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Cape Town - Juventus
coach Massimiliano Allegri was left to rue a "static" second-half
following his side’s 4-1 defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League
final on Saturday.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Madrid beat the Italians in Cardiff to retain the Champions League trophy.
The loss meant that Juve missed the chance of a treble after winning their league and domestic cup. It also meant the Italians have lost their last five European Cup finals.
Talking after the match, Allegri said that the loss came after their performance dropped off after half time.
"In the first half, we played beautifully. In the second half, we were too static," Allegri said at the post-match press conference.
"We managed to defend for 15 minutes. As you know, football can be a nightmare. [Miralem] Pjanic's shot was deflected wide, Casemiro's shot was deflected into the goal.
"We knew we were playing a really strong team. In the run-up to the final, it sounded like Juventus were favourites and were playing a team who'd reached the final by chance.
"The truth is that Real Madrid have many important players. If somebody wins the Ballon d'Or and scores so many goals, obviously it's a big advantage.
"The only criticism I could make is that after conceding the second goal, we should have stayed in the game."
Despite the devastating defeat, Allegri said his players could still hold their heads high after a successful season.
"Let me congratulate my boys for what they've done this season," said Allegri, whose side were beaten 3-1 by Barcelona in the 2015 final in Berlin.
"It's been an extraordinary season. We won Serie A and the Coppa Italia and reached the Champions League final. I have to thank them. It's important to reach finals. Unluckily, we didn't win it."
