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Buffon's Champions League fairy tale eludes him in heartbreaking fashion

CARDIFF -- Gianluigi Buffon knew it was over.

Cristiano Ronaldo had just scored his second goal of the Champions League final, a lethal short-range finish in the 64th minute. That made it 3-1 for Real Madrid over Juventus, on their way to an easy 4-1 win. Even Buffon, one of those rare men who can talk himself into greatness, had to accept that one trophy would remain out of his reach.

For the third time, he would lose the last club game of the year.

Buffon stood near the top of his box, alone, with his hands on his hips.