Another unforgettable moment from the UEFA Champions League (UCL) was created when Joselu’s incredible late brace secured Real Madrid’s spot in the championship match at Wembley versus Borussia Dortmund. In the semi-final, Los Blancos defeated German powerhouse Bayern Munich 4-3 on aggregate, extending their winning streak to 21 games in all competitions.
Real arrived at this match in high spirits having won their 36th La Liga title with a 3-0 victory against Cádiz, while Thomas Tuchel’s team was facing a pivotal match following a 3-1 loss to Stuttgart, which continued their dismal domestic campaign.
In front of a glittering Bernabéu, Carlo Ancelotti’s team started the match stronger and nearly broke the deadlock when Manuel Neuer made a spectacular double save to deflect VinÃcius Júnior’s shot onto the post and then deny Rodrygo on the rebound.
Harry Kane nearly had an impact on this match with an incredible first-time volley that was going just wide, but Andriy Lunin was taking no chances and parried the ball behind. This was despite an injury to Serge Gnabry that necessitated a reshuffle. Neuer had to step up once more to keep the score level at halftime by tipping away a VinÃcius effort that was headed for the bottom corner.
VinÃcius was having a great time exploiting the Bayern defense down the left side as he found Rodrygo, who missed the target as Eric Dier put pressure on him. At the beginning of the second half, the Bavarians had a chance of their own when Kane forced Lunin into another save at his near post, but the Spaniards were otherwise unstoppable.
A Real Madrid goal appeared certain as Neuer had to make two more excellent saves to hold off Rodrygo’s free kick and VinÃcius’ outstanding lone attempt. But thanks to a ridiculously powerful strike from Davies, Bayern took the lead.
After being set up by Kane, the Canada international cut inside off the left wing and scored his first goal in the UCL with elegance, cutting past Lunin with a powerful strike.
Ancelotti’s team believed they had quickly tied the score when Nacho scored from Luka Modrić’s corner, but the Real Madrid captain had his attempt disqualified because he had bumped Joshua Kimmich during the build-up.
While Neuer was enjoying a fantastic day, he strangely gave the home team an equalizer in the 88th minute when he mishandled a meek attempt from VinÃcius. Super substitute Joselu then slotted the loose ball in to send the Bernabéu into frenzy.
The drama increased when the goal was first given away for offside, but quite amazingly, the Espanyol loanee scored again in stoppage time to cap off another iconic Real Madrid comeback with an exquisitely instinctive finish from Antonio Rüdiger’s cross. After VAR intervened, the goal was awarded, igniting wild celebrations and securing Los Blancos’ chance to capture a record-tying 15th UCL championship. The matchup with Borussia Dortmund is scheduled for June 1 at Wembley Stadium.
