Highlights Champions League final: Cristiano Ronaldo guides Real Madrid to title with 4-1 win over Juventus

CHAMPIONS FOR A RECORD 12TH TIME: REAL MADRID

Smooth criminal. A perfect midfielder!  

Toni Kroos' game by numbers vs. Juventus:

100% take-ons
91% pass accuracy
67 passes attempted
61 passes completed
2 chances created

🎯 pic.twitter.com/S7ATcsGidz

— Squawka (@Squawka) June 3, 2017

This man just can’t stop scoring. Another brilliant show by Ronaldo as with every goal he breaks some record. That’s what makes him so special!

There we are. It’s time for the presentation. Real Madrid player have notably swapped their purple shirts for the white ones as they are now presented with their medals. Who will lift the trophy Ronaldo or Ramos? Oh, It’s Ramos. He gets in front and hoists the trophy skywards. Zidane is a happy man after all. And there is the Champions League anthem. Goosebumps!

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RECORD: on average, there were 3.04 goals per match this season (380 in 125), a new #UCL record surpassing 2012/13 (2.94)

— Gracenote Live (@GracenoteLive) June 3, 2017

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RECORD: on average, there were 3.04 goals per match this season (380 in 125), a new #UCL record surpassing 2012/13 (2.94)

— Gracenote Live (@GracenoteLive) June 3, 2017

Real Madrid are the first team in the Champions League era to win back-to-back titles. 🏆🏆

The Zizou effect. 👑 pic.twitter.com/X9AEi0Jr6H

— Squawka (@Squawka) June 3, 2017

End of an end to end game

Juventus, without a shadow of a doubt, bossed the first half despite conceding early in what was an entertaining half. Although, the second half turned out to be a bit ugly for the Italian side with a barrage of fouls as they found themselves outnumbered at times. Casemiro, Modric and Kroos were just outstanding, while Higuain, Dybala and Pjanic were mere spectators.

The trophy presentation is to follow shortly. The European Cup is called the ‘Coupe des Clubs Champions Europeans’ (do you want a translation?). At 73.5cm and 75.kg  It’s football most majestic trophy. Soon Ronaldo and co will lift it aloft in the Cardiff sky. Wales is the land of lore and myths and Real Madrid lived up to it. Goodnight from Wales!

This is MADNESS! 

Historical win! #RealMadrid become the first ever club to defend the #ChampionsLeague title! What an achievement. https://t.co/jGrcVmOCjR pic.twitter.com/dyfygXsZAq

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) June 3, 2017

Madrid win La Duodecima. They have always been obsessed by the European Cup. Tonight they consolidated their status as Europe’s sole superpower. You feel it’s almost their birthright to win the Champions League. However, there is no mistaking their unlimited class and talent. Zidane never cracked as a player. He hasn’t cracked as a coach either – in probably his toughest test to date. Ronaldo scored two goals to help his team on the way. There were other stellar performances, notably from Luka Modric and Isco.

FULL-TIME! REAL MADRID ARE THE CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE

That’s it then, it’s all over. Real Madrid are the champions of Europe, becoming the first team to retain the title since AC Milan 27 years ago. They’ve now won three of the last four Champions League titles. Ronaldo just keeps on adding goals to his incredible tally of Champions League goals. He guides Real Madrid to a comfortable 4-1 win. La Duodecima party begins in Cardiff and Madrid. Juventus have lost their past four Champions League finals they’ve played. Gigi Buffon is in despair and so is Allegri. Their remarkable journey comes to an end.

That’s rubbing salt in the wounds. Asensio with a top class finish in the bottom corner. GAME OVER!

.@Cristiano is the first player to finish as top scorer in five consecutive Champions Cup/Champions League seasons #UCLFinal #JuventusReal

— Gracenote Live (@GracenoteLive) June 3, 2017

It’s a drubbing now. It’s almost rude from Asensio but the substitute scored a fourth Spanish goal. It’s Marcelo who crafted it on the left. Madrid have delivered a masterclass, outplaying Juventus in all aspects of the game. Juventus were perplexing tepid in the second half, but Madrid did put four past them. A comprehensive win. Do we need four minutes of extra time? Oh yes, CR7 wants that hat-trick.

