Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid became the first ever side to retain the Champions League title after their 4-1 triumph over Juventus in Cardiff tonight. Madrid turned the game around in the second half after the teams were tied at 1-1 going into the half time break thanks to goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and a screamer from Mario Mandzukic. However, the second half saw an absolute shift of momentum and Zidane’s side deservedly came out on top thanks to goals from Ronaldo, Casemiro, and the icing on the top from Marco Asensio in stoppage time.
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Here we take a look at how all the players fared during this exciting match.europe. Here we take a look at how all the players fared during this exciting match.
Juventus
Gianluigi Buffon – 6/10
Not the ideal final he would have wanted considering the fact that this could be the last time he could be a part of one. Real took their chances against him from outside the box and were highly successful in rattling him. He could have used a little more help from his defenders but a night to forget for the shot-stopper.
Andrea Barzagli – 5/10
A surprise inclusion ahead of the game and Real rightfully identified him as a weak link and exploited him on more than a few instances – in the second half especially. Eventually came off in the second half after a disappointing night as Juventus threw the kitchen sink at Madrid
Leonardo Bonucci – 6/10
Bonucci also couldn't be his usual self as Real moved up a gear during the second half, he initiated the move for Juventus’ equaliser but failed to make an impact in the game after that.
Giorgio Chiellini – 5/10
Not the kind of performance he would be proud of, an off day for everyone in the back line but Chiellini would feel like he would have done more to prevent the goals that came in late. He was especially to blame for Ronaldo’s second – switching off along with Miralem Pjanic as the predator ghosted in into a scoring position.
Dani Alves – 6/10
Alves had a promising first half where he went forward at every possibility trying to contribute to the attack but he was later forced back after Marcelo managed to ping in a couple of long balls behind Barzagli. That rattled Allegri, and nullified the Brazilian’s natural ability.
Miralem Pjanic – 5/10
Pjanic had an impressive start to the game but he was outdone by Real’s world class midfielders who were on song tonight. He could do little with the ball in the second half and forced deep down his own half most of the times where he was culpable for letting Ronaldo go for the Portuguese’ second match
Sami Khedira – 5/10
Khedira had a rough day at the office and was outdone by his counter parts in key areas of the field. Not his usual self-today (especially the second half) like many of the Juventus players.
Alex Sandro – 6/10
Real’s opening goal came down his side and he had a tough time facing Carvajal who forced him into his own half during most of the game. He played a part in Juventus’ opening goal but he would have loved to enjoy some more time at the opposition’s half.
Paulo Dybala – 6/10
Maybe the occasion got to him but apart from a few good touches and nifty footwork in the first half he eventually faded off as the game went on and failed to make any notable impact.
Mario Mandzukic – 8/10
The only thing that stood out for Juventus tonight was Mandzukic’s screamer that leveled things up for Juventus in the 27th minute.It was a goal of sublime beauty. He started the game on the left flank and had a brilliant start to the game but then again he couldn’t carry it into the second half as Madrid turned on the collective screw on the Bianconeri
Gonzalo Higuain – 5/10
Higuain yet again failed to deliver in a cup final and was never involved in the game. He would have wanted to see more of the ball but he failed miserably in leading the line.
Substitues
Juan Cuadrado – 4/10
He possibly had the worst game after being sent off for a second yellow in the 84th minute, he came on for Barzagli in the 66th minute. The second yellow, though, not his fault at all.
Claudio Marchisio – N/A
Came on in the 70th minute for Pjanic and had no impact on the game
Mario Lemina – N/A
Came on in the 78th minute for Dybala and was outmuscled by Marcelo as the rampaging Brazilian set up Madrid’s final goal.
Real Madrid
Keylor Navas – 6.5/10
Navas made a few decent saves whenever called upon in the first half but he had very little to do once Real found their stride and was not troubled for a majority of the game since then. Could do nothing about the goal either.
Dani Carvajal – 7/10
A constant threat down the right hand side during the first half and also made the opening for Ronaldo’s first goal. Did his part in the second half by staying composed and handled Alex Sandro whenever he looked like posing a threat.
Raphael Varane – 7/10
Looked solid at the back and seems to have found the nerve in big games whilst also becoming the youngest ever defender to win the Champions League three times!
Sergio Ramos – 7/10
Yet another continental triumph for Real’s leader at the back, never looked like losing his concentration in the second half – he was impeccable till the last bit where he was instrumental Cuadrado’s sending off in the 84th minute with a touch of playacting. The only sour note on a brilliant performance for Real Madrid.
Marcelo – 7.5/10
He was a constant threat down the left flank as expected and his delivery caused all kinds of problems for the Juventus back line. Also managed to keep Alves at bay in the second half pinging him further and further into the Juve defensive third.
Casemiro – 8/10
He played his part in the final perfectly by nullifying Juventus in the middle of the park and dominated the midfield as the game wore on. Became virtually unpassable by the end of the whole shebang. That absolute screamer of a goal (via Khedira’s boots, yes) became the icing on the cake!
Toni Kroos – 7/10
it was yet another key performance from Kroos which kind of went under the radar due to Casemiro and Modric’s compelling performances but yet another reliably brilliant performance from the German in Real’s colours.
Luka Modric – 8/10
The Croat had a not-so-great first forty-five. He did everything right in the second half and the opposition had no clue on how to stop him once he started finding his feet in both ends of the field. That assist for Ronaldo’s second was simply brilliant.
Isco – 6.5/10
The Spaniard was slightly off-colour when compared to the rest of the players but did nothing that put his team on the back foot. He would have certainly loved more involvement in the final third of the field and came into his own in the second half.
Cristiano Ronaldo – 9/10
Nothing much to say when it comes to Ronaldo, time and time again he manages to excite all of us with his abilities. Juventus had no answer to this man and he was sharp in front of the goal bagging two sublime goals in the process. Rightfully, the king of Europe yet again!
Karim Benzema – 7/10
The Frenchman did his duties very well on the night, drifting out wide whenever needed and creating space for his teammates. A man who played for the team on the night – as he always does. Real Madrid’s demanding critics will only learn how important he is once he leaves.
Substitutes
Gareth Bale – 6/10
He would have definitely loved more involvement considering the fact that he played in his hometown. But a sweet memory for the Welshman who became only the sixth player to lift the Champions League in his hometown.
Marco Asensio – 7/10
Came on in the 82nd minute for Isco and managed to grab a goal in the dying stages of the game. A night to remember for the youngster!
Alvaro Morata – N/A
Came on in the 89th minute for Toni Kroos, and three minutes in a Champions League final victory is better than none. Just ask James.
