Juventus vs Real Madrid, Champions League final live: Ronaldo scores a brace as Real defend their title

All the action from the Champions League final at the National Stadium in Cardiff

(Getty)

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...

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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 is looking to pick up his fourth Champions League crown as a player (Getty Images)

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 has scored four times in the Champions League this season (Getty Images)

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

[3 June 2017 19:08 · Ben Burrows]

The atmosphere is building in Cardiff.

Only 45 minutes until kick-off and both sets of fans are getting warmed up.

This is what they're playing for.

[3 June 2017 19:15 · Ben Burrows]

A reminder of our teams:

[3 June 2017 19:38 · Vithushan Ehantharajah]

The Black Eyed Peas are currently out on the pitch doing their thang ahead of kick-off.

No Where Is The Love? yet. Disappointing. More on this story as it develops. 

[3 June 2017 19:42 · Vithushan Ehantharajah]

No Where Is The Love. No Meet Me Halfway. No Fergie.

Get 'em off.

[3 June 2017 19:45 · Vithushan Ehantharajah]

The Champions League anthems are out the way and Ian Rush has just emerged from down the tunnel with the trophy. Kick-off is just moments away.

[3 June 2017 19:49 · Ben Burrows]

Kick off! We're underway at the National Stadium (the Millennium Stadium to you and me). 

For those of you still stuck in the dark ages (like me) Juve are kicking from right to left and Real, all in purple this evening, from left to right.

Let's do this.

[3 June 2017 19:53 · Ben Burrows]

3mins: Juve have started the better here and it's Gonzalo Higuain who tests Keylor Navas first with a fierce shot from the edge of the area.

The Costa Rican is equal to it though and gathers at the second attempt.

Juve attempting to press Real as high as possible. A solid tactic, but it could leave them vulnerable to CR7 and Co. going the other way you fear.

[3 June 2017 19:56 · Ben Burrows]

6mins: Navas has to be at his best again to beat away a snap shot from Pjanic as Juve continue to press forwards.

A sharp save to deny the Bosnian, that.

Real have not really got going as yet. But then again, they often don't and then they get you anyway.

Intriguingly poised this. An early goal would be just the ticket.

[3 June 2017 19:59 · Vithushan Ehantharajah]

9 mins: Penalty shout for Real? Ronaldo chases after a long ball and Giorgio Chiellini just gives him a little nudge to stop his contesting Buffon. It was soft, but of course Ronaldo goes hurtling towards the ground.

The ref isn't moved, though. 

[3 June 2017 20:00 · Vithushan Ehantharajah]

11 mins: Dybala hacks down Kroos in the middle of the card the ref has shown the young forward a yellow! Very harsh, that...