Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Real Madrid recorded a 3-0 win over 10-man Juventus in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final in Turin on Tuesday night.
Ronaldo netted once in either half - the second of which was a stunning overhead kick - as the reigning European champions, who added a third through Marcelo late on, took a huge step towards the semi-finals of the competition once again.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
6.46pmEvening all! Sports Mole's live Champions League coverage continues from Turin as Juventus welcome Real Madrid for the first leg of their quarter-final. These two teams met in last season's Champions League final, with Real Madrid retaining the trophy courtesy of a 4-1 success in Wales. Can Italian giants Juventus gain some revenge this time around? Stay tuned to find out!
6.49pmTonight will be the 20th European meeting between Juventus and Real Madrid. It is the Spanish side that lead the head-to-head nine wins to eight, and only two of their previous 19 meetings have finished level. It is a tie that has favoured the home side, with Juventus winning six of their eight fixtures with Real Madrid in Turin, and Los Blancos managing just one away success.
6.52pmAs mentioned, they locked horns in last season's Champions League final, but they also met in the semi-finals of the 2014-15 Champions League, and Juventus were victorious on that occasion courtesy of a 3-2 aggregate success. Juventus won the home leg 2-1 during that particular year, and Real Madrid have not actually won away at Juventus since February 1962. What will happen tonight?
6.55pm
7 - Cristiano Ronaldo has scored more Champions League goals against Juventus than any other player – nobody else has more than four goals against the Italians in the competition. Nemesis. pic.twitter.com/JTm4e13ApC
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) April 3, 2018
6.58pmRight, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from Turin. Both sides were in league action at the weekend – Juventus beating AC Milan 3-1 while Real Madrid won 3-0 at Las Palmas. Any changes? Let's run through the two XIs for this first leg...
7.02pmTEAMS!
JUVE: Buffon; De Sciglio, Barzagli, Chiellini, Asamoah; Costa, Bentancur, Khedira, Sandro; Dybala; Higuain
REAL: Navas; Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Marcelo; Casemiro, Kroos, Modric; Isco, Benzema, Ronaldo
7.05pmJuventus are without the services of Miralem Pjanic and Medhi Benatia - who are both suspended - while Mario Mandzukic is only fit enough for the bench. Paulo Dybala will support Gonzalo Higuain in the final third of the field, and there are also starts for both Alex Sandro and Kwadwo Asamoah down the left. It is a big night for Rodrigo Bentancur, meanwhile, as the 20-year-old starts his third Champions League match of the season. Plenty of interesting talking points!
7.08pmAs for Real Madrid, Zinedine Zidane has selected the same XI that started the 2017 Champions League final. Isco is given the nod alongside Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo in the final third, meaning that Gareth Bale is only on the bench once again despite his brace against Las Palmas. It is a very strong Los Blancos XI with Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Marcelo starting in the middle of the park.
7.12pm
"Facing them again doesn't fill us with joy."@gianluigibuffon & @juventusfc to beat the #UCL holders in Turin? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/4h4rvbJSoD
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 3, 2018
7.15pmSo there we have it. The two teams are in, and we are now just about 40 minutes from kickoff in Turin. I shall speak about Real Madrid a little bit later, but let's start with the home side. As mentioned, the Italian giants will enter this match off the back of a 3-1 win over AC Milan on Saturday night, which saw them open up a four-point lead over Napoli at the top of the Serie A table.
7.18pmJuventus are actually unbeaten in all competitions since a 3-2 loss at Sampdoria in the league on November 19, and it is certainly worth mentioning that the Italian giants have won their last four two-legged knockout ties with Real Madrid. This is their 18th European Cup quarter-final, and they have been victorious in 12 of their previous 17 ties. The atmosphere inside the stadium is electric tonight!
7.22pmJuventus booked their spot in the knockout round of the Champions League courtesy of a runners-up spot to Barcelona in Group D. They won three of their six group fixtures – losing just once to collect 11 points. That defeat came away to Barcelona (3-0) on matchday one, but the two teams played out a goalless draw when they locked horns in Turin towards the end of November.
