No club had ever won the UEFA Champions League in consecutive seasons since it had been rebranded and revamped from the European Cup in 1992. Indeed, nobody had done it in either incarnation of the competition since AC Milan won it in 1989 and 1990. And no other club had been European champions a dozen times before.

Real Madrid pulled off both on Saturday, beating Juventus 4-1 in a scintillating final in Cardiff, Wales.

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Cristiano Ronaldo scored a pair of goals for Real – his 11th and 12th of the competition, 104th and 105th in Europe all time to extend his own record and the 599th and 600th of his club and international careers. Those goals, a deflected Casemiro shot and a late Marco Asensio tally overwhelmed Mario Mandzukic’s wonder goal for Juventus. And that made it three Real Champions League titles in four years and a dozen overall. No other club has more than seven (AC Milan).

Juventus already held the record for most lost Champions League finals with six. This seventh defeat was also its fifth in a row – 1997, ’98, ’03, ’15, ’17 – and its second in three years. Juve’s iconic 39-year-old goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has now lost three finals with the club in his storied career.

Going into the game, even casual fans understood that there was every chance that this final would be regressive, cagey and, well, boring. That’s how big finals very often go. That’s how Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United secured the Europa League trophy a week earlier. With a cynical game plan that ruthlessly capitalized on the attacking intent of the opposition. “Poets don’t win many titles,” the Portuguese serial title-winner declared after the game, in his signature blend of brazenness and quotability.

Real are champions of Europe for a record 12th time. (Getty Images)

Story continues

But neither Real manager Zinedine Zidane, one of the finest playmakers in the game’s history, nor his Juve counterpart Max Allegri, who is utterly un-Italian in his aesthetic soccer sensibilities, heeded that received wisdom. If this Juventus is famous for its impregnable defense, it also boasts an attacking machinery rivaled by few clubs in the world. Real Madrid, of course, excels on both fronts.

Juventus made a surprisingly aggressive start, highlighted by a Gonzalo Higuain dribble through the middle. His lashed shot at Keylor Navas’s goal was scrambled up on the second attempt by the Costa Rican goalkeeper.

appears Higuain is in the mood.. pic.twitter.com/HKMAHjd3cF — amadí ???? (@amadoit__) June 3, 2017





Navas prevented an early Juventus goal a second time in the sixth minute, when an extended Juve attack pinned Real back and eventually presented Miralem Pjanic with a half-volley. Navas got to it in spite of the speed and spin on the ball.

There was a temerity and a joy to Juve’s play that we’ve not historically expected from Italian teams, especially not in big finals. Paulo Dybala backheel-nutmegging an opponent in his own half, for instance, suggested that for its defensive stoutness Allegri’s Juventus side has evolved into something un-Italian. Something post-Italian, perhaps.





But Real wouldn’t be Real if it didn’t capitalize on its vast experience with high-stakes games like this and convert its one early chance. Ronaldo, defended ever so tightly until then, received the ball outside the box in the 20th minute, hit the overlapping Dani Carvajal on his right and got it back in the pocket between Juve’s lines he opened up by slowing his run.

He slotted his low shot into the far corner, past the sprawling Buffon.

WATCH: Cristiano Ronaldo does the honors (again) in a #UCLfinal for Real Madrid (via @FoxSoccer) https://t.co/v0Kl69m1q1 — Planet Fútbol (@si_soccer) June 3, 2017





Real Madrid takes a 1-0 lead in the #UCLfinal:

– 16 seconds

– 8 passes

– 7 players

– 1 Ronaldo goal pic.twitter.com/AcxHwDhcbC — ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 3, 2017





That made Ronaldo the first player to score in three Champions League finals – after he’d scored five times in the quarterfinals against Bayern Munich and three times against Atletico Madrid in the semis, mind you. It was also only the second goal conceded by Juve in the knockout stage.

For the skill and team choreography in that Real goal, however, there was no competing with Juve’s equalizer seven minutes later, in the 27th. Few such goals were ever scored when a European title was on the line, or indeed any other time.

Alex Sandro volleyed in a cross from deep on the Pjanic long ball. Higuain chested it and kept it in the air for Mandzukic, who chested it as well, and then bicycle kicked it over Navas and into the net just under the upright before it ever touched the ground.

