On June 3, 2017, Juventus faced Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League Final at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. Real Madrid secured a 4-1 victory, becoming the first team to win back-to-back Champions League titles in the modern era and claiming their 12th European Cup.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Juventus: 1 (Mario Mandžukić 27′)
- Real Madrid: 4 (Cristiano Ronaldo 20′, 64′, Casemiro 61′, Marco Asensio 90′)
- Possession:
- Real Madrid had 55% possession, while Juventus had 45%. Madrid’s control of the ball allowed them to dictate the pace of the match, particularly in the second half when they took control of the game.
- Shots:
- Real Madrid registered 18 shots, with 6 on target, reflecting their attacking prowess and ability to capitalize on their chances. Juventus had 9 shots, with 1 on target, showing that while they created opportunities, they struggled to test Madrid’s goalkeeper, Keylor Navas, consistently.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Real Madrid had a passing accuracy of 89%, completing 521 passes out of 586 attempts. Juventus had a passing accuracy of 85%, completing 393 passes out of 462 attempts. Madrid’s superior passing allowed them to maintain control and break down Juventus’ typically resolute defense.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Real Madrid made 13 tackles compared to Juventus’ 15, showcasing Juventus’ efforts to disrupt Madrid’s play. However, Madrid’s defense, led by Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane, effectively contained Juventus’ attacks after the first half.
- Set Pieces:
- Real Madrid’s goals came from both open play and set-piece opportunities. Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring in the 20th minute with a precise finish after a well-worked move involving Dani Carvajal and Karim Benzema. Juventus equalized with a stunning overhead kick from Mario Mandžukić in the 27th minute, one of the most memorable goals in Champions League final history. However, Madrid regained the lead in the 61st minute when Casemiro’s long-range shot deflected off Sami Khedira and into the net. Ronaldo added a third goal with a clinical finish in the 64th minute, and Marco Asensio sealed the victory with a late goal in the 90th minute after a cross from Marcelo.
- Individual Performances:
- Cristiano Ronaldo was the standout performer for Real Madrid, scoring two goals and leading the team’s attack with his usual efficiency. Luka Modrić and Toni Kroos controlled the midfield, dictating the tempo of the game. Casemiro was crucial in breaking up Juventus’ play and scored the pivotal second goal. For Juventus, Mario Mandžukić’s goal was the highlight, but the team struggled to maintain their intensity in the second half.
- Tactical Overview:
- Real Madrid, under Zinedine Zidane, employed a 4-3-3 formation, focusing on controlling the midfield and using the width provided by their full-backs and wingers. Juventus, managed by Massimiliano Allegri, used a 3-4-3 formation, which morphed into a 4-2-3-1 in defense, aiming to exploit the pace and creativity of their forwards. However, Madrid’s tactical adjustments in the second half, particularly their midfield dominance, overwhelmed Juventus.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw four yellow cards, three for Juventus (Paulo Dybala 12′, Miralem Pjanić 66′, Juan Cuadrado 84′) and one for Real Madrid (Sergio Ramos 31′). Cuadrado was later sent off after receiving a second yellow card in the 84th minute following an altercation with Sergio Ramos.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Real Madrid won 7 corners compared to Juventus’ 3, reflecting their sustained pressure in the second half. Both teams were caught offside twice, indicating their attempts to break through the opposition’s defense.
Summary
Real Madrid’s 4-1 victory over Juventus in the UEFA Champions League Final was a masterclass in both attacking and defensive football. The win secured Madrid’s 12th European Cup and their second consecutive Champions League title, a feat unprecedented in the modern era.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s two goals, combined with strikes from Casemiro and Marco Asensio, ensured Madrid’s dominance, particularly in the second half when they took control of the match. Juventus started brightly and equalized with a spectacular goal from Mario Mandžukić, but they were unable to maintain their momentum, as Madrid’s midfield took over and their attack proved too potent.
Zinedine Zidane’s tactical adjustments at halftime were crucial, as Madrid overpowered Juventus after the break. Juventus, despite their strong start, were left chasing the game and struggled to cope with Madrid’s intensity and clinical finishing.
The victory solidified Real Madrid’s status as Europe’s dominant force and capped off a remarkable season under Zidane. For Juventus, the defeat was a bitter disappointment, marking another near-miss in their quest for European glory, as they fell short in the final for the second time in three years.