7.25pm
Isco to 🌟 for Real Madrid? #LoveitLiveit #UCL pic.twitter.com/aJhNKNRov8
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 3, 2018
7.28pmThe first leg of their last-16 tie with Tottenham Hotspur finished 2-2 on February 13, but the Italian giants impressively won 2-1 at Wembley in the return match to book their spot in the quarter-finals. Real Madrid would not have been welcome opposition for Juventus, but they have won 15 of their 26 previous home games against teams from Spain – losing just twice in the process.
7.32pmJuventus, meanwhile, are unbeaten in their last 27 European matches on home soil, which is a run that dates back to April 2013 – when they lost 2-0 against Bayern Munich. Allegri will be looking for a positive result tonight ahead of the second leg at the Bernabeu next week.
7.35pmAs for Real Madrid, Zidane's side will enter this match off the back of a 3-0 win at Las Palmas on Saturday night. Los Blancos sit third in La Liga – 13 points off leaders Barcelona. It will be a trophyless campaign for the Madrid giants if they are unable to win a third straight Champions League crown.
7.38pm
🏃♂💪
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) April 3, 2018
Warming up in Turin!
¡Calentamiento en Turín!#APorLa13 | #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/HRfAdWyHlM
7.42pmReal Madrid actually finished second in Group H to Tottenham, and they were paired with much-fancied PSG in the round of 16. Zidane's side showed their class against the French club, however, as they won the first leg 3-1 at the Bernabeu before recording a 2-1 victory in Paris on March 6.
7.44pmReal Madrid have won each of their last seven Champions League quarter-finals, and have actually lost just one of their last 12 games against Serie A opposition. They have also been beaten in just two of their last 27 European fixtures – winning 19 of those matches. Some record! Right, the time for talking is almost over. It is Juventus versus Real Madrid in Turin, and kickoff is just moments away!
0 minKICKOFF! Real Madrid kick things off in Turin...
2 min... it must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium tonight. Let's hope that the football matches it! Juventus really need a good result here to take into the second leg next week.
3 minGOAL! Juventus 0-1 Real Madrid (Ronaldo)
4 minOh my goodness what a start! Real Madrid take the lead in the third minute of this match as Ronaldo pokes a low Isco cross into the far corner of the net! Stunning finish once again!
5 minIt is just about the worst possible start for Juventus, who have conceded an away goal in the early moments of the first leg. It will be very interesting to see how the home side respond.
7 minHalf-chance for the home side as Dybala finds some space inside the Real Madrid box following good work with Bentancur, but Ramos is across to make a brilliant block.
9 minIt has been a good response from Juventus, with the home side pressing players into the final third of the field. Dybala is very lively in and around Higuain, and the Argentine will be important tonight.
11 minReal Madrid have had their problems in the league this season, but there is just something about the Spanish giants in this competitions. Who would bet against them winning it for a third year in a row? Juventus need to be really careful that they do not concede another at this stage of the match.
12 minCHANCE! Varane has a free header inside the Juventus box, but the Frenchman heads high and wide of the crossbar. He really should have done better from that position!
13 minAnother half-chance for the home side as Bentancur is presented with the ball courtesy of a smart cross from Higuain, but the Argentine cannot get a clean connection on the ball. Good from Higuain.
15 minIt must be said that the opening 15 minutes of this match have been electric. Real Madrid lead, but Juventus have already had a couple of good opportunities to level the scores in Turin.
17 minIsco continues to pick up the ball in dangerous positions, and only a smart header from Sandro prevents Benzema from reaching a cross from the Spaniard, who really looks in the mood tonight.
20 minNot too much for the home side's supporters to get excited about in the last few minutes as Real Madrid continue to close the space in the middle of the park. Khedira looks to find Sandro with a long diagonal, but the weight on the ball is too strong, and Carvajal has the throw for the away team.
22 minSome of Real Madrid's football in the final third has been wonderful tonight. Isco is moving into a wide area which is allowing Benzema the chance to come deep and get involved.