Isco's game by numbers vs. Juventus:

90% pass accuracy
2 chances created
2 take-ons
2 crosses
2 shots

Always turns up. pic.twitter.com/XY8WcuCviP

— Squawka (@Squawka) June 3, 2017

GOAL! Asensio makes it 4-1 for #RealMadrid. Done and dusted. #UCLfinal #RMAJUV

Live: https://t.co/jGrcVmOCjR pic.twitter.com/rasBEzPqyC

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) June 3, 2017

GOAAAALLLL! Marco Asensio makes it 4-1

Real are running out with the lead. Asensio takes his spot perfectly from 12 yards after a calm pull-back from Marcelo, who eased past Juve’s defence like butter. Got to feel for Gigi there. Best defence in the world? 

Isco receives a standing ovation. He was everywhere and often demanded the ball. Juventus didn’t know how to deal with him. Juventus must be miserable, Alex Sandro headed just across the goalmouth. The Italians have become serial losers in the European Cup finals, Madrid serial winners. To compound Juve’s misery, Cuadrado gets send off.

RED CARD! It gets worse for Juventus as they are down to ten men after Cuadrado receives a 2nd yellow. #UCLfinal https://t.co/jGrcVmOCjR

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) June 3, 2017

Oh dear! Cuadrado receives a second yellow for a foul on Sergio Ramos. Bonucci coming in and telling Cuadrado to hurry off the pitch. Ramos went down like a truck had hit him. That looks to be game set and match. 2 goals and a player down!

80’ Real Madrid 3-1 Juven****tus
​
Bale receives a warm welcome from the crowd. Is it a farewell appearance? Florentino Perez is a spender and he wants Kylian Mbappe and Eden Hazard at the Bernabeu. At the other end, it is a last throw of the dice for Allegri with Lemina on as a sub. The Madrid fans sing and chant ‘ole, ole.’ It is a purple night in Cardiff, La Duodecima looms large for Real.

.@Cristiano's record-breaking 600th career goal (club and country) delivered a crushing blow to #Juventus.

Live: https://t.co/jGrcVmOCjR pic.twitter.com/bMN7VpH3Je

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) June 3, 2017

Juventus have switched to a back four, but they can’t get the ball anymore. It’s all Real: ruthless with galactic application, aptitude and attitude. The Merengue team are the kings of Europe (almost). Ronaldo almost completed his hat-trick. Still, he has scored 42 goals in 46 games in his worst season, not a bad return?!

75’ Real Madrid 3-1 Juventus

Juan Cuadrado sends a high cross from the right side towards the empty side of the other side. Max Allegri is clearly unhappy with that. Meanwhile, Karim Benzema, who had a rather quiet day at the office, is replaced by a local lad Gareth Bale. Also, Juventus replace Paulo Dybala with Mario Lemina.

GOAL! @Cristiano scores his second of the night to make it 3-1 for #RealMadrid.

Live: https://t.co/jGrcVmOCjR #UCLfinal #RMAJUV pic.twitter.com/ksNGh1YycS

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) June 3, 2017

Cristiano Ronaldo's record since the Champions League QF stage:

⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽ vs. Bayern
⚽⚽⚽ vs. Atletico
⚽⚽ vs. Juventus

Big. Game. Player. pic.twitter.com/gZD3aSFF8L

— Squawka (@Squawka) June 3, 2017

What a move and what a finish. Is that game over? Gareth Bale jumping in the celebration with his teammates. Great ball by mMdric And a top finish. Allegri losing it on the touchline.

Is the final over? Buffon’s expression is that of a condemned man. He looks crestfallen. Madrid’s third goal was all too easy: Modric with the recuperation and Ronaldo’s penalty presence did the rest. Bonucci was immobile and should have done better. The Cristiano fest rumbles on. He is a winner.