Have you EVER seen a better goal in a #UCLfinal? Take a bow, Juventus. ???????????? https://t.co/FURVvwOHMD — FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 3, 2017





here's the buildup to that goal. the ball. never. touches. the. ground. pic.twitter.com/1YDZCALJkd — amadí ???? (@amadoit__) June 3, 2017





It was a goal of a beauty not seen in the European title game since Zidane himself volleyed Real to the Champions League trophy in the 2002 final. The Frenchman, by the way, won his third European title with the club – one as a player and two in just a season and a half as manager.

Juventus seemed to abandon its attacking intent in the second half, though, initially taking a cagier approach that, for a while, turned the game into a festival of hard tackles. But Real, which had controlled possession in the first half, seized the edge in chances in the second half as well, as the Spaniards lay siege to Buffon’s penalty area.

Just after the hour, Casemiro unleashed a speculative long shot. It took a savage deflection off Sami Khedira’s heel, imparting a tight spin that swirled the ball just out of Buffon’s range.

Casemiro with the blast. Khedira with the deflection. Buffon beaten. #UCLfinal https://t.co/V2k1pDnsyQ — FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 3, 2017





And three minutes later, the deed was done as Ronaldo got his second. The outstanding Luka Modric reached the back line and managed to cut the ball back into the Portuguese’s path. He had spotted a seam in Juve’s typically tight three-man back line, met the ball and cleanly redirected it into the net.

Ronaldo's second goal of the game and 12th of this #UCL season gives Real a 2-goal lead! Game over? #UCLfinal https://t.co/pgmczPC7wZ — FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) June 3, 2017





Juve’s re-commitment to pushing forward following the third goal was too long in waiting and ultimately toothless. And whatever venom was left in a side seemingly aware that it was already beaten seeped away when Juan Cuadrado managed to get himself sent off with a second yellow card in the 85th minute, after coming on in the second half.

In the 90th minute, Marco Asensio confirmed this with a fourth Real goal, finishing off a clever bit of play from Marcelo.





Real, again, was the deserving European champion. And now that it has almost twice as many continental crowns as any other club, there can be no doubt about the identity of the most successful soccer team in the world – as if any remained. Just as Ronaldo confirmed his greatness, should it not have already been established well before Saturday.

Europe has a new soccer champion. Same as the old champion.

Leander Schaerlaeckens is a Yahoo Sports soccer columnist. Follow him on Twitter @LeanderAlphabet. </s> Two European giants Real Madrid and Juventus are set to battle each other at the 2016-17 UEFA Champions League final in Cardiff on Saturday, June 3, in a game regarded as world biggest club football competition.

Domestic champions of Spain and Italy respectively, the teams set to contest the showcase at the Millennium Stadium.

Madrid will enter the game as slight favourites due to the influence the French tactician, Zinedine Zidane has had over the Spanish capital city club in the last 12 months.

The 2017 final is a repeat of the 1998 showpiece, with holders Real Madrid aiming to be the first team to retain the UEFA Champions League title and Juventus seeking to get a revenge and win a third European crown.

The 2016/17 UEFA Champions League final pits the season’s top scorers, holders Real Madrid, against a Juventus side who have conceded just three goals en route to the final in Cardiff.

The Bianconeri are set to make this season Champions League final there third in history and second since the competition has been renamed, Real Madrid are keen on breaking the jinx of no team have been able to reclaim the UCL trophy since it has been renamed.

Real are regarded as king of Champions League finals, with their current attacking strength that have scored 31 goals in 13 games on their way to the finals and look set to claim another European cup.

Juventus on the other hand have conceded just three goals on their road to the final as well, showing how disciple the team is defensively and will be out to do the same against Real Madrid when the two sides file up against each other.

Cristiano Ronaldo with 10 goals will be aiming to add to his tally by either equaling or overtake Lionel Messi as the competition’s top scorer, some football enthusiast might not see that happening against a formidable defensive side like Juventus.

Juventus’ top scorer is ex-Real Madrid man Gonzalo Higuain with five, as his teams is known for their solidity in defense than attack.

