Cristiano Ronaldo inspires Real Madrid to record 12th Champions League success

Well that brings an end to our Champions League final live blog. Success for Real Madrid once again, and heartache for Juventus whose wait for European glory continues.

That also bring a close to our coverage of the 2016-17 club season. Thanks to all of you who have joined us over the past nine months in whatever form it might be and we hope you will return for the new campaign. which gets underway in a little over two months. Can't wait.

Real Madrid lift the Champions League which confirms them as European champions for a 12th time and a third time in four seasons. Sergio Ramos has his selfie stick, there are more indoor fireworks and Juventus' players stand and stare. It's all rather upsetting.

Now the Real Madrid players are given their medals. Behind them Uefa have already erected the club's crest. Casemiro is among those players to kiss the trophy on their way through.

The stage that the Black Eyed Peas graced before kick-off is back and we're onto the trophy presentation. After the officials there is the Juventus team, whose supporters many of whom have already taken their leave - which is sad. A word for Gigi Buffon, who is now three European Cup finals without a victory.

The emotions could not be starker on the outfield in Cardiff. To my right is the disconsolate set of Juventus players, and to my right is a jubilant group of Real Madrid players celebrating with their families and the travelling fans behind them. Cristiano Ronaldo is the man-of-the-match by the way, if there wasn't already any doubt.

Full time: Juventus 1-4 Real Madrid - Real Madrid win the Champions League

Real Madrid win their 12th European Cup and become the first side to defend the trophy in 26 years. Cristiano Ronaldo did the damage with two goals in each half, with Casemiro and Marco Asensio both registering in the second period.

Mario Mandzukic did illuminate the final with a special volley but frank after he equalised Real took complete control and dominated thereafter. Gianluigi Buffon is denied for the third time in a European final.

GOAL! Juventus 1-4 Real Madrid (Marco Asensio)

Cherry on top for Juventus. Marcelo picks up the second ball, drives to the byline and crosses for Asensio - who has barely touched the ball since coming on a moment ago, who slots into a near-empty net.

Alvaro Morata, another player with a foot in both clubs' camp, on for Toni Kroos for the final few minutes. Real Madrid are going to win their 12th European Cup here.

Sergio Ramos should be pretty ashamed of himself for his part in that Cuadrado red card after he fell to the floor like a damsel in distress. His team are 3-1 up, they're going to win the game; he doesn't need to act like that. Very poor.

Red card: Juan Cuadrado (Juventus)

The sheer volume of yellow cards means a red was inevitable but on this occasion it is hugely unjust. Ramos tackles Cuadrado and on his way to retrieve the ball he moves the Spaniard out of the way, and the referee decides the contact warrants a second booking and the former Chelsea man is off. He's not even been on 20 minutes.

Gareth Bale almost ensures his cameo is marked with a goal as he almost latches onto Ronaldo's cross, but Bonucci hacks the ball clear. Just about the only time Juve have denied Real an effort on goal.

Half a chance for Juventus as Sandro heads wide from Alves' free-kick. With eight minute left, that might be their last chance.

Karim Benzema off and Gareth Bale is given 13 minutes on his return to Cardiff. The Wales international is given a huge ovation as he takes to the field. Now a goal to cap off this Madrid win?

Ronaldo celebrates his second and Real Madrid's third in Cardiff.

Juventus have now conceded as many goals in one game as they have in their entire European campaign. Their race looks run here after a really intense, vibrant start to the game. Real have their foot on the ball now and look unlikely to let this slip. Juan Cuadrado and Claudio Marchisio are on for Allegri's side in an effort to overturn this deficit.

Casemiro celebrates putting Real Madrid into the lead for a second time.

GOAL! Juventus 1-3 Real Madrid (Cristiano Ronaldo)

Juventus have caved in and their Champions League hopes look dead and buried thanks to Ronaldo. Luke Modric breaks in behind as the Italian champions give the ball away in their own half and without even looking the Croatian crosses and Ronaldo right on cue sweeps the ball into the corner.

GOAL! Juventus 1-2 Real Madrid (Casemiro)

The reigning champions have dominated the second period and unlike Juventus in the first half they convert their authority. Juve only half clear the latest Real attack and the ball comes out to Casemiro fully 30 yards from goal and via a deflection off Sami Khedira - an ex-Madridista of course - is flies past Buffon.

Magnificent cross from Marcelo and Ronaldo is inches away from re-establishing Real Madrid's lead. Kroos and Modric are dictating for Real who are totally on top in this second half. Juventus can't get out of their half with Paulo Dybala anonymous out there.

I hope this is coming through however you might be following the match but the noise inside the Principality/Millennium Stadium is fantastic. Both sets of fans have had an moments of elation and with chances aplenty they're engaged as regular intervals.

This half really hasn't got going and we have another break in play as Kroos leaves his foot in on Sandro.

