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The best players never to win the Champions League: Cheer up Gianluigi Buffon... you're not the only legend to miss out on club football's most coveted prize

Gianluigi Buffon's dream of winning the Champions League ended in a red mist on Wednesday night as Real Madrid - and English referee Michael Oliver - left them incensed and heartbroken.

The legendary goalkeeper, 40, had hoped to finish his career by finally lifting the one major club trophy that has eluded him throughout an illustrious career.

But there is to be no fairytale finale for Buffon, sent off for his wild-eyed protestations after Oliver awarded a stoppage-time penalty for Mehdi Benatia's challenge on Lucas Vazquez.

Gianluigi Buffon was sent off late in Juventus' Champions League quarter-final exit to Real
Gianluigi Buffon was sent off late in Juventus' Champions League quarter-final exit to Real
It is the final time the 40-year-old will appear on the top European stage in his career
It is the final time the 40-year-old will appear on the top European stage in his career
The veteran Italian was sent off in what will likely be his last Champions League game
The veteran Italian was sent off in what will likely be his last Champions League game

Buffon had said that unless Juventus won the Champions League this season, he would put away his gloves.