With all the stats given, it has been said that most final have always been decided on attitude, determination, concentration and discipline.

No doubt, both sides want to win the Champions league to cap their fine run this season. Gianluigi Buffon and Cristiano Ronaldo will be counting on their teammate to win these tournament which will help boost their chances of winning the ”BALLON D OR” award, Massimiliano Allegri will be eyeing the trophy at the second time of asking while Zinedine Zidane is also looking to make history as the first manager to win the new edition back to back.

The French coach has the entire Los Blancos team playing cohesively, with world-class stars ready to win the competition for the La Liga side.

Juventus should not be written off, with Max Allegri’s men already knocking title favourites, Barcelona out of the competition in the quarterfinals shows the team have the pedigree to win the final.

The Bianconeri boast world football’s most-tenacious defence, with the likes of Gianluigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci keeping Lionel Messi and Barcelona scoreless for 180 minutes.

The game should be a celebration of all things that are good about football – two historic clubs steeped in prestige, world-class players and the biggest stage.

History will be made come June 3rd, as there would be only one winner at the end of the day, but the question is; who will it be Juventus or Real Madrid?

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Also, Like us on facebook </s> Juventus will face Real Madrid in the Champions League final in Cardiff, Wales, on Saturday, June 3, 2017.

Eighth “revenge match”: There have been eight repeat European Cup/Champions League finals, but only three teams have been able to make amends for their first defeat.

Juventus arrive to another final with the aim of getting the treble after winning their sixth straight Scudetto and after beating Lazio in the Coppa Italia final.

Italian rivals AC Milan had just won Europe’s top trophy three times in close succession and, in an era when Serie A was Europe’s undisputed top league, Juventus wanted, perhaps needed, to follow suit and dominate the continent.

Real Madrid is set as the favorite in Sports Interaction’s soccer odds. Pjaca is the only player unavailable.

When Madrid flew to Turin for the second leg of their Champions League semi-final in 2003, the “Galacticos” appeared on the brink of yet another memorable conquest. He is a good friend and I am really happy he could achieve in one-and-a-half years so many titles. And although Juventus’ defence has been imperious throughout this competition, they only need to switch off for a second for Ronaldo to change the course of this final. Thus if Bale plays, and you know he wants to in his home country, it likely would be as a substitute.

“With the 4-3-3 you can play more from the sides, with two players on the wings in the front”, midfielder Toni Kroos said.

“If I did 10 good games, that was self-evident”.

– The final will be broadcast in more than 200 countries, with an expected “live” average of 160 million viewers.

Zidane had been part of two title-winning teams in his opening two years at the club, but his last three years brought only the obscure UEFA Intertoto Cup.

Ramos scored a 93rd-minute equaliser in the 2014 final against Atletico Madrid to extend the game into extra time.

Still, at the top of their game there can be no doubting the Brazilian full-backs are absolutely elite level both defensively and going forward, while Ramos’ knack for big-game goals just gets him in ahead of the excellent Giorgio Chiellini.

Last year, he scored in regulation time and converted a penalty kick in the shootout won by Madrid, also against Atletico.

Since Zinedine Zidane took charge of Real Madrid, the team has been more functional, more cohesive and ultimately more successful.

When Cristiano Ronaldo runs onto the field at the Millennium Stadium, he’ll being trying to break new ground on some familiar territory.

It will be a attractive final, between two of the biggest teams in the world. He made mistakes during the season that gave critics reason to question him, but proved his worth in the decisive stages of both the Spanish league and the Champions League, making hard saves at key moments to keep Madrid in contention for both titles.

Juve has been consistent all tournament, while Real Madrid has been hot-and-cold – it didn’t even win its group. </s> CARDIFF (Reuters) - Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Real Madrid beat Juventus 4-1 in a memorable Champions League final full of attacking verve and brilliant goals on Saturday as the Spaniards won the title for the third time in four years and 12th in all.

Portugal forward Ronaldo hit Real’s first and third goals to become only the second man to score in three European Cup finals and take his career goal tally to 600 for club and country.

Few of those will have matched Mario Mandzukic’s spectacular overhead equaliser for Juventus, which was eventually in vain for the Italian side who had the best of the first half before being swept aside in the second.

