Real Madrid lift Champions League trophy after win over Juventus (Video)

Watch Real Madrid lift the Champions League trophy after their dominant 4-1 victory over Juventus

Through the first 45 minutes of the 2017 Champions League final, Real Madrid and Juventus appeared quite evenly matched. With the offense of the La Liga champs and the defense of the Serie A champs facing off, it was a beautiful clash. However, it was far more of an open style of play early on than expected. Even still, both clubs found net in the first half, taking a 1-1 scoreline into the break.

When they came back out of the tunnel, though, it was like a completely different match taking place. Real Madrid were wholly in control of the pace, the action and the ball. And after being somehow held out of the net for 15 minutes to start the second half, they would be denied no longer.

It started with Casemiro hitting a 30-yard screamer that deflected past Gianluigi Buffon. Then Cristiano Ronaldo followed just two minutes after with his second goal of the contest to put them ahead 3-1. From there, the nail was in the coffin of Juventus, and things only got worse from there for Juve. A red card for Juan Cuadrado and another Madrid goal, it was all in favor of the La Liga champs.

After the thrilling victory of course came the trophy lifting. It was all normal early, but then Sergio Ramos — who drew the second yellow on Cuadrado — that snuck up and built a dramatic pause before they all hoisted it. And the joy was palpable, even for such a wildly successful group:

Next: Top 25 players in Champions League history

There’s nothing to bring out the joy of a grown man (or rather a group of them) like giving them a prestigious trophy. Despite having won La Liga and the Champions League a year ago, you’d never know it by watching Real Madrid lift the Champions League trophy.