Real Madrid Makes History Once Again
On June 4, Real Madrid F.C. made history by defeating Juventus F.C. 4-1 in the 2017 Champions League Final. The team [Real Madrid], led by Sergio Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo, was able to defeat Gianluigi Buffon and one of the highly regarded defensive teams in the world. The final was played in Cardiff, Wales and fans all over the world went to show support for their team. The clash between titans had several turning points and moments in which either team could have gained an edge. However, Madrid prevailed in the end and was able to come out on top.
Mandžukić makes a brilliant bicycle kick. The kick would end up in the back of the net, tying the game.
The game started off well for Juventus, as they had several opportunities to strike from the get-go, leaving their fans with positive hopes about the outcome of the game. However, Keylor Navas (the goalie for Real Madrid) proved to be impactful with three early saves that prevented Juventus from getting ahead. In the 20th minute, Ronaldo silenced the crowd with a stunning goal after a nice 1-2 with Daniel Carvajal. Juventus battled with their best efforts to tie it up and Real Madrid grew quite complacent, opening the door for a goal by Juventus. Seven minutes later, three Juventus’ players managed to keep the ball up in a play that ended with a stunning bicycle kick by Mario Mandžukić that sneaked its way over Navas. Throughout the rest of the half, the defenses proved resilient and held off the opposing offense. The teams would finish the first half of the game with an equal score of 1-1.
“After the first half, I thought Juventus was going to win the final. I felt like they played better, but in the second half Madrid destroyed them,” sophomore Kade Marriot said.
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after Real Madrid completes the 4-1 victory against Juventus. He is the most likely candidate to win the Ballon d’Or.
The second half was a different story, one with Real Madrid dominating offensively. “Los Blancos” came out of the locker room strong and ready to win the game. In the 61st minute, after a failed cross, Carlos Casemiro banged in a shot from long distance, with a lucky deflection off of Sami Khedira. This time, Madrid did not hold back with Cristiano Ronaldo striking again after a brilliant cross by Luka Modrić just 3 minutes after Casemiro’s goal. Juventus desperately tried to turn the game around, but Real Madrid remained solid. Juan Cuadrado came in on the 66th minute for Juventus, but after two yellow cards, left for the locker room in the 83rd. Juventus had nothing left to do. Finally, in the 90th minute, Marco Asensio put the nail in the coffin scoring an insurance goal off of a cross from Marcelo Vieira, padding the lead, and resulting a final score of 4-1.
“Real Madrid showed that they are the best. Juventus had no way of reaching their goal and no way of stopping the offense,” freshman Andres Hurtado said.
Following this weekend, Real Madrid has made Champions League history. They have become the first team to win the tournament back to back in its newest format. They have also won the first double (La Liga and Champions League titles in the same year) in over sixty years. Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to ever score in three separate Champions League Finals. This achievement, along with the two titles that he has won with Real, make Ronaldo’s case for this year’s Ballon d’Or (an award for the best men’s soccer player of the year) almost undeniable. Furthermore, Real Madrid have prevented Buffon from winning the only title that has eluded him. “Los Blancos” have proven, once again, that they are the best team in the world. Nevertheless, their [Real Madrid] hard work never stops, and they are already preparing for next season.