A long-range deflected effort by Casemiro and a neat finish by the irrepressible Ronaldo within four minutes effectively settled one of the most entertaining finals for years, with a late tap-in by substitute Marco Asensio adding the gloss.

The victory means Real are the first team to successfully defend the trophy in the Champions League era. AC Milan were the last team to retain Europe’s top prize when they triumphed in 1989 and 1990.

“It’s been a spectacular year, you couldn’t dream of anything better,” said Real coach Zinedine Zidane.

“We won the (Spanish) league on the very last day. It’s very difficult to reach the Champions League final two years running, but we did that.”

“The first half was difficult, but in the second we were quickly superior. We pressed a lot more and physically we won the game there too, so I’m very happy.”

It was heartbreak again for Juve, however, who were seeking a treble after winning the Italian league and cup. They came away as losers for the seventh time in nine European Cup finals having also lost to Barcelona in 2015.

The Italians let in more goals on Saturday than the three they had conceded in the 12 games they played to reach the final as a much-vaunted Real attack versus Juve defense scenario went emphatically in Madrid’s favor.

REAL STRIKE

Juventus looked the more adventurous side in the first 20 minutes but it was Real who struck first after the sort of trigonometric build-up that coaches write books about.

Ronaldo was at the heart of it, playing the ball into the path of Dani Carvajal who cut it straight back to allow the Portuguese forward to sweep the ball sweetly into the far corner.

That made Ronaldo the second man to score in three finals, after Alfredo Di Stefano, who netted in five in a row for Real in the 1950s.

Ronaldo’s effort was eclipsed seven minutes later by one of the all-time great final goals.

Juve center back Leonardo Bonucci drove a long diagonal ball which Alex Sandro reached and cushioned back across the box.

Britain Soccer Football - Juventus v Real Madrid - UEFA Champions League Final - The National Stadium of Wales, Cardiff - June 3, 2017 Real Madrid celebrate with the trophy after winning the UEFA Champions League Final Reuters / Pawel Kopczynski Livepic

With another volley Gonzalo Higuain knocked it to Croatia striker Mandzukic, who took a touch on his chest and, with his back to goal, struck a stunning bicycle kick that looped over Real keeper Keylor Navas.

The ball did not touch the ground between leaving Bonucci’s boot and hitting the net.

The Juventus fans in the 72,000 crowd erupted, ramping up the atmosphere that was already crackling under the closed stadium roof.

DIFFERENT STORY

It was a different story after the break, however, and though Juve’s drilled defense initially kept Real at arm’s length, they were undone by a two-goal salvo.

Casemiro made it 2-1 after 61 minutes when his deflected long-range wrong-footed veteran keeper Gianluigi Buffon - who has now lost in three finals - and Ronaldo swept in the third at the near post after a great run and cross by Luka Modric.

Juventus then wilted and finished with 10 men after Juan Cuadrado was sent off in the 84th minute – 18 minutes after coming on as a substitute – following a second booking for the mildest of pushes on defender Sergio Ramos, whose theatrics left a sour taste on an otherwise uplifting occasion.

Asensio tucked in the fourth goal after Marcelo had charged to the byline and Real’s dominance was complete.

“Again, I’ve had an amazing season,” said Ronaldo. “Me and my team mates have done the double. The numbers don’t lie. I’m very happy – an amazing season, we’ve won trophies.

Slideshow (10 Images)

“This is one of the best moments of my career – I have the chance to say this every year.”

After a positive start it turned into a hugely frustrating night for Juventus and their coach Max Allegri.

“My only criticism of my team is that after the second goal we should have found a solution to stay in the game,” he said.

“But Real Madrid have important players and when they have a player who wins the Ballon d’Or (Ronaldo) it’s a huge advantage.” </s> Cardiff: Juventus' 4-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League final was dubbed a “galactic disappointment” by Italian media but should prove to be more of a reality check than the end of an era for the Turin club.

A seventh loss in nine finals in Europe’s leading club tournament leaves the Turin side, who recently claimed their sixth straight Serie A title, looking for ways to turn their domestic dominance into glory on the continent.