GOAAAALL! Ronaldo makes it 3-1 

Just three minutes and six seconds after Casemiro restored Real Madrid’s lead, the man of the hour, Cristiano Ronaldo slots home. Modric key again as he dispossesses Mandzukic and pulls the ball back to the edge of the six-yard box, where Ronaldo makes his run out of nowhere and scores his second of the night.

Isco is very present now for Real Madrid. He is driving their play through the middle of the field. He is so smooth on the ball and a delight to watch. 
CR7 is more involved. On the left Marcelo is threatening as well with his marauding runs. Real’s sterile pressure pays dividends. It’s another deflection, but Casemiro scores. He has been vital to Madrid’s balance and Zidane’s line-up as a classic midfield enforcer. The Brazilian is an unlikely hero. Juventus are a resilient team, but can they come back from this?

Scrappy and niggly in the second stanza. Higuain has been quiet up front for Juventus.

23rd April: Casemiro scores in El Clasico.

3rd June: Casemiro scores in the Champions League final.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ pic.twitter.com/dkzG7EuOlS

— Squawka (@Squawka) June 3, 2017

61' ¡GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL de @Casemiro! @juventusfces 1-2 #RealMadrid#RMUCL #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/AmZaQeAlOK

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) June 3, 2017

Scrappy and niggly in the second stanza. Higuain has been quiet up front for Juventus.

GOAAAALLL! Casemiro makes it 2-1 for Real Madrid 

Zidane’s men continue to dominate the second half, but without creating much in the way of chances. Karim Benzema picks up the ball on the left flank and … oh, hold on!

Real Madrid have taken the lead! Casemiro fires from distance that takes a slight deflection and scrapes past Buffon who is in disbelief!

Luka Modric has been playing very wide on the right of the midfield as Real Madrid have been quite narrow. Even spangled players have a duty to do.

Luka Modric has been playing very wide on the right of the midfield as Real Madrid have been quite narrow. Even spangled players have a duty to do.

Modric is such a brilliant passer of the ball. Not only that, he can score a few in crucial games. This is one of them. 

Modric with a long-rang effort with his left foot but it is comfortably saved by Buffon. https://t.co/jGrcVmOCjR

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) June 3, 2017

The tussle between Marcelo and Dani Alves has been superb so far.

50’ Real Madrid 1-1 Juventus

Cristiano Ronaldo starts the second half on a high as he gets behind Andrea Barzagli in search of Karim Benzema. Chellini is down after getting a smack on his face from the corner.Just when he received the treatment, Alves goes down injured after being brough down by Marcelo.

Real Madrid midfielders' pass accuracy in the first half:

Toni Kroos (94%)
Casemiro (93%)
Isco (93%)
Luka Modric (90%)

Tidy as ever. pic.twitter.com/pM3NoZYu57

— Squawka (@Squawka) June 3, 2017

Safe to say @gianluigibuffon enjoyed that @MarioMandzukic9 strike! #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/O5wSkpG4yP

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) June 3, 2017

That was a great first half. End to end stuff! Let’s hope the second half is as good as the first one.

Stat alert: Buffon has conceded six goals against Ronaldo in the Champions League in five games, more than against any other player.

R: till now ,one of the best finals ever..what a game..what a pace...what a quality on the pitch...what great goals 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

— Ronald de Boer (@RdBoer1970) June 3, 2017

An interesting battle developed in that first half between these two. Whose team will come out on top? #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/LU96fPCbF4

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) June 3, 2017

A final is never a catalogue for brilliant football – it is tight and tense but these 45 minutes between Real Madrid and Juventus have delivered. It’s been a wonderful first half. Ronaldo did what he always does. The Portuguese defies logic. Juventus were facing their demons but responded with a majestic strike from Mandzukic. He has been rejuvenated at Juventus – so much athleticism and purpose. The goal was sublime, from Bonucci’s pass in his own half, via Alex Sandro and Higuain to the Croatian. The ball didn’t touch the earth. It’s evenly poised at the half.

