Joselu the Hero: Real Madrid Stages Comeback to Reach Champions League Final

Real Madrid overcame a 2-1 first-leg deficit to upset Bayern Munich in a thrilling Champions League semifinal, securing a spot in the championship match against Borussia Dortmund. On June 1st, the match will be held at London’s renowned Wembley Stadium.

The first leg between the two European heavyweights ended in a 2-2 tie, and the beginning part of the second leg was characterized by cautious play and frantic midfield battles. Encouraged by the Santiago Bernabéu supporters, Real Madrid nearly broke the deadlock in the 13th minute when Vinicius Jr. hit the crossbar. Rodrygo was denied by Manuel Neuer with an incredible double stop on the rebound.

In the 28th minute, Harry Kane’s strong shot was parried by Andriy Lunin as Bayern Munich threatened. For the visitors, Neuer kept up his impressive play, acrobatically blocking another Vinicius Jr. effort in the 39th minute.

The early dominance of Real Madrid started to wane as the game went on. In the 67th minute, Alphonso Davies of Bayern Munich ultimately gave them a lead with a stunning right-footed goal that beat Lunin.

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti made two pivotal replacements with their backs against the wall: Eduardo Camavinga and Luka Modric. Bayern Munich, though, were ready to hold onto their small lead.

Then, in the eighty-seventh minute, Madrid’s luck changed. The previously unbeatable Manuel Neuer mishandled a shot, allowing poacher Joselu to quickly equalize. Joselu scored once more three minutes later, giving Real Madrid a 2-1 lead and a 4-3 aggregate advantage.

After a late goal by Bayern Munich was disallowed for offside without a VAR review, the match ended in controversy.