Saturday's 4-1 scoreline was somewhat harsh on Max Allegri’s team who had put on an excellent first-half display, going in 1-1 after a wonderful equaliser from Croatian forward Mario Mandzukic.

“It seemed the start of a fairytale night but instead, after the break, Juventus disappeared from the scene and the domination of Real was total,” wrote the daily Corriere dello Sport.

“The nightmare of Juventus took over another haunted night,” wrote La Repubblica, referring to the club’s run of losing five finals since they last lifted the crown in 1996.

Not surprisingly, the focus has turned to how Juventus might be able to strengthen their squad in order to offer a stronger challenge against Europe’s best next season.

The tone taken by Allegri suggests a big overhaul is unlikely, however.

"No I don't think Juve have reached the end of a cycle at all," the coach said after the game.

"(Gianluigi) Buffon will still be goalie next season and (Andrea) Barzagli with be with us for another year. They still have lots to give this club but we can improve the team.

"We all need to rest now but after the holidays we will return with new drive and stimulus."

Still, it would be no surprise to see Juventus set out to strengthen their midfield, where Sami Khedira looks to have fallen below the standards he showed in his time at Real, and in attack where Gonzalo Higuain, despite his consistency at domestic level, was once again largely ineffective on a big occasion. </s> It's match day in Cardiff where Juventus and Real Madrid will face off in the Champions League final at the Millenium Stadium.

Madrid have featured in three finals in the past four seasons, winning in 2014 and 2016. Now, Madrid are looking to become the first team to retain a Champions League title and win a record-extending 12th European Cup.

Juventus are chasing their third title, having not won European football's top prize since 1996. The Italian side lost to Barcelona on their last visit to the final in 2015.

Ten of thousands of fans are descending on the Welsh capital for the match, with limited hotel capacity to accommodate them.

With a population of just 350,000, Cardiff is one of the smallest cities to host a Champions League final.

Completing a season when age has slowly caught up with him, Cristiano Ronaldo will be trying to break new ground on familiar territory.

When the Real Madrid forward takes to the pitch to face Juventus on Saturday, it will be the fifth Champions League final in nine years for the three-time winner.

One thing is already certain to change on Saturday: The continent's showpiece will be contested under a closed roof, with Cardiff authorities guarding against the possibility of a drone attack.

It won't be a new experience for Ronaldo, though. He was a regular visitor to the Welsh national stadium during his Manchester United career while it staged English football's finals, although the only time he played under cover he lost. The 2005 FA Cup final was also the only one of Ronaldo's four visits with United that he didn't score and emerge victorious.

It was a rare setback in a career that continues to deliver, even as the 32-year-old forward has had to increasingly accept being on the sidelines to stay fresh for the big occasions. It's hard to argue because Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane's squad rotation system has netted Madrid the Spanish league title and yet another Champions League final.

"Obviously what I want the most is to play more freely up front," Ronaldo said, "and that is the opportunity Zinedine Zidane has been giving me as a No 9. I play freely. I play on the wing, down the middle. I play whenever I think I should."

Ronaldo, however, is unlikely to find much freedom against Juventus, a team with one of the best defenses in soccer. In 12 European games this season, Juventus have only conceded three goals and are looking to become the first undefeated champion since Manchester United in 2008.

At the heart of that Juventus defense is a guy looking to become the oldest Champions League winner: 39-year-old goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. A European title is the one of the few major prizes to elude the Italian in an illustrious career that has seen him lose two Champions League finals.

"I'm a young boy even though I'm 39 years old," Buffon said through a translator in Cardiff. "Many people think about my very long career ... I got more than I gave, but that would be the perfect finale and people like fairytales."

Madrid will be facing a sturdy defense supported by a formidable attacking unit led by Paulo Dybala. The Argentine, who has drawn inevitable comparisons with Lionel Messi, has scored four goals in 10 European appearances this season.

Dybala has thrived since Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri changed the team's formation to accommodate their attacking talents. Dybala joined Juan Cuadrado and Mario Mandzukic in a trio sitting just behind Gonzalo Higuain, while Miralem Pjanic has been behind them alongside Sami Khedira.

"The 4-2-3-1 formation came to me the moment I realised our team wouldn't progress any further if we kept the old tactics and formation," Allegri said. "I assessed our players' strengths and I tried to put them on the pitch in their favorite positions and I also tried to encourage our attacking skills."

A sixth consecutive Serie A title has already been won. Now it's about preventing a repeat of the 2015 final loss to Barcelona with a much-changed squad. </s> Juventus have returned to Turin following their heavy Champions League final defeat by Real Madrid.

The Old Lady received a heroes welcome from their fans two years ago despite being beaten by Barcelona in Berlin, but the mood was far more subdued at the city's Caselle airport on Sunday.

Many supporters were still hurting from a chastening second half at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, where three unanswered goals resulted in a record fifth final defeat in the Champions League era.

Several players were pictured departing their team bus having made the four-hour flight from Cardiff to Turin on Sunday, with veteran keeper Gianluigi Buffon among those waving at supporters who had turned up to greet their stars.

Defender Leonardo Bonucci and midfielder Claudio Marchisio followed suit, wearing casual navy shirts, with dark trousers and shades, as the players returned back in Italy to reflect on a familiar feeling.

Buffon seems destined never to be a European champion at club level, having suffered a third Champions League final defeat with Juve.

The Serie A giants have enjoyed a successful season having secured another domestic double, but Massimiliano Allegri's side missed out on the opportunity of winning the ultimate treble for the first time.

Buffon has vowed to fight on, admitting he has only 'one more chance' of winning the Champions League, but the nearly men of elite European competition were deservedly beaten by Zinedine Zidane's all-conquering side.

Defeated at the final hurdle in 2003 and 2015, the 39-year-old keeper admitted in the build-up to the Cardiff showdown he could not let slip this chance to finally get hold of the only major trophy to elude him.

But after the loss, he said: 'We are disappointed. We played very well in the first half, we thought we had enough to win the game.

'I cannot explain why we played like we did in the second half. Real Madrid deserved to win in the second half.

'They showed their class and the attitude needed to play in this kind of game.'

Juve had only conceded three goals en route to Wales, only for their miserly defence to be ruthlessly exposed by the Spanish champions.

Coach Massimiliano Allegri said: 'I don't think Juventus have reached the end of a cycle at all.

'Buffon and (Andrea) Barzagli will still be with us next year and they still have a lot to give us.

'Clearly we need to improve the team to achieve a higher level of technical skill - but after the holidays we'll go back to work with a new stimulus. Football gives you the chance to go again next year.'

But there is no denying that, with an average age of nearly 31, second only to AC Milan's 2007 team as the oldest in the Champions League era, there is a sense that fresh faces will be needed if the club are to shake off their bridesmaids tag.

There were chaotic scenes in Turin on Saturday night in the aftermath of the 4-1 defeat, in which a firecracker caused around 1,000 people to be reported injured from an ensuing stampede in the city's San Carlo square.

Bianconeri coach Allegri said: 'I'd just like to say that we feel for what happened to our fans in Turin.

'There was an incident there and we're hoping not too many people were injured seriously and we are hoping that they get better very soon.'

The majority of Allegri's squad will take a short time off before joining up with their national teams for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers this week. </s> Real Madrid go for their record third straight title of the Champions League era, but they must get by the highest-scoring team in the tournament's history in Liverpool.

Real Madrid play for their third consecutive UEFA Champions League title — which would be a record in the Champions League era — but to win it, they must get past Liverpool, the team that scored more goals than any team ever to play in the Europe’s elite tournament, as the UEFA Champions League Final will live stream from 70,000-seat Olimpiyskiy National Sports Complex in Kiev, Ukraine on Saturday.

Liverpool scored a stunning 46 goals with 10 of them coming from Premier League scoring champion Mo Salah, the major reason the Reds who finished fourth on the domestic table will play in their first Champions League Final in 11 years.

But Liverpool remains the most successful English team on the European stage, with five continent-wide championships. But only one of those came in the Champions League era, which began in 1992, when Liverpool defeated AC Milan in 2004. The English side returned to the Champions League Final three years later, but fell to Milan in that title match.

Liverpool enters this contest tipped as underdogs by the oddsmakers, which seems unsurprising given that they are facing the reigning, back-to-back European champions — a club that has a record 12 European championships in their trophy case.

