MADRID:  Holders Real Madrid held off a spirited Atletico Madrid to set up a meeting with Juventus in next month’s Champions League final in Cardiff.

Atletico, trailing 3-0 from the first leg, stormed into an early 2-0 lead on the night through Saul Niguez’s header and Antoine Griezmann’s cheeky penalty.

But Real, record 11t-times European champions, grabbed a vital away goal when Isco poked in a rebound after Toni Kroos’ fierce shot – following a brilliant run by Karim Benzema – was saved.

It checked Atletico’s momentum and left them needing three more goals to reach a third Champions League final in four seasons.

Chances were scarcer for both teams after the break, although home substitute Kevin Gameiro missed two presentable chances to give Atletico a glimmer of hope.

Ultimately, the damage from the first leg was irreversible as Real beat their neighbours in the competition for the fourth successive season.

Zinedine Zidane’s team, attempting to become the first team to win the Champions League twice in a row, will meet Juventus at the Principality Stadium on June 3.

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