Real Madrid retains Champions League title

CARDIFF, Wales — Cristiano Ronaldo showcased his enduring lethal scoring qualities to ensure Real Madrid became the first Champions League holder to retain its title, netting twice in beating Juventus 4-1 on Saturday.

In an exceptional career in which he keeps rewriting the record books, Ronaldo is the first player in the 25 seasons of the Champions League era to score in three finals.

His first strike was canceled out by Mario Mandzukic’s 27th-minute hook shot but it was the only high point for Juventus on a night when the Italian champion was outclassed in its quest for a first European title in 21 years.

Casemiro restored the Spanish champion’s lead in the 61st, Ronaldo turned in his 600th career goal at the near post three minutes later, and Marco Asensio wrapped up a record-extending 12th title in the 90th.

On one night in the Welsh capital, Juventus conceded more goals than it had on the journey to the final, having let in only three in the previous three games.

Madrid’s attacking brilliance proved just too hard for Juventus to contain as Zinedine Zidane won his second Champions League title in 18 months of topflight management.

Until now, no team since AC Milan in 1989 and 1990, when the cup was only a knockout competition, had won back-to-back titles.

Madrid had a lot to thank Keylor Navas for in the opening minutes. The goalkeeper blocked a header and strike from Gonzalo Higuain, and produced a one-handed save when Miralem Pjanic picked a gap through a crowd of defenders.