Finally a shot in anger as Luka Modric's strike is saved by Buffon. Can we get back to football now?

Chiellini back on for Juventus but given that he indicated he needed to come off you have to question whether that decision had been made in the best interests of the player.

Now Dani Alves is down after a challenge from Marcelo. The referee stops the game but as soon as the game is stopper the Brazilian gets to his feet.

Real Madrid start the second half on the front-foot and Isco gets in behind but it takes a challenge from Barzagli to hook the ball out for a corner.

A break in play meanwhile as Giorgio Chiellini receives treatment for a head injury after taking a ball in the face. The Italian is indicating he needs to come off so this could be an issue for the Old Lady.

Both sets of players out ahead of the second half. If we can have a second period which even remotely compares to the first then we're in for a treat. Back underway in Cardiff.

The chief broadcasters are playing the Mandzukic goal over and over from every possible angle during the half-time interval. So simple question, which final goal is better Zinedine Zidane's winner in the 2002 final, or Mandzukic's in Cardiff?

Half time: Juventus 1-1 Real Madrid

It's the Britain's Got Talent final on TV tonight. Meanwhile in Cardiff, it's Europe's Got Talent. Fabulous first 45 minutes in a Champions League final for the ages. An outstanding atmosphere supplemented by two superb goals, the first from Cristiano Ronaldo and a second which won't be beaten for a year and a day from Mario Mandzukic. Juventus have largely been the better side but Real are carving out opportunities at will. More of the same please.

Dani Carvajal the latest an in the book after fouling Mandzukic, who is still feeling the effects of an ankle injury he suffered just a moment ago. Slight lull in a game which has been a stunner from start to finish. A real joy to watch.

For those that aren't watch the feed at the top of this page [what have you been doing for the last 40 minutes?] here is the Mandzukic goal in all its glory. It's a bonafide stunner.

Juventus have already let Cristiano Ronaldo go untracked once, and were duly punished and they almost fall behind for a second time but the Portugal international back-post head is hopelessly off-target.

Mario Mandzukic spectacularly draws Juventus level in the first half.

GOAL! Juventus 1-1 Real Madrid (Mario Mandzukic)

Zinedine Zidane scored a sumptuous volley to win the Champions League 15 years ago and here is a goal to match that of the Frenchman - against his Real Madrid team. A first time cross from the left is teed up by Higuain to Mandzukic who takes one touch on his chest and hooks the ball on the volley over his head and into the corner beyond a despairing Navas. One of the great European Cup final goals and Juve are deservedly level.

Cristiano Ronaldo sweeps Real Madrid into the lead.

GOAL! Juventus 0-1 Real Madrid (Cristiano Ronaldo)

If you ever needed a reminded as to what makes Cristiano Ronaldo one of finest players of our era, just watch this goal. He's not had a sniff in the opening 20 minutes but after exchanging passes with Carvajal who sweeps the ball into the corner beyond Buffon, who dives to his right but is given no chance.

First decent spell of possession for Real Madrid as they build down the left, with Marcelo's cross being cleared by Bonucci. BBC in the way of everything so far from a Juventus point of view.

Referee Felix Brych shows the first yellow card of the evening and it comes for Paulo Dybala, who trips Toni Kroos just inside the Juve half. Bit harsh that.

No doubt that Juventus have started the better here and Keylor Navas has to pull off a fine save to keep the scores level. A cross from the left is cleared only as far as Pjanic whose thunderous daisy-cutter is pushed out one-handed by the Real 'keeper. The holders have barely had a kick.

The scene just before kick-off in Cardiff.

All Juventus in the opening minutes. Higuain directs a header which is saved easily by Navas before the Argentine has an effort from range which is parried by the Costa Rica stopper.

Underway in Cardiff. Juventus in their traditional black and white stripes and Real Madrid, slightly disappointedly, decked in all purple.

The roof is closed at the Principality Stadium tonight, which is great for the atmosphere but bad for the airing of the ground. The smoke created by the indoor fireworks is no hovering above the playing surface creating a cloudy effect. Clearly no-one thought this through, but at least we had a fun opening ceremony eh? Eh?

This game will not be kicking off at 7:45pm. Many pieces of the stage are still on the pitch, as are the speakers, as is the large tarpaulin which covers the outfield. Both sides are out there regardless and the Champions League anthem is ringing around the National Stadium of Wales.

Several of my colleagues have gone from lamenting what is going on to filming the whole thing. One 'journalist' sitting next to me even starting clapping along. Christ.

This is basically a mini Super Bowl half-time show in Cardiff. After David Guetta at Euro 2016, you have to wonder how much of the trend this might be in professional football.

The opening ceremony is go underway. About four dozen dancers, as well as the band, take to the pitch. Indoor fireworks, out of time clapping and High School Musical-like dance moves consume the lead up to a FOOTBALL MATCH.

I, like many of my colleagues, are totally bemused.