23 minSAVE! Stunning save from Navas as the Real Madrid goalkeeper keeps out a point-blank effort from Higuain, who was just about ready to celebrate. Super stuff from Navas!
25 minJuventus work the ball into the Real Madrid box once again, but Costa's touch is too heavy, and the away side can clear their lines. Khedira is starting to make a difference for the home team here.
26 minJuventus are finding a lot of space in the final third of the field, but again Costa's touch is too heavy when he looks to meet a pass from Higuain. Real Madrid are coming under pressure.
27 minBOOKING! Bentancur (Juventus) is booked for a foul on Casemiro.
29 minJuventus continue to enjoy plenty of the ball in forward positions, and it is Khedira that is causing problems with his driving runs through midfield. The home side have to make this pressure count.
32 minAgain it is wonderful work from Isco as the Spaniard works some space before feeding Benzema, but Chiellini is across to make the challenge. Juventus are having a lot of the ball, but they need to be careful that they do not concede a second, which would be absolutely catastrophic at this stage.
33 minCarvajal goes to ground inside the Juventus box, but the referee is not interested. Asamoah did well to hold off the challenge of the right-back, who then stays down inside the home team's box.
35 minCHANCE! Huge chance for the home side as De Sciglio drives down the right before firing a low cross towards the far post, but Dybala just cannot make contact!
36 minThe home fans are not happy as the referee gives Real Madrid a free kick when Dybala's hand hits the face of Marcelo. Still 1-0 to the visitors with 36 minutes on the clock in Turin.
36 minCROSSBAR! Kroos rattles the Juventus crossbar with a stunning strike!
39 minCHANCE! Better from Costa as the Brazil international drops his shoulder before driving into the Real Madrid box, but Modric is on hand to block the ball behind. The resulting corner is delivered into a dangerous position, but Chiellini gets his free header all wrong!
41 minIt must be said that the first 41 minutes of this football match have flown past. Juventus have had a number of chances to draw level, and the fact they have not taken at least one will be concerning.
43 minBentancur finds some space outside the Real Madrid box before having a go, but his effort was always rising high and wide of the crossbar. Juventus continue to work space in the final third.
44 minJuventus win a free kick in a very dangerous area as Carvajal brings Modric to the deck...
44 min... Dybala fires the ball straight into the Real Madrid wall.
45 minJuventus want a penalty as Casemiro appears to handle inside the box, but the referee is not interested. The home side feel that they have been on the wrong end of some decisions here.
45 minBOOKING! Dybala (Juventus) is booked for diving inside the Real Madrid box.
45 min+1HALF-TIME: Juventus 0-1 Real Madrid
8.32pmSo there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Cristiano Ronaldo's third-minute strike separating the two teams. Real Madrid started extremely well, but Juventus have grown into the match, and the Italians will certainly feel that they should be level at the break.
8.37pmSTATISTICS! Real Madrid shaded the first-half possession with 53%, but they scored with their only shot on target. That said, Kroos did rattle the crossbar with a powerful strike from distance. Juventus, meanwhile, hit the target with one of their eight attempts - Navas saving from Higuain.
8.42pmBENCH WATCH! Mandzukic, Marchisio and Matuidi are all on the Juventus bench tonight, and it would not be a surprise to see at least two of those in the second period. Real Madrid, meanwhile, have options in the shape of Asensio, Bale and Lucas Vazquez. Some serious talent in that list!
46 minRESTART! Juventus resume the action here...
46 min... no changes from either side at the break, which is not much of a surprise. However, I suspect that both managers - particularly Allegri - will have alterations in mind for the second 45 minutes.
48 minI would be surprised if we had seen the last of the goals tonight, especially with Juventus carving out a number of chances in the first period. Real Madrid will also fancy scoring a second here.
50 minCosta finds space down the right before delivering a low cross into the Real Madrid box, but there are no takers. The visitors look to break through Benzema, but Sandro regains the possession.
51 minCLOSE! Super chance for Real Madrid to score a second as Benzema works some space inside the Juventus box before Ronaldo strikes towards goal, but his effort is wide!
