Real Madrid retain Champions League as they are crowned kings of Europe
It seems inevitable now but Christiano Ronaldo was the hero of the piece once again as Real Madrid overcame Juventus to lift this year's Champion League title.
Ronaldo collected a brace to help his side to a 4-1 victory over the Italian giants and wrap up a historic 12th continental crown.by overcoming Juventus in a memorable Cardiff showdown.
The long, arduous journey to European glory culminated under the roof in Wales, where Zinedine Zidane's men showed their killer instinct to win the title for the third time in four seasons.
Juventus started the brighter and Mario Mandzukic's overhead kick will live long in the memory, but Ronaldo's brace along with efforts from Casemiro and Marco Asensio left Real celebrating a surprisingly comfortable 4-1 win.
Real Madrid are the first club to 500 Champions League goals! ⚽️🔥
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) June 3, 2017
459 - Barcelona
415 - Bayern#UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/zJG0pQrhsw
Juventus conceded more in Cardiff than the rest of their continental run combined, seeing them slump to a fifth straight final defeat as Madrid became the first side in the Champions League era to retain the trophy.
It was a chastening end to a night the Bianconeri had started superbly.
After Ronaldo opened the scoring by turning home Real's first shot on goal, Mandzukic scored a sublime overhead kick - surely one of the greatest ever goals ever to grace this stage.
The man for the big occasion, @Cristiano gets his second of the match, his 600th career goal. #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/PdT39qay48
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) June 3, 2017
But Juventus' dreams of a first Champions League title in 21 years ended in heartbreak as Madrid upped the ante, regaining their lead as Casemiro's 30-yard drive flew home via a deflection.
Matters were quickly compounded as Ronaldo turned home at the near post to take his goal tally for club and country to 600.
Gareth Bale came on late in his hometown final and soon saw Real captain Sergio Ramos' theatrical reaction earning substitute Juan Cuadrado a second booking, with Asensio compounding matters at the death.
Gigi Buffoons wait for the full suite of highest honours in the game must continue
Contrasting emotions as we move into the closing stages of the #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/Z0JHrFFgQG
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) June 3, 2017
