Bayer Leverkusen 1-2 Real Madrid

	Michael Ballack and Zidane do battle (Philcole/Allsport)

The France international completed his own personal haul of medals with his first European club title to add to the World Cup and European Championship victories he inspired his country to.

A left-foot volley on the stroke of half-time sent Real into a 2-1 lead and left Leverkusen reeling from a blow from which they did not recover.

The talk before the match was, unavoidably, of 1960 and the legendary 7-3 win over Eintracht Frankfurt at Hampden.

Real strode into the arena with the air of majesty befitting a team who have dominated the greatest club competition in the world. Eight times champions and with avid supporter King Juan Carlos of Spain in the stand, Real began with a swag-ger which soon turned to intent.

Captain Fernando Hierro, stroked the ball from flank to flank without a thought that anything could go wrong for his side in this, their last chance to mark their centenary year with silverware.

With playmakers of the calibre of Zidane and Luis Figo, he had every right to be confident but the breakthrough came not from a cultured foot but a strong arm.

Roberto Carlos's throw-in caught the Leverkusen defence off guard in the 14th minute to set up Raul and before goalkeeper Jorg Butt knew what was happening, the striker had rolled the ball past him and into the net.

The outpouring of joy on the pitch and from the Madrid fans suggested that victory had already been secured. Leverkusen, after all, have made an art of choking on the big occasion.

It seemed a fair point but Real forgot about their own fragile defence and the quality which has taken the Germans past the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United.

It took a six minutes for an equaliser to come and it was fashioned from a similarly basic move as Real's opener.

Claude Makelele's lunge on Michael Ballack was penalised and from the free kick Bernd Schneider found Lucio rising above Hierro and Ivan Helguera to head in.

Real took some time to recover their composure and Lucio spooned a great ball in to Thomas Brdaric but the striker's shot was blocked. Ballack miscued a shot when Oliver Neuville made space for a lay-off with a good turn.

Then, with only seconds remaining of the first half, Carlos crossed from the left and as the ball hung in the air the crowd held its breath as it floated towards Zidane. His volley could not have been more perfect. Controlled, direct and deadly. Real were ahead again.

It was a moment of sheer brilliance from a team who have a habit of illuminating the big occasion with such goals.