The Real Champs
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Real Madrid thrash Juventus 3-0: Defining moments from the match

By Aakanksha Sharma

Real Madrid players celebrate after the goal of Marcelo during the first leg of the quarter finals of the UEFA Champions League 2017/18 between Juventus FC and Real Madrid CF at Allianz Stadium on 03 April, 2018 in Turin, Italy.Final result is 0-3 for Real Madrid. (Photo by Massimiliano Ferraro/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Real Madrid players celebrate after the goal of Marcelo during the first leg of the quarter finals of the UEFA Champions League 2017/18 between Juventus FC and Real Madrid CF at Allianz Stadium on 03 April, 2018 in Turin, Italy.Final result is 0-3 for Real Madrid. (Photo by Massimiliano Ferraro/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /
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It was a repeat of the Champions League Final in 2017 as Juventus imploded and Real Madrid ripped through them using their experience, skill, and nerves of steel. Below are the key moments from the match which defined this fixture and the fate of the Bianconeri.

ALLIANZ STADIUM, TURIN, ITALY – 2018/04/03: Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid CF in action during the UEFA Champions Quarter Final Leg One match between Juventus FC and Real Madrid CF. Real Madrid CF won 3-0 over Juventus FC. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images)
ALLIANZ STADIUM, TURIN, ITALY – 2018/04/03: Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid CF in action during the UEFA Champions Quarter Final Leg One match between Juventus FC and Real Madrid CF. Real Madrid CF won 3-0 over Juventus FC. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images) /

3rd Minute: Classic Cristiano with a measured finish

It did not come as any surprise that Cristiano Ronaldo scored in a knock-out tie of the Champions League, because that is now the norm. It was his 13th goal in this campaign alone. To put that in perspective, Barcelona as a team have together scored 13 in this competition so far this season.

It was again his movement, positioning, and perfect placement away from Buffon which put Real Madrid ahead in the first three minutes of the match.

What this goal also did was lend a certain assurance and confidence to Los Blancos, who were able to soak up the pressure coming from a few good Juventus plays for the rest of the half.

7th and 13th Minute: Crucial clearances by Sergio Ramos

Before the match, Giorgio Chiellini had named Sergio Ramos as the best centrer-back in the world. He had hailed the technique, explosive speed, passion, and big-match play of the Real Madrid captain. And Ramos gave a demonstration of all of the above in his two clearances in the opening minutes.

The first sliding tackle was all the more crucial since Juventus could have had a nearly open goal without it. He (along with Varane, who was exceptional too) snuffed out any half-chances which were being created by Juventus. It was another captain’s performance from Ramos.

23rd Minute: A cat-like reflex save from Keylor Navas

The best opportunity for Juventus came in the 23rd minute when Paulo Dybala took a free-kick. Gonzalo Higuaín made clean contact with the ball and his header looked to be heading into the net, but Navas flew to his right and denied him from point-blank range.

Higuain was rattled and could not believe it for awhile, neither could the Juventus supporters.

While Madrid have been flirting with David De Gea for years now, Keylor continues to deliver rock-steady performances towards the business end of the season. The man was serious when he said that he will continue to fight tooth and nail for his place as Real Madrid’s Number 1.

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