.@Cristiano becomes the first player to score in three @ChampionsLeague finals 🔥

LIVE: https://t.co/jGrcVmOCjR #RMAJUV #UCLFinal pic.twitter.com/dF5jHe1EPl

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) June 3, 2017

HALF-TIME: Real Madrid 1-1 Juventus

So, after the halfway mark, it’s evens-stevens in Cardiff as the players head towards the tunnel for some rest and planning. Juventus started brilliantly but conceded early against the run of play, allowing Ronaldo to ease past the meanest defence in Europe and give Real the lead. Minutes later, Mario Mandzukic spoiled Los Blancos’ party in Cardiff with a breathtaking bicycle kick to bring Juventus back in the match. It’s not at all boring, at least for the tacticians. Allegri looks settled but it is Zidane who is being vocal on the touchline.​

40’ Real Madrid 1-1 Juventus

Miralem Pjanic is Juve’s main man on the night. He hits a sweet low volley from distance but it’s blocked on the way. Expecting more of this from him tonight. The referee on the other side brandishes another yellow card, this time for Carvajal who floors Mandzukic. Zidane is, of course furious with the decision

To Isco or not to Isco? That was a conundrum for Zidane before the match. The bright and brilliant floating midfielder played well in the first ten minutes. He was roaming around the field in his trademark style, but ever since he has disappeared from the game.

WHAT. A. TEAM! 

#RealMadrid's 500th #ChampionsLeague goal scored by @Cristiano. https://t.co/jGrcVmOCjR pic.twitter.com/YRH8SNBDl9

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) June 3, 2017

This final could have been a stalemate and 90 minutes of attrition with two giants of the game who have different philosophies and different identities – but it’s high paced and intense, with box-to-box action. A classic? Not yet, but a perfect storm in motion. You’d think there are more goals to come tonight.

35’ Real Madrid 1-1 Juventus

Juventus are now trying to attack rather than defend. Big man Giorgio Chiellini gets between defenders only to miscue his header. Good ball by Cuadrado there. Navas kicks the ball away. Looks like Mario Mandzukic is in pain and requires quick treatment.

30’ Real Madrid 1-1 Juventus

And Sergio Ramos has been booked for a foul on the high-flying Dani Alves. Ronaldo being Ronaldo tries a bicycle kick but does zero damage. Juventus win a free-kick, Paulo Dybala takes a hit but his effort is straight into the wall.

S.W.E.E.T! 

What. A. Goal. @MarioMandzukic9 levels it up with a stunning strike. #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/TwkGbFHUst

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) June 3, 2017

Brilliant and the Juventus end explodes. It’s a sensational bicycle kick, but that cross pass from Alex Sandro was inch perfect. The former Bayern player chested it down and without too much room to manoeuvre he scored. Simply magic.

GOAALLL! Mario Mandzukic equalises 1-1 

Juventus draw level as Mario Mandzukic equalises with a sensational overhead kick into the top corner. He calmly chests down the dropping ball and makes room for himself to make a turn and blast past Navas who was ball-watching. 

GOAL! Mario Mandzukic makes it 1-1 with a screamer! What a splendid volley. #UCLfinal #RMAvsJUVhttps://t.co/jGrcVmOCjR pic.twitter.com/PT9jMRMhRq

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) June 3, 2017

GOAALLL! Mario Mandzukic equalises 1-1 

Juventus draw level as Mario Mandzukic equalises with a sensational overhead kick into the top corner. He calmly chests down the dropping ball and makes room for himself to make a turn and blast past Navas who was ball-watching. 

GOAL! Mario Mandzukic makes it 1-1 with a screamer! What a splendid volley. #UCLfinal #RMAvsJUVhttps://t.co/jGrcVmOCjR pic.twitter.com/PT9jMRMhRq

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) June 3, 2017

Oh, Ronaldo. What a player. Superlatives are not out of place. He croons about self-improvement. As he ages, he indeed seems to become better and better. How will Juventus respond? Real had begun to stretch their back three. They need to attack but keep it tidy at the back.

