Mourinho, and really brought it together. Not only that, but the gambles he's taken really paid off.\
For starters, he sold Ozil, which everyone thought was a bad decision, and decided to keep Di Maria. Common wisdom would have dictated that Di Maria should be sold since he plays in the same position as Bale. He gave Di Maria a new role, in the middle of the park, and ditched the playmaker role that used to be played by Ozil.
He also stated from the get-go that he will show full confidence in Modric, who turned out to be one of the players of the season and really ran the show in midfield throughout the year.
He sort of rectified the goalkeeping situation by playing Diego Lopez in La Liga and Casillas in the champions league, thus giving both playing time and avoiding unneeded tension.
He reinstated Pepe in the squad after Mourinho had given up on him in favor of Varane. Pepe's performances in the Bayern series alone justified that decision (he was injured last night and that's why he didn't play).
Yes, Ancelotti had an obscenely talented squad and a lot of money at his disposal, but so did Mourinho. His accomplishment shouldn't be understated and it's no coincidence he's won the champions league 3 times as a coach. He's a far better fit at Madrid than Mourinho (and I say that as a huge admirer of Jose's managing skills), as he's more low profile and creates a far better atmosphere in the locker room and with the media. Props to the man.
