Real Madrid reinstated themselves as a dominant force in Europe as they retained the UEFA Champions League title beating Juventus 4-1 on the night with a brace from Cristiano Ronaldo and goals from Casemiro and Asensio. This win makes Real the first team to retain the title in the Modern era and their 12th European Cup, 3rd in four years. In what was a record breaking night, Real Madrid make history as they retain the UEFA Champions League title to underline their status as the greatest club in the world.
The game started with Real Madrid dominating, however, Navas had to deal with some early shots from Higuain and Pjanic. A superb team move was capped off with a finish from Ronaldo in the 20th minute, giving the holders an early lead. The Old Lady soon equalized with a sensational bicycle from Mario Mandzukic in the 27th minute, which left the arena and the spectators mesmerized. Juventus dominated the game their on as Real Madrid looked confounded briefly. Sergio Ramos and Dani Carvajal were booked in the half.
ALSO READ : Barcelona find a new kit sponsor for next season
The Second half would’ve been a one to look forward to for both teams given the fiercely contested first half. The Glacticos started with one of their best play of the game with Isco, Modric and Kroos driving the central midfield to link up the play. In the 61st minute, Casemiro hit a broken play hard enough to get it deflected past Buffon to give Madrid the lead. It was topped off by a second goal from Ronaldo as he met a cross by Modric between Bonucci and Chiellini to give Real a two goal comfort.
Juve’s irritation was visible on the field as they quickly picked up 3 yellow cards. However, Sergio Ramos was stamped the villain as he instigated a second yellow card for substitute Juan Cuadrado and the Old Lady was left with 10-men. Juventus were not able to match Real’s intensity as they looked tired and dull on the pitch. A 90th minute goal from Asensio confirmed the La Duo Decima for Real Madrid.
ALSO READ : Dirk Kuyt will take part in the ISL next season
The scoreline didn’t do justice to the effort put by The Old Lady in this campaign. The Champions league title has eluded the Juve Captain, Gianluigi Buffon, for the third time in his career and this was possibly the last shot he had of winning it. On the flip side of the coin, with the second title secured, Zinedine Zidane has proved his mettle as a coach and Cristiano Ronaldo has established himself as one of the best performers in the Champions League history, being the highest scorer of the competition for the 5th consecutive time.
