5 Things We Learned From Real Madrid's Emphatic Win Over Juventus in the 2017 Champions League Final

A record-breaking night in Cardiff saw Real Madrid win back-to-back Champions League trophies with a brutal 4-1 demolition of Juventus.

Zinedine Zidane's men were slow to grow into the game, but once they did, there was no stopping them as they went on to retain their European crown and killed off the Bianconeri's hopes of winning their first ever treble.



Here are five things we learned from Saturday's historic final:
5. King Cristiano Reigns Supreme Once Again

Where do you even start with Mr Ronaldo?

The Portuguese international has had an astonishing 12 months and continues to smash records at will. His two goals on Saturday means he is first player to score in three champions league finals. Not only that, but he reached 600 career goals in Cardiff and has an unbelievable record in the latter stages of the Champions League.

There's an annoying debate about Ronaldo and Lionel Messi and whilst comparisons between the two are odious, it's worth noting that the former's record in the last year is untouchable, and that he really is the current undisputed king of Europe.

4. Gianluigi Buffon's Last Chance of European Glory Goes Abegging

The fact that many neutrals were cheering on the Bianconeri simply because of their goalkeeper speaks volumes for just how great Gianluigi Buffon is.

The Italian is a giant of a man in every sense and Saturday was meant to be the day he finally added a Champions League winners medal to his collection.

The 39-year-old has won almost every competition going, whether it be World Cups or Scudettos, but the European crown continues to be elusive and it's now hard to see the legendary Buffon getting another shot at winning the trophy that so many wanted him to lift.
3. Mario Mandzukic Scores One of the All-Time Great Goals

Madrid's dominance was undoubtedly the story of the 2017 Champions League final, and yet it will perhaps be remembered for Mario Mandzukic's outrageous overhead kick in the first-half.

The Croatian has been rejuvenated this season in a new wide role, and scored one of the all-time great goals with an acrobatic effort that will rival any that have come before it.

For once though, lady luck wasn't on the Old Lady's side, and Mandzukic's stunning effort proved in vain as Juve barely troubled Keylor Navas thereafter.

It is perhaps testament then to Los Blancos' superb performance that it took a goal of that quality to briefly leave them tottering.

2. Yet More Heartbreak for Juventus as the Great Wall of Turin Collapses at the Final Hurdle

On paper, this Juventus side looked well-equipped to deal with the attacking prowess of the holders. Despite a poor record in European finals, many had Massimiliano Allegri's men down as favourites, but incredibly the Bianconeri's reliable defence wilted under second half pressure.

The Serie A champions conceded more goals in Saturday's final than they had previously in the entire competition and in truth, they were second best for much of the final 45 minutes.

It's now five straight defeats in European finals for Juventus, who coincidentally suffered a crushing 4-1 defeat in their previous appearance.

They may not like it but the chokers tag is now very much attached to Italy's biggest club.

1. History Breaking Real Madrid are the Best Team in Europe

There can be no doubting (if there ever was) that this Real Madrid side are the best team in European football. They became the first side ever to retain the Champions League, and have now won European club football's elite competition three times in the last four seasons.

The achievements of the 12 times winners should not go underestimated, and whilst they may not always convince their doubters, their record in recent seasons suggests it's time that this current crop of players go down as one of the all-time best teams that Europe has ever seen.