Cristiano Ronaldo laid claim to being the king of the Champions league.
Real Madrid’s magical No 7 struck twice as Zinedine Zidane’s men made history in Cardiff.
Ronaldo become the first player to hit the back of the net in three finals as Madrid became the first club to retain Ol’ Big Ears since it became the Champions League 25 years ago.
The Spanish giants may have swapped their famous all-white strip for their second kit – but it was purple reign in the Principality Stadium as Madrid claimed the trophy for a 12 time.
Juventus played their part in a thrilling contest. But tough-nut defenders Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini just couldn’t handle Ronaldo.
Ronaldo has now won three Champions League medals in Madrid to add to the one he won with Manchester United.
And while his great rival Lionel Messi has triumphed four times with Barcelona, the Portuguese now has a record 105 goals in just 139 appearances in the competition.
Juventus hit back in the first half to level Ronaldo’s opener through Mario Mandzukic’s stunning volley.
But they were second best after the break and Casemiro put Madrid ahead again.
Ronaldo then struck again before substitute Marco Asensio sealed it.
Juventus ended with 10 men when substitute Juan Cuadrado was sent off for two yellow cards.
But Madrid deserved La Duodecima – No 12.
The opening half was cagey – in the way that a UFC title bout is cagey – as both teams slugged it out toe-to-toe.
Juventus were brimming with attacking intent and menace.
Former Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain twice forced Keylor Navas into saves inside the opening four minutes.
And when Miralem Pjanic met a meaty half-volley 20 yards out, Real’s Costa Rican keeper plunged to his right to make a stunning stop.
Bonucci’s ruthless handling of Ronaldo had the former Manchester United star looking to referee Felix Brych for protection.
But he took full retribution himself in the 20 minute with a strike to stun Juve.
Toni Kroos’ turn of pace took the German through the Italians’ midfield barrier and when Ronaldo transferred the ball out to overlapping right-back Dani Carvajal he repaid the pass in spades.
Ronaldo, didn’t even have to break stride as he marched onto the low cross 16 yards from goal and his first-time hit fizzed past Gianluigi Buffon and into the bottom corner courtesy of a deflection off Bonucci.
Madrid would surely have scored again soon afterwards had Isco not lost control of Luka Modric’s pass when he had Ronaldo free to his left.
And seconds later, the Italians were level with a goal of breathtaking brilliance.
Bonucci’s clipped pass forward found left-box Alex Sandro bombing forward to the byline and the Brazilian volleyed a cross back towards Higuain lurking on the edge of the box.
The Argentine controlled on his chest before looping a pass to strike partner Mandzukic and he cushioned the ball on his chest before hooking a volley over his shoulder and high over Navas into the top corner.
The tumult might have been heard in Turin had the roof not been closed on the Principality Stadium.
The Croatian is only third player to score in two Champions League finals for different teams.
But it was Real who forced the pace after the break and Buffon saved smartly when Modric struck from distance.
Then Ronaldo just failed to get a touch on Marcelo’s cross as he arrived at the far post.
The goal they had threatened came on the hour. The ball broke to Casemiro 25 yards out and the Brazilian showed he is much more than a midfield enforcer by unleashing a right-foot shot that clipped off Sami Khedira and found the bottom corner.
Three minutes later, Ronaldo killed the contest stone dead.
Real’s No 7 read the script perfectly when Modric broke down the right, stealing in between Bonucci and Chiellini at the near post to steer a deadly finish past Buffon.
Cuadrado came and went – referee Brych falling for some theatrics by Madrid skipper Sergio Ramos to produce a second yellow card and red.
And Asensio piled on the agony for Juve by scuffing home No 4 from Marcelo’s cross.
Cristiano Ronaldo crowned king of the Champions League as Real Madrid whip Juventus
![Cristiano Ronaldo crowned king of the Champions League as Real Madrid whip Juventus](https://www.happyghana.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Juventus-v-Real-Madrid-UEFA-Champions-League-Final.jpg?6bfec1&6bfec1)