Is that another Ballon d’Or  coming his way. Juventus fans were Jeering every touch of Ronaldo before the goal.

It’s handbags between Casemiro and Pjanic. Juventus have shown Real Madrid respect, but not too much. Scrap all that!! The man-machine, the super athlete, who seems to live in another universe, scores. The preening Portuguese defeats the immovable Italians.  Nigh invisible for the 20 minutes, but all of a sudden he pounces in the box after a one-two with Carjaval. He got way too much space and Bonucci was too late with his block. The cosmos is Messi-anic, but maybe it’s time to rethink that notion.

GOAAALLLL! 1 Real Madrid 0 Juven****tus

Real Madrid have taken the lead against the run of play, thanks to a neat finish from the one and only Ronaldo. It’s his 104th Champions League goal. Can you believe it? It all started with a one-two with Dani Carvajal on the edge of Juventus box. His effort took a touch off a Leonardo Bonucci on its way in. Real fans have stopped whistling! 

15’ Real Madrid 0-0 Juventus

Real are dictating the play but unable to make something out of it. Juve’s aggressive approach is key and if they manage to contain Real’s attack, they might snatch a narrow win. Notably, Isco and Ronaldo have been crowded out at times. Casemiro has to step up tonight.

Ronaldo hasn’t touched a ball after eight minutes. Here is all of a sudden but he tumbles inside the box! Juventus are aggressive. A very impressive start.

So much so for all the talk about a defensive Juventus. They have zest and energy. They look alert and fresh. Juventus radiate a hunger. For Real Madrid winning the European Cup is almost an obligation. They need to settle down. Perhaps then the Spanish can think about dominating possession.

12’ Real Madrid 0-0 Juventus

Paulo Dybala has been booked for a cynical foul on Toni Kroos, who had got the better of him. Too early, isn’t it?

A lot of whistling happening at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. Not sure if Ronaldo is enjoying that. He hates it. Real fans are something else!

It is a fierce start by Juventus. They are suffocating Real. Zidane is nervy on the touchline. Higuain in the thick of the early action.

5’ Real Madrid 0-0 Juventus

Juventus have started confidently as Real were caught napping in the early stages of the match. Gonzalo Higuain registers his second effort on target, firing from distance. Pjanic shoots from outside the box but Navas makes a spectacular save. It’s all Juve at the moment.

As Handel’s Zadok, in the polished and approved UEFA version, is played, the protagonists have one last moment of introspection. The atmosphere inside the Millennium Stadium is absolutely rambunctious. Madrid’s fans are waving their little white flags, the Juventus fans sing to the top of their voices. There is a crackle in the air: this is a date with history as Sergio Ramos said yesterday. Ian Rush presents the trophy. Will it be Real with a historic European Cup double or Juventus with a treble?

Strong start from Juventus as Higuaín has a header and fierce drive saved by Navas back to back.

Live: https://t.co/jGrcVmOCjR #UCLfinal

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) June 3, 2017

Can Juve’s defence keep Ronaldo and Co at bay? Juve fans chanting Forza Juve. Can they do it for Buffon?

The Juventus players were forced to go off early to make way for the opening ceremony. That’s flabbergasting!

Cardiff. Why all the fuss and pomp before a big final? Opening ceremonies tend to be sterile and redundant.  ‘We are planning to harness the excitement of the fans in the stadium,” said will.i.am – but I don’t get overly excited by another rendition of ‘Let’s get it started.’ Indeed, let’s just get on with the game.

The garnish has eaten the steak.
Juventus players, still warming up, forced off pitch by opening ceremony set up. pic.twitter.com/JTwr6LCMXg

— Sid Lowe (@sidlowe) June 3, 2017

Both the teams have concluded their warm-ups.

Kick-off is just 10 minutes away.

LIVE: https://t.co/jGrcVmOCjR

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) June 3, 2017

This will be CR7’s fifth European Cup final.  He is up there in the pantheon of football gods. Only Maldini, Gento (8) and Di Stefano (7) have played in more European Cup finals.

