Never before in the modern era of the Champions League had the trophy been defended, but it has now.
The Italians’ goal, in the 4-1 defeat, was arguably the best goal seen in a final as Mario Mandzukic produced a moment of brilliance with an outrageous overhead kick.
The roof of the stadium was closed but Ronaldo must have thought otherwise as he was drenched during the warm-up, not by the Welsh weather but, when a rogue sprinkler burst into life.
The Portuguese superstar was not happy although he must have reflected on the first big trophy he won some thirteen years previously, in the same stadium, when Manchester United defeated Millwall in the 2004 FA Cup Final.
Now here he was on the verge of creating yet more history as he chased his twentieth major trophy.
Ronaldo’s ability to reinvent himself is remarkable. At 32-years-of-age he does less work than he used to and has fewer touches than many but the ones he does have are decisive.
Twenty minutes in, Toni Kroos found Karim Benezema, who located Ronaldo, springing into life as he fed Dani Carvajal down the right. The Spanish international full-back returned the favour as he found Ronaldo, who clinically slotted the ball past Buffon.
Then Mario Mandzukic scored his wonder goal before Casemiro restored the reigning champions lead on the hour mark. Ronaldo then ghosted in at the near post to make it three before Asensio came off the bench to score Real Madrid’s fourth and final goal.
This was Real Madrid’s twelfth European title and Ronaldo’s brace brought his career tally to 600 goals; an incredible achievement.
After the game Ronaldo reinvented himself once again with a close cropped haircut; “I’d promised that, if we won the Champions League and I scored a goal, I’d do it. I did it and I shaved myself”, he told Real Madrid TV.