Cristiano Ronaldo continued his sensational form in the Champions League, scoring twice as reigning European champions Real Madrid thrashed Juventus in the final to become the first team in history to win back-to-back Champions Leagues with a 4-1 victory in Cardiff.
Juventus began the proceedings in dominant fashion at the Principality Stadium with Gonzalo Higuain managing two attempts inside the first four minutes. After a while, Miralem Pjanic also went close with a long-ranger, bringing out an excellent stop from Keylor Navas but it was the La Liga champions who drew the first blood in Wales capital. Ronaldo played a one-two with Daniel Carvajal before seeing his low strike take a small deflection off Leonardo Bonucci and find the back of the net. The goal also made the Portugal international the first player to score in three Champions League finals.
VIDEO: Cristiano's goal. #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/5qXDKYkVxz
— Ali (@SpookyAly) June 3, 2017
However, Madrid’s joy was short-lived as Juventus restored parity just 7 minutes later courtesy of a brilliant goal from Mario Mandzukic. The Croatia international chested a Higuain ball inside the area before lobbing a stunning overhead kick into the top corner of the net.
GOAL: 27 min. Incredible bicycle kick from Mario Mandzukic bring Juventus level. Utterly superb #UCL ?https://t.co/DKtmx7EdrA
— Yahoo Sport UK (@YahooSportUK) June 3, 2017
Six minutes later, Madrid had the chance to restore their one-goal lead but Ronaldo missed the target after being picked by Marcelo. The Italian champions continued to dominate the proceedings but could not capitalise on it and had to pay a hefty price when the Spanish giants scored twice in three minutes to all but put the game to the bed.
Casemiro fired Madrid ahead in the 61st minute when his shot from outside of the area took a big deflection off Sami Khedira and looped past Gianluigi Buffon into the corner.
https://twitter.com/thevvindycity/status/871096987856359426
Three minutes later, Ronaldo sealed the game for the reigning champions by scoring his 600th goal in all competitions for club and country.
"@NFL_DovKleiman: The 2nd Cristiano goal in CLF to give Real Madrid a 3-1 lead pic.twitter.com/wHCMFJDspY"@CastelanEric not to be outdone
— Robert E Castelán ? (@castelanrobert) June 3, 2017
Juventus tried to make an unlikely comeback into the match but to no avail and their miserable night was summed up when Juan Cuadrado was sent off after picking up two needless yellow cards within five minutes of being sent on. On the other hand, Asensio capped off the memorable night for Madrid by scoring the fourth goal in stoppage time.
https://twitter.com/thevvindycity/status/871105627736723456
Here is how Twitter reacted to the match:
Congratulations @realmadrid for winning the trophy in Cardiff
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) June 3, 2017
Every time Ronaldo is questioned, he proves his doubters wrong. Stop comparing him to Messi and just appreciate his hard work & ability #UCL
— Patrick Timmons (@PatrickTimmons1) June 3, 2017
4 times in the row ? pic.twitter.com/2hBAkO1HBT
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) June 4, 2017
Congratulations @realmadrid #UCLfinalhttps://t.co/LVoWO6aReu pic.twitter.com/mCALhpBsiw
— 9GAG ❤️ Memeland (@9GAG) June 4, 2017
Cristiano Ronaldo when it mattered:
vs. Bayern ⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽
vs. Atletico ⚽⚽⚽
vs. Juventus ⚽⚽ pic.twitter.com/nIkOvLbVeP— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 3, 2017
Reflecting on a remarkable #UCLfinal and wondering what Zidane said at half time. Some turnaround by @realmadrid
— JohnDykes (@JohnDykesFC) June 3, 2017
Juventus(first half) Vs Juventus (2nd Half) pic.twitter.com/49NxLGoI0r
— SIGNATURE.TW CLOTHING (@signature_tw) June 3, 2017
Juventus conceded only three goals in the Champions League this season…until they faced Real Madrid pic.twitter.com/HXeU8OaaGD
— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 3, 2017
You earn your success, but still feel Juventus worthy of more than two European Cups from nine finals. Still level with Nottingham Forest.
— Mark Ogden (@MarkOgden_) June 3, 2017
Summary of the Juventus Vs Real Madrid match. #Halamadrid #UCLFinal pic.twitter.com/sQzArdJpIK
— Geist (@sochimuoneke) June 3, 2017