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Real Madrid to face Juventus in Champions League final

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Real Madrid to face Juventus in Champions League final

Defending champions Real Madrid defeated spirited Atletico Madrid 4-2 on aggregate to set up a meeting with Italian giants, Juventus, in the 2016/17 Champions League final in Cardiff.

The Spanish League title contenders are playing in the final of the Europe’s foremost club competition for a record 15 times, and become the 5th reigning champions to reach the final in the Champions League era.

Atletico, trailing 3-0 from the first leg at Santiago Bernabeu, stormed into an early 2-0 lead at the Vicente Calderon through Saul Niguez’s header in the 12th minute and Antoine Griezmann’s cheeky penalty four minutes later when Torres was fouled.

But the visitors grabbed a vital away goal three minutes before half time as Isco smashed in a rebound after Toni Kroos’ fierce shot was saved.

Read Also: Juventus beat Monaco to reach Champions League final

The hosts, Atletico were left needing three more goals to advance in Real’s place, but they played the second 45 minutes without a goal, as chances were scarcer for both teams after the break.

“We knew we’d struggle. We’re happy to get to the final. It’s a long road, it’s not easy to get there. I’m proud of the boys,” Real boss Zinedine Zidane said after the game.

As it stands, Real, attempting to become the first team to win the competition twice in a row, will play Juventus at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday, June 3rd.

 

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