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Later this week, Gianluigi Buffon, the grand old man of Italian soccer now that Francesco Totti has retired, will take his third shot at winning one of the few major trophies to elude him in his remarkable career: The UEFA Champions League. He has appeared in two finals, losing two seasons ago to Barcelona 3-1 and also losing the 2003 final to penalties against AC Milan. (That Juve team featured Alessandro Del Piero leading the line alongside David Trezeguet and included future Spurs man Edgar Davids in midfield.) At age 39, you would think that this is his last shot at the title, although you may have said that two years ago as well. These Football Times profiled Buffon, looking at his humble beginnings at Parma and world-record signing for Juventus and all that has happened since then.
The Premier League will have a first-time member next season as Huddersfield Town join the competition after beating Reading on penalties.
Elsewhere, Wolfsburg won their promotion playoff so the former champions will still be in the German top flight next season.
Stoke City has an enviable record of stability in the Premier League, but may be headed for a reckoning if they don’t find younger talent soon.
Chivas won their first Liga MX title in a long time.