<
>

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon: It all went wrong for us vs. Real

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon said he was hugely disappointed after his side crumbled in the second half to lose 4-1 to Real Madrid in the Champions League final.

Buffon failed to beat Paolo Maldini's record as the oldest player to win the UEFA Champions League (39 years, 126 days old) as his side fell to defeat, thanks to a Cristiano Ronaldo brace.

Juventus had conceded just three goals in 12 games before the final and were unlucky as two of Madrid's goals came from deflections.

"It's a big disappointment, because we thought that we'd done everything necessary to play this final and finally win it," Buffon, who has never won the Champions League, told Mediaset Premium.

"We had an excellent first half, where we caused Real Madrid huge problems, so it leaves you open-mouthed in shock that incidents never go our way. That's disappointing. Evidently in order to win a trophy like this, you need to be stronger than adversity.

"I thought it was a great approach in the first half, not giving Madrid any more advantages, and we ran really hard. Perhaps we ran a bit too hard and didn't make the most of that advantage on the field. That's disappointing.

"In the second half their class, strength and how accustomed they are to winning these games showed through. They won deservedly.

"Naturally there are a few regrets, as in the incidents it all went wrong for us."

FIFA resident Gianni Infantino, who was in attendance, paid tribute to Buffon after the game.

"Juventus played a great first half, then in the second Real Madrid were extraordinary. They were two excellent sides and in the end the best team won," Infantino told Mediaset Premium.

"It was down to experience and other factors. It remains a very strong season for Juventus and for Gigi, as next year there's the World Cup too. I send a hug to Buffon, who is more than just a champion. He's immense."