53 minHiguain is working hard off the ball, and the Argentine does well to win another free kick in an advanced area; Dybala delivers, but Navas does well to punch clear under pressure.
55 minThere is a real hunger about Juventus as they continue to put the pressure on Real Madrid. The visitors will do really well to keep a clean sheet in the second period there is no doubt about that.
55 minBOOKING! Ramos (Real Madrid) is booked for a late tackle on Dybala, which means that the Spaniard is out of the second leg! Juventus also have a free kick in a dangerous area...
56 min... CLOSE! Dybala's free kick is deflected just wide of the post!
58 minReal Madrid just cannot seem to get out of their own half at the moment as the home side continue to force the issue. The atmosphere inside the stadium is absolutely wonderful here.
59 minREAL MADRID SUB! Vazquez replaces Benzema for Real Madrid.
62 minLittle under 30 minutes of football remaining, and Real Madrid still have their one-goal lead in tact. The visitors will do really well to keep a clean sheet in the final half hour of this match.
64 minGOAL! Juventus 0-2 Real Madrid (Ronaldo)
65 minReal Madrid have their second of the match, and it is an absolute stunner from Ronaldo as the number seven produces an over-head kick from inside the Juventus box. Just incredible!
66 minCarvajal's cross was into the area where Ronaldo was waiting, and the timing of the strike was simply stunning. Ronaldo has two, and Real Madrid are in charge of this last-eight tie.
66 minRED CARD! DYBALA!
67 minJuventus are down to 10 men as Dybala is given a straight red card for a high challenge on Carvajal. It did not look intentional, but Dybala caught Carvajal very high!
69 minJUVENTUS SUB! Mandzukic and Matuidi replace Asamoah and Costa.
71 minHalf-chance for Ronaldo to score a third as the Portugal international works some space in the final third before curling towards goal, but the ball is just the wrong side of the post.
72 minGOAL! Juventus 0-3 Real Madrid (Marcelo)
73 minReal Madrid have their third of the match as Ronaldo feeds a cute pass into Marcelo, and the left-back lifts the ball over Buffon before finishing into the back of the net from close range!
75 minJUVENTUS SUB! Cuadrado replaces Khedira for the home side.
75 minREAL MADRID SUB! Asensio replaces Isco for Real Madrid.
77 minReal Madrid want more goals in the latter stages as they continue to move the ball in the final third of the field. Asensio and Vazquez have both added pace to the forward positions here.
79 minLittle over 10 minutes of football remaining, and Juventus are camped inside their own half of the field as Real Madrid pass and probe. Ronaldo will be desperate to complete his hat-trick here.
82 minHalf-chance for Modric, but the Real Madrid midfielder fires over from inside the box.
82 minREAL MADRID SUB! Kovacic replaces Modric for the away side.
84 minLittle over five minutes of the second period remaining, and Real Madrid continue to dominate the ball. The European champions have once again flexed their muscles in this competition tonight.
86 minCHANCE! A mistake from Barzagli hands Ronaldo the chance to complete his hat-trick, but the attacker cannot convert from close range. Poor mistake from the centre-back.
87 minCROSSBAR! Kovacic rattles the crossbar for Real Madrid!
89 minBOOKING! Kovacic (Real Madrid) is booked for a foul on Higuain.
90 minSAVE! Buffon is down to keep out a strike from Ronaldo.
90 min+1Brilliant noise from the Juventus supporters as we head for stoppage time here.
90 min+2Real Madrid have had chances to make it four or five in the latter stages of this match.
90 min+2CHANCE! Huge chance for Ronaldo to make it 3-0 as the Portugal international is found by Lucas inside the Juventus box, but he somehow fires over the crossbar!
90 min+3SAVE! Navas is down to keep out a strike from Higuain!
90 min+3FULL-TIME: Juventus 0-3 Real Madrid
9.36pmSo there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with Real Madrid recording a 3-0 win over Juventus in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final. What a game of football! Thanks for joining Sports Mole for our live coverage once again!
