The showdown of the 2016-17 football season at Millennium Stadium, Wales was no less than a battlefield when defending champions Real Madrid locked horns with Juventus in Champions League final. The prestigious silverware has already been lifted by Los Blancos for a record 11 times. Also, they had an impressive domestic campaign under Zinedine Zidane who ended Barcelona’s La Liga dominance and lifted the title for the first time since 2011-12. Their league triumph has made them more confident to retain the trophy and end the campaign on a high note by clinching the greatest European title for the third time in four years.
Juventus, the two-time champions, have now reached the final twice in three years of Massimiliano Allegri’s realm. They lost to Spanish giants Barcelona a couple of years back, however, the Bianconeri were determined not to repeat the same mistake once more and knock the champions off their perch banking on great composure as well as resilience. However, despite a scintillating first half, Juventus failed to keep the momentum and surrendered far too easily which resulted in a 4-1 defeat against the defending champions who now have secured their third Champions League title in four years time.
Real Madrid Players Rated And Slated In Their Incredible Win Vs Juventus
Keylor Navas: 6.5
The Costa Rican custodian pulled off a stunning save in early minutes to deny Pjanic. Could have done little to stop Mandzukic’s sublime overhead strike.
Daniel Carvajal: 7
Linked up beautifully with Cristiano Ronaldo when the Portuguese sensation broke the deadlock. Made frequent overlap runs throughout the game.
Raphael Varane: 6.5
The Frenchman should have cleared the ball in the first place which eventually resulted in an equaliser from Mandzukic. He was solid otherwise and contained the opponent’s attackers quite masterly.
Sergio Ramos: 7
Ramos was combative, physical and his hard tackles did not allow Juventus to pose enough threats in Real Madrid’s backline. However, his theatrics resulted in a red card for Juventus winger Juan Cuadrado which was nothing but a disgraceful act from the Spaniard.
Marcelo: 8.5
The Brazilian was one of the most prominent performers for Los Blancos who kept the Juventus back-line on toes with his pace, power and dribbling. He cut inside from the left-hand flank beating his marker with ease and set the ball for substitute Marco Asensio who netted the fourth of the night for the champions in closing minutes.
Casemiro: 8
Was combative, physical and kept on winning possession in midfield. His long-range strike was deflected off Khedira and ended into the back of the net that restored the lead in second half.
Toni Kroos: 7.5
The German playmaker was excellent once again. He controlled the game from the middle of the park and built up a number of attacks for his side. Earned a standing ovation from the fans before being taken off in closing minutes to be replaced by Alvaro Morata.
Luka Modric: 8
The Croatian was all over the midfield and never let his opponent take control of the game. Set the ball beautifully for Cristiano Ronaldo from the left-hand flank whose first-time strike from close range sealed the game for Real Madrid.
Isco: 6.5
Made a few ambitious runs down the middle and created loads of space in Juventus’ defence. Was replaced by Marco Asensio in closing minutes.
Cristiano Ronaldo: 8.5
Big players are meant for big games. The Portuguese superstar proved again why he is hailed as one of football’s greatest. He netted a brace and was in the right place at the right time to hit the Bianconeri on the counter.
Impressed with his movements and linked up well with his fellow attackers before being replaced by local boy Gareth Bale late into the second half.
Substitutes
Gareth Bale: 6
Came late into the game, almost scored a close-range tap-in, but was denied by a sublime block from Bonucci.
Marco Asensio: 7
Came in place of Isco and scored in closing minutes to put the last nail in Juventus’ coffin.
Alvaro Morata: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
