Juventus will face Barcelona in the Champions League final after Alvaro Morata came back to haunt former club and holders Real Madrid with the precious away goal in a 1-1 draw in the second leg of their semi-final on Wednesday to progress 3-2 on aggregate.
With Juventus leading 2-1 from the first leg, Cristiano Ronaldo’s first-half penalty had put the hosts ahead on away goals.
However, Morata, who left Madrid for the Italian champions last July, struck the vital blow when he volleyed home Paul Pogba’s knockdown on 57 minutes to take Juventus to their first final in 12 years in Berlin on June 6.
“We have fought so hard to get here, but this does not end here. We want to win the final and make history, but we’re very happy,” said Morata.
“I didn’t celebrate the goal, I was never going to. It was a bittersweet and strange sensation for me. These two games have been difficult for me. I want to thank the Madrid fans, I wish I had scored against another team.
“My former teammates want us to win and they wished me the best.
“Just like in Turin, it was hard for me at times tonight but I had to focus my head quickly. That’s what football is like.”
Juve manager Massimiliano Allegri said it was a rightful win for his side, and a deserved place in the final with Barca.
“It was a difficult match because Madrid have so much strength up front if you are not concentrated they will punish you.
“We had a lot of chances in which we lacked the final pass. We deserved to be in the final because the boys grew as the game went on.
“We maintained a great balance throughout the game and stayed strong mentally.”
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