Winning his third UEFA Champions League title would also bring extra joy for Gareth Bale, in what's been a rather complicated season for the Welshman.
The down-on-his-luck wingman has struggled with numerous injuries this season, which have caused him to miss several games. His latest absence came after a relapse from an calf injury in El Clásico, and even if he will be included in Saturday's squad, there are doubts in the air about his availability.
Nevertheless, Bale could earn a spot in history if Real Madrid win, as he will become only the sixth player in history to win the continental title at his home town. Here's the list of players that achieved that feat in the UCL/EC history.
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Miguel Muñoz and Enrique Mateos: Real Madrid, 1956-57 season. Final match played in Madrid.
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Alex Stepney: Manchester United, 1967-68 season. Final match played in London.
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Angelo Di Livio: Juventus, 1995-96 season. Final match played in Roma.
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Nicolás Anelka: Real Madrid, 1999-2000 season. Final match played in Paris.
Anelka was key for Real Madrid's success in the 1999-2000 edition, scoring on both legs of the semi-final. He played 80 minutes of the final match prior to being subbed off by Los Blancos legend Manuel Sanchís.
Bale has scored in the two most recent UEFA Champions League finals won by Real Madrid. Will he touch the sky once again, but this time in his home town? If his team-mates can help him do so, he'll become the second player (behind Anelka) to win the coveted trophy playing at home while performing for a foreign club.
