Claudio Marchisio felt Juventus “have our heads held high” after a 3-1 Champions League Final defeat to Barcelona.

“The dream was to come here and live through this night. We didn’t crown it with a victory, but the fact remains we had a great season, we reacted to their early goal and acted as a real team,” Marchisio told Sky Sport Italia.

“We had some excellent chances, almost a penalty on Paul Pogba, but we knew Barcelona were a great team.

Claudio Marchisio felt Juventus “have our heads held high” after a 3-1 Champions League Final defeat to Barcelona.

“The dream was to come here and live through this night. We didn’t crown it with a victory, but the fact remains we had a great season, we reacted to their early goal and acted as a real team,” Marchisio told Sky Sport Italia.

“We had some excellent chances, almost a penalty on Paul Pogba, but we knew Barcelona were a great team.

“We leave this Final with our heads held high, aware we gave it our all. From the start we tried to cover on their players down the wings and you can’t press Barcelona for 90 minutes.

“In the second half we managed a few more counters and caused them problems. Once we got hold of the ball and got over the early tension, as for many of us it was the first Champions League Final, we proved ourselves. If we had found the goal to take the lead, it would’ve been a different game.”

This was the first Bianconeri Final since 2003, which they also lost to Milan on penalties, and in fact this was Juve’s fourth consecutive Final defeat.

“The Coach was the first who believed we could reach the top four, while we were dubious to say the least. The Juventus DNA means suffering together to push forward through obstacles.

“We know we’re not the best team in Europe, but we tried everything we could. Unfortunately the history of Juve in this competition is not good.

“Now we are here, we’re experiencing a fantastic campaign and from tomorrow will focus on the Nazionale. There’s an important qualifier against Croatia.

“For tonight it’s important to continue experiencing this Final, as we still had a great campaign and put in a good performance.

“I am just happy to be here, playing against maestros like Andrea Pirlo, Xavi and Andres Iniesta. Of course, I’d have been happier with the trophy in my hand.”

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