We were powerless against superior firepower: Allegri

CARDIFF:Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri said even his side’s rock-like defence was powerless to resist Real Madrid’s firepower as the Italian club’s hopes of a first Champions League triumph in 21 years ended in heartache on Saturday. The Italian champions’ defensive wall had been almost impregnable all season in Europe but was reduced to rubble as Real roared to victory with three goals after the break.

“In the first half we played beautifully but they pushed the accelerator in the second half and we could not resist,” said Allegri, whose side had been bidding to become the eighth club to land the treble having won Serie A and the Copa Italia this year.

Juventus leaked three goals in 12 games en route to the final, twice shutting out Barcelona’s feared attack in the quarterfinals before blunting a free-scoring Monaco strike force in the semis.

But the granite-like trio of Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci the better side in a first half that ended 1-1. “The two goals in quick succession hurt us and we were not able to react,” Allegri said.

With keeper Gianluigi Buffon close to 40, Barzagli 36 and Chiellini and Bonucci over 30, it has been suggested that Juve’s rearguard will soon need rebuilding.

Allegri, however, does not believe so. “No I don’t think Juve has reached the end of a cycle at all,” Allegri said. “Buffon will still be goalie next season and Barzagli will be with us for another year. They still have lots to give this club.”