The Turin club is well run. They lost Antonio Conte to the Italian national team, they lost Paul Pogba, Carlos Tevez, Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal, but despite all the departures they evolved and became a better team. It’s quite remarkable and something Real Madrid wouldn’t ever contemplate. They simply buy the biggest and the best. This summer Gareth Bale may exit the Bernabeu, making way for Kylian Mbappe and Eden Hazard. The way Madrid operate almost defies logic, but their star quality always tells. Will it tonight again?

👕 TEAMS 👕
Introducing the 22 players that will start the #UCLfinal... pic.twitter.com/OwwvKx3Bl8

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) June 3, 2017

STAT ATTACK:

Real Madrid’s loss at Atlético in the semi-final second leg leaves Juventus as the only unbeaten side remaining in the competition. The Bianconeri are bidding to become the seventh team to win the UEFA Champions League undefeated, and the first since Manchester United in 2008.

STAT ATTACK:

Zinedine Zidane is seeking to become the first coach to win the UEFA Champions League two years running, while Sergio Ramos will endeavour to become the first captain to lift the trophy in successive years in the UEFA Champions League era.

Don’t forget Cristiano Ronaldo! He is used to the big occasion and looks at ease here in Cardiff. His personal cult transcends the Real Madrid brand and the galactic juggernaut. His transformation into a conventional number nine has been mesmerising. Often, he does little in a match, but then all of a sudden he explodes. He is Madrid’s top scorer with 32 goals in all competitions. He single-handedly destroyed both Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid with superb hat-tricks. He is a superlative athlete and even if he’d be peripheral throughout the game, Juventus understand that he can strike at any moment with his powerful right-foot and penalty box presence.

James Rodriguez not included in Real Madrid’s 18-man squad for tonight’s game but he will be able to watch it from the stands. AC Milan, Manchester United bound?

Champions League final: Ronaldo facing Bonucci and other key duels which could decide titlehttp://www.firstpost.com

There is a poor and cheesy master of ceremonies on the touchline, but when the protagonists emerge from the tunnel the noise is deafening. Gianluigi Buffon receives loud cheers. He greets the fans, but his body language suggests he is a keeper in the zone. Cristiano Ronaldo seems relaxed.

Isco starting ahead of Gareth Bale. No sentiment shown by Zinedine Zidane. Will this turn out to be decisive?

Here’s what the two teams are fighting for. 

The Juventus flag looks brilliant! 

Looks like Massimiliano Allegri will go with a 3-4-3, with Mario Mandzukic, Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala leading the attack.

Champions League final: Rejuvenated Isco’s cerebral presence in midfield gives Real Madrid the edgehttp://www.firstpost.com

Juventus playing XI: Buffon; Barzagli, Chiellini, Bonucci; Alves, Khedira, Pjanic, Sandro; Mandzukic, Dybala; Higuain.

Real Madrid playing XI: Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Casemiro, Kroos, Modric, Isco; Benzema, Ronaldo.

Real Madrid team news:

Isco starts, Gareth Bale is on the bench. 

The atmosphere is building outside the National Stadium of Wales! #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/U7GIl93YuK

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) June 3, 2017

Fans still wanting to watch the Champions League final are being charged hefty amounts of money by ticket scalpers.

Tickets were going for up to 1,500 euros ($1,700) outside Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium, ahead of the final between Juventus and Real Madrid.

Police were warning fans against the possibility of forged tickets.

The Black Eyed Peas are promising an energetic show when they perform at the Champions League final.

The Grammy Award-winning eclectic hip-hop group will be entertaining the Cardiff stadium crowd just before Juventus and Real Madrid meet in the biggest club game in world football.

Alicia Keys performed before last season’s final in Milan.

Saturday’s Champions League final is the first being played under a closed roof due to security fears that intensified in the wake of the Manchester Arena attack last month that killed 22 people.

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the Champions League final between Real Madrid and Juventus. We are less than two hours away from kick-off. Stay tuned as we bring you score updates and anlysis from the title clash.