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Juventus reached their second Champions League final in three seasons after a 2-1 win at home to Monaco on Tuesday night secured a 4-1 victory on aggregate.


Mario Mandzukic and Dani Alves were on target for Serie A champions Juventus, who were beaten in the Champions League final by Barcelona in 2014-15.

Juventus, who are now on a 23-match unbeaten run in Europe, will face either Real Madrid, who command a 3-0 first-leg lead, or Atletico Madrid in the final.

Monaco started the game brightly and Kylian Mbappe saw a smart first-time volley hit the inside of the post, although the linesman's flag was raised for offside nonetheless.

Juventus, though, began to take control and both Gonzalo Higuain and Mandzukic had golden opportunities to break the deadlock, with the latter denied expertly by goalkeeper Danijel Subasic.

The breakthrough came on 33 minutes when Alves curled in an inviting cross to the back post. Mandzukic's initial header was saved but the striker made no mistake with the rebound.

Juve, who last won the European Cup in 1995-96, doubled their lead and went 4-0 up on aggregate in style when Alves unleashed a stunning volley from outside the box after Subasic had punched a corner clear.

In the 69th minute, Monaco grabbed a consolation as Joao Moutinho drove a low cross into the box to allow Mbappe to tap in from close range, making the striker the youngest goal scorer in a Champions League semifinal.

But Massimiliano Allegri's side continued to use their experience, restricting Monaco to few chances, to ease into June 3's final in Cardiff, Wales.












Credit: ESPN

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