To find out how to watch alive stream of the Real Madrid vs. Liverpool 2018 UEFA Champions League Final, see the streaming instructions at the bottom of this article. Kickoff for the biggest game of the year in European soccer is scheduled for 9:45 p.m. Eastern European Summer Time at NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium in Kiev, Ukraine, on Saturday, May 26. In the United Kingdom, that start time will be 7:45 p.m. British Summer Time, while fans in the United States can log in to the live stream at 2:25 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, or 11:45 a.m. Pacific.

While Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has a chance to win his fifth UEFA Champions League title, more than any other single player since 1992, Liverpool Manager Jurgen Klopp is battling a personal curse. Klopp has been on the losing end of his last five championship final matches in all tournaments. But Klopp says his side enters the game with full confidence in their ability to send the defending champs home on the losing side.

“Experience is very important and I’m pretty sure a second before the game Madrid will be more confident than us. But it doesn’t matter because the game doesn’t stop there, it only starts,” Klopp said. “They’ve not played us and we are Liverpool — not only a good football team, but we have in our DNA to go for big things.”

Watch a “by the numbers” preview of the Real Madrid vs Liverpool 2018 UEFA Champions League Final in the video below.

To watch a live stream of the Real Madrid vs. Liverpool FC UEFA Champions League Final match, use the stream provided by Fox Sports Go at this link. Bear in mind that accessing the Fox Sports Go live stream requires login credentials from a cable or satellite TV provider subscription.

To watch the spectacular Real Madrid vs. Liverpool UEFA Champions League Final showdown stream live for free without a cable subscription, fans should sign up for a free trial of an “over the top” streaming TV package such as Sling TV at this link, YouTube TV at this link, or DirecTV Now, which can be accessed by clicking here. All three of the “internet TV” services require credit card information and subscription fees — but they all offer seven-day free trial periods, and if the subscription is canceled prior to the expiration of that free week, fans can watch the Real Madrid vs. Liverpool match live stream at no charge.

In the U.K., a live stream of the Real Madrid vs. Liverpool match will be carried by BT Sport, and may be accessed inside the U.K. only, at this link. </s> Ajax head coach Erik ten Hag labelled his side's 4-1 win over Real Madrid as "pretty close to perfection" as they dumped the Champions League holders out of the competition.

The Dutch side trailed 2-1 after the first leg of their last-16 tie in Amsterdam, but a sensational performance at the Santiago Bernabeu in the return fixture saw them through to the quarter-finals and bring Real’s three-year grip on the trophy to a stunning end.

Hakim Ziyech and David Neres scored inside the first 20 minutes to put the Eredivisie side in front on aggregate.

Former Southampton forward Dusan Tadic – brilliant in creating the first two goals – then added a third for Ajax shortly after the hour mark.

Marco Asensio brought Real Madrid back into the game but that was swiftly followed by a spectacular Lasse Schone free-kick, allowing Ajax to coast to a famous 5-3 aggregate victory that had boss Ten Hag purring.

"This was pretty close to perfection," he told Veronica TV after the game. "Over the two matches, we definitely deserved to progress to the next round. I enjoyed watching my team immensely this evening.”

The Dutch champions, four-time winners of the competition, hadn’t featured in the knockout stages of the Champions League for 13 years.

But their thrilling victory in the Spanish capital means they go through to the Champions League quarter-finals for the first time since 2003, where they were beaten by eventual winners Milan.

Speaking about Ajax’s ambitions for the rest of the competition, Ten Hag refused to put a limit on what they could achieve this campaign.

"Let's not forget that we started in the qualifying rounds. But we are still in the running for three prizes and we want to win them all,” he added.

"I have no influence on the draw, so I'm not going to think about it. All the possible opponents are big teams - but so were Real Madrid."

Next up for Ajax is a return to Eredivisie action against Fortuna Sittard at Johan Cruyff Arena on Sunday.

Ten Hag’s side are currently second in the table, five points behind leaders PSV Eindhoven, with a game in hand.
In football, Real Madrid defeats Juventus 4–1. The Spanish team becomes the first to win back-to-back titles since the competition became known as the Champions League, and to win their 12th title in the competition.