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15 best soccer moments of 2016

By Peter Johnstone

WATFORD, ENGLAND - APRIL 04: Troy Deeney of Watford scores his sides second goal as Jonny Evans of West Bromwich Albion attempts to stop him during the Premier League match between Watford and West Bromwich Albion at Vicarage Road on April 4, 2017 in Watford, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
WATFORD, ENGLAND - APRIL 04: Troy Deeney of Watford scores his sides second goal as Jonny Evans of West Bromwich Albion attempts to stop him during the Premier League match between Watford and West Bromwich Albion at Vicarage Road on April 4, 2017 in Watford, England. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images) /
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9. Real Madrid win 11th Champions League title

When Zinedine Zidane took over the reins at Real Madrid at the start of 2016, soccer fans weren’t sure what to expect. The former Real Madrid and Juventus star had been coaching Real Madrid Castilla but many doubted if he was ready for the step up to the first team. The Frenchman took the job in his stride, though, and is currently regarded as one of the better managers in Europe.

His greatest achievement to date is leading Real Madrid to their record 11th Champions League title in May. Los Blancos ended up in a final against their rivals and city neighbors Atletico Madrid. The two also met in the 2014 Champions League final with Real Madrid stealing an extra time victory after scoring a late equalizer in stoppage time.

In the 2016 edition, Real Madrid once again triumphed, this time winning on penalties. Los Blancos took the lead through a Sergio Ramos goal but Yannick Carrasco equalized for Atleti after Antoine Griezmann had missed a penalty. Cristiano Ronaldo slotted the winning penalty after Atletico’s right back Juanfran missed. In a heartwarming moment, the Spanish international received a standing ovation from the Atletico fans even after he had missed the penalty.

Zidane’s short tenure in charge of Real Madrid keeps getting better and better. Madrid haven’t lost a competitive match since April and currently sit top of La Liga, three points ahead of Barcelona but with a game in hand.

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