Final battle is just one match away -Pirlo

The veteran playmaker was buoyed by Juventus' victory over Real Madrid but is taking nothing for granted ahead of next week's return clash at the Santiago Bernabeu

Andrea Pirlo has his sights set on the Champions League final after Juventus dented Real Madrid's hopes of retaining their European crown with a 2-1 first-leg win in Turin on Tuesday.

Alvaro Morata opened the scoring against the club with whom he won the trophy last season, tapping in a rebound from a Carlos Tevez strike.
Cristiano Ronaldo levelled matters with a header in the 27th minute but Tevez converted from the penalty spot just before the hour mark to give Juve a slender advantage ahead of next week's second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Pirlo is thus aware having one foot in the final means nothing if they cannot back up their opening triumph with a solid showing in the Spanish capital.

"There we go! Now we want to reach the Champions League final," the 35-year-old playmaker told Sky Sport Italia after the final whistle.

"We'll battle all the way. We've won this game now we have to play the other leg with the same conviction.

"We're hoping the final in Berlin is on our horizon. At the Santiago Bernabeu next week we need to compete in the same way to have that chance, though."

When asked if he would leave Juve if they lift the Champions League, Pirlo added: "Before considering that we must win the trophy. Then we'll see."

Juventus remain on track for a treble in Massimiliano Allegri's first season in charge, with the Scudetto (their fourth in a row) secured on Saturday and a Coppa Italia final against Lazio to look forward to next month.