Juventus enjoyed much success, with Marcello Lippi guiding the team to the Serie A title for the second season in a row, finishing seven points ahead of Inter and 11 in front of A.C. Milan and, in Europe, reaching the Champions League Final after eliminating powerhouses like Barcelona and Real Madrid en route. In the all-Italian final, Juventus faced Milan and were beaten in a penalty shoot-out after a goalless draw. It was the fourth time that Lippi had led Juventus to the Champions League final (winning in 1996 but losing in 1997 and 1998).