By RYAN TOLMICH

After spending six seasons with Real Madrid, Alvaro Morata proved to be his former team’s executioner in Wednesday’s Champions League semifinal.

Entering Wednesday with a 2-1 advantage from the first leg, Morata scored the clinching goal in the 57th minute, canceling out a Cristiano Ronaldo opener to lead Juventus past Real Madrid and into the Champions League final.

With his side facing elimination due to away goals, Morata provided the finish off a sequence kickstarted by an Andrea Pirlo free kick.

The Italian veteran’s initial cross was never truly cleared by Real Madrid, bouncing off head after head in the box. The ball eventually worked its way to a returning Paul Pogba, who headed it into the path of an open Morata. The Spaniard took a touch before ripping a shot off Iker Casillas’ hands and into the back of the net, leading Juve to the club’s first Champions League final since 2003.

Morata’s finish proved vital following Cristiano Ronaldo’s opener, as the Portuguese star gave his side the advantage with a penalty kick finish in the 23rd minute.

The penalty was drawn by James Rodriguez, who was clattered down in the box by Juve midfielder Arturo Vidal. Ronaldo stepped up and smashed the ensuing spot kick up the middle and past a diving Gianluigi Buffon, pushing the scoreline to 2-2 at the time while giving Real the advantage.

Following Ronaldo’s goal, Real Madrid pushed to add to the scoreline, as Gareth Bale pushed a pair of headers over the bar from close range.

Those misses would come back to bite the reigning champions, as Morata’s goal proved to be enough to lead Juve to the tournament’s finale.

Juventus will now begin preparations for the final against Barcelona, which is scheduled for June 6 in Berlin.