This pitch in Cardiff looked pristine before kick-off but now has five pieces of staging and eight free-standing speakers on it. In a moment, some pampered pop stars will appear.

This is the lead singer of the Black Eyed Peas, will.i.am.

Not sure that for the next few minutes I am the best qualified to operate this blog.

The warm-ups are more of less complete in Cardiff which just leaves the rather unnecessary opening ceremony prior to kick-off. I am reliably informed that American pop band the Black Eyed Peas are our entertainment. Wahoo.

This match is bathed in narrative, even aside from the history which looms for both teams. Juve vs Real pits the Italian champions, against the victors from Spain. The best defence in the competition, against the most potent attack.

Gianluigi Buffon is bidding to win his first Champions League, an honour which would make him the oldest player to do so. Both Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos are aiming to become the first players to score in three different finals.

Real have not won the league and the Champions League in the same season for 59 years, while Juve are chasing their first ever treble and a place among Europe's best ever sides.

That enough for you?

These two have of course met in a European Cup final of yore back in 1998, though you'll be forgiven for overlooking it. That night Pedja Mijatovic's offside goal separated both sides on an otherwise forgettable evening. Let's hope for better tonight.

So apart from this being the climax to the European club season, what else is at stake tonight?

For Juventus, they are hoping to claim a first ever treble having already won the Serie A title and Coppa Italia earlier this season. The Old Lady will become the 10th side to hold their domestic league and cup as well as Europe's premier prize at the same time, and the fifth in the last eight seasons if they can prevail. They have lost their last two finals to Barcelona in 2014 and AC Milan in 2003 - a game they lost on penalties.

For Real Madrid a 12th European Cup beckons for the most successful side continental club history. Zinedine Zidane won the trophy in his first season in charge and can lead the La Liga champions to become the first side to retain the trophy for 26 years. No side in the 'Champions League era' has won back-to-back titles, with AC Milan's all-conquering side in the 90s the last to do so.

Either way, history is on the line for both sides.

After some pre-match jousting in the stands, both sets of supporters rise as one to greet both sides of players onto the field for the pre-game warm-ups. Cristiano Ronaldo has a giant grim across his face. This is the sort of occasion he lives for.

And now the Juventus team drops. Once again, [no alarms and] no surprises.

I started the blog on a rather somber note but it is worth mentioning how much of a security operation this game has been for the authorities in the wake of the incident in Manchester a week or so ago.

My entry into the Principality Stadium was like none I have ever witnessed in my reporting life, with a level just below a strip search welcoming me to Cardiff. Just collecting my accreditation was an arduous process alone.

Nevertheless, it leaves me under no illusion that everyone in and around the Welsh capital is safe and sound, allowing all supporters to enjoy the game. That is the last word on security, I promise.

Juventus inspect the National Stadium of Wales pitch before kick-off. Less than an hour to go until we start.

I realise I don't need to make you any more jealous than you probably already are, but I thought I would share my vantage point for what is the biggest game in club football. Close to 500 members of the media here tonight, and I am delighted to be among them.

Is there is a genuine battle to create the most pre-match noise - and judging by wander around Cardiff this afternoon there has been - then Juventus are certainly the pace-setters inside the stadium before kick-off. Real's supporters have been slow to make their way into the ground, perhaps owing to the drawn-out security checks in place before kick-off.

Real Madrid's team drops just before expected. Bale starts on the bench. Isco in from the outset.

Confirmation of both teams is expected in around 15 minutes but we're not expecting many surprises.

For Juventus, Sami Khedira is fit to start against his former club after returning from injury against Bologna last weekend.

The only dilemma facing Real however is who will start up front alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. Zinedine Zidane must choose between Isco, James Rodriguez and Gareth Bale, the home favourite.

Apologies for the slight delay. I have just had to negotiate the lift system at the Principality Stadium, with the rest of the media. Prior to that I woofed down the pre-match nourishment offered by Uefa with amount of four carrots, six green beans and a vegetable package of some sort. Pretty poor I'll have you know.

"Yn dod yn un, yn dod I gyd......"

After the atrocities of Manchester less than a fortnight ago, Cardiff and Wales has opened its arms to welcome the biggest football event of the year. Welcome to the National Stadium of Wales [the Principality Stadium] for the 2017 Champions League final between Juventus and Real Madrid, with both sides chasing their own piece of history.

But even with such rewards on offer, you can't ignore the subtext behind which this match sits. Our freedom was temporarily challenged at a pop concert last month but our community has united once again to celebrate liberty on a night where the sporting narrative is very much secondary.

All the build up ahead of the 7:45pm BST kick-off on the way live from the Welsh capital. And remember you can watch the game live at the top of this page, so there is really is no excuse to move an inch over the next couple of hours.

Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate everything great about our society; people uniting to enjoy themselves. Who cares if a football match happens to break out at the same time.