I thought it was our time to win, says Juve’s Bonucci

Leonardo Bonucci. PHOTO:AFP

Leonardo Bonucci admits that Juventus’ defeat to Real Madrid was especially bitter as they believed it was their time to taste Champions League glory.Madrid became the first team to win back-to-back trophies in the tournament’s modern format with a commanding 4-1 win in Cardiff on Saturday.

Juve were deservedly level at half-time after Mario Mandzukic’s wonder goal cancelled out Cristiano Ronaldo’s opener, but the Serie A champions produced a listless display after the break to allow Zinedine Zidane’s side to cruise to victory through further goals from Casemiro, Ronaldo and Marco Asensio.

It is the second time Juve have finished runners-up in the space of three seasons, with Barcelona having beaten them 3-1 in 2015, while they now hold an unenviable record of having lost their last five Champions League finals.

Writing on his Instagram page after the match, Bonucci conceded that it was a tough end to an otherwise successful season in which Juve won Serie A and the Coppa Italia.

“The disappointment is there, it exists. We thought and we believed that this would be the right time,” said the Italy defender.“Unfortunately, that was not the case. Congratulations to Real for the victory.

“However, I remain proud of being part of this group. We brought home two titles, doing something truly unique.“A round of applause to you fans of the Old Lady, you were there, you always have been and always will be. In defeats and victories.”