Real Madrid Is Europe’s Best Again

Real Madrid won its record eighth European Champions Cup title Wednesday, defeating fellow Spanish club Valencia, 3-0, before a capacity crowd of 73,000 at Stade de France.

It was the first Champions Cup final pitting teams from the same country against each other.

Fernando Morientes made it 1-0 with a header in the 39th minute, and Steve McManaman of England scored off an 18-yard volley in the 67th.

Raul Gonzales sealed the victory with a goal after a 60-yard breakaway with 15 minutes left.

Real Madrid won the first five titles in Europe’s most prestigious club tournament, in 1956-60, and added championships in 1966 and two years ago.

Valencia, playing in its first Champions Cup final, was 1-0-1 against Real Madrid earlier this season.