Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Real Madrid face Juventus in Saturday's Champions League final with the Spanish giants looking to secure a historic 12th European crown. It is the biggest game in European club football - possibly the world - and it is coming to British shores.
- 'An appointment with history' beckons for Real Madrid and Juventus this Saturday night
- How Real Madrid and Juventus are two very different types of European giants
- Cristiano Ronaldo is a better player than I ever was, says Zinedine Zidane ahead of Champions League final
- Why the midfield battle will be so crucial for Real Madrid and Juventus
- Andrea Pirlo thinks Juventus are well placed to atone for their 2015 heartbreak tonight
Follow all the action in the live blog below...
Please allow a moment for the blog to load...
What time does it start?
The game kicks off at 7.45pm BST on Saturday 3 June.
Where can I watch it?
The game will be shown live and for free on BT Sport Showcase (Freeview channel 115, Sky channel 414, Virgin channel 548) and for BT subscribers on BT Sport 2.
It will also be broadcast for free on the BT Sport website here, on YouTube here and on the BT Sport app.
Highlights will be shown on ITV1 at 10.45pm BST.
Preview
Defeat to Barcelona in April's memorable El Clasico ensured a tense finish to La Liga for Real Madrid but seven league wins in a row saw Zinedine Zidane's men wrap up the title on the final day of the season. The Spanish giants are looking to secure a historic 12th European crown on Saturday and will become the first side to defend the Champions League trophy should they win.
The big talking point for Real before Saturday is whether Gareth Bale will make the starting line-up in his hometown. The Welshman is struggling for match fitness after an ankle injury and admitted this week that he may not play the full 90 minutes. Isco is most likely to take his place.
Juventus enjoyed a more sedate climax to the Serie A season, cantering home to a sixth successive title as well as winning the Coppa Italia. But for all their domestic success, Juve's record in Europe is a disappointing one when compared to other big sides across the continent.
However, after dispatching Porto, Barcelona and neutrals' favourites Monaco on the way to the final and with manager Max Allegri having a fully fit squad to pick from, Juve will fancy their chances of picking up a third European crown.
It's a big game for...
Cristiano Ronaldo: After turning 32 earlier this season, many questioned whether the Portuguese forward was past his best. While less likely to roam around the pitch and dominate the play as in his younger days, Ronaldo has now adapted his game to become one of the best poachers in Europe.
After notching 49 goals in as many appearances this season there would be no better way to prove the doubters wrong and cement his place as favourite for a fifth Ballon d'Or with a man of the match performance and a winners' medal on Saturday.
Remember when
It has been 19 years since these sides met in the Champions League final in Amsterdam. Real ran out 1-0 winners thanks to second-half strike from Predrag Mijatovic.
Zinedine Zidane, who played in midfield for Juve that day, will be hoping his evening turns out differently this Saturday.
Player to watch
Paulo Dybala: The diminutive Argentine has been at the heart of everything for Juve this season, scoring 19 goals and providing seven assists.
Linked with a move away in the summer, a strong performance on Saturday would surely see him rated as one of the most expensive players in world football.
Past three meetings
Real Madrid 1 Juventus 1
Champions League, May 2015
Juventus 2 Real Madrid 1
Champions League, May 2015
Juventus 2 Real Madrid 2
Champions League, November 2013
Form
Real Madrid: WWLWWW
Juventus: WWLWWW
Odds
To win in 90 minutes
Real Madrid: 7/4
Juventus: 2/1
Draw: 9/4
14 mins: It has been an end to end start, penalised by a series of petty fouls. Carvajal is the next in trouble, after tugging at the shirt of Alex Sandro. Buffon boots the free-kick long.
17 mins: Better from Real, who build patiently down the left wing with Benzema and Marcelo exchanging neat passes. The latter then bursts towards the byline and whips in a fierce low cross, but it's hacked clear at the near post by Chiellini.
19 mins: Ronaldo collects the ball and drifts ominously forward, shifting the ball onto his right foot and shaping as if to shoot. But just as he's about to pull the trigger, Dani Alves appears seemingly out of nowhere and dispossesses him with a hard, no-nonsense tackle. Oomph.
Moments later, Mandžukić and Sergio Ramos have a coming together after the Juve man barges into the back of Carvajal. An entertainingly tetchy start!
GOAL! Juventus 0-1 Real Madrid (Ronaldo '19)
Of course it had to be Ronaldo. Of course.
22 mins: Ronaldo gives Real Madrid the lead with a frankly superb finish. He receieved the ball on the very edge of the area and beat Buffon with a low right-footed effort, hit first-time, that curled away from Buffon and ended up in the bottom left-hand corner of the goal.
Brilliant.
24 mins: Another chance for Real! Modric scampers forwards with the ball and looks to lay off Benzema on the edge of the box, but his simple pass is intercepted and a huge chance goes begging.
Moments later Juventus raid forward and Khedira cuts the ball back across the face of goal, but Higuain's shot is blocked.
GOAL! Juventus 1 (Mandzukic '25) Real Madrid 1
OH MY GOD WHAT A GOAL.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments