In a thrilling match at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Real Madrid secured a spot in the Champions League final by defeating Bayern Munich 2-1. Here’s a breakdown of how it all unfolded:
Late Drama Leads to Victory
- Madrid needed late heroics to seal the win, with Joselu scoring in the 88th minute and stoppage time.
- The victory secured Madrid’s place in the final against Borussia Dortmund on June 1 in London.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti’s Reaction
- Carlo Ancelotti, Madrid’s coach, described the win as “inexplicable” and “magical,” praising the fans, stadium atmosphere, and the players’ belief.
Bayern’s Initial Lead
- Bayern Munich took the lead with an Alphonso Davies goal in the 68th minute.
Controversial Offside Call
- Bayern thought they had equalized in stoppage time, but a controversial offside call denied them the goal, sparking criticism from Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel.
Joselu’s Heroics
- Joselu scored the equalizer after Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer spilled an easy save, and then secured the win in stoppage time with another goal.
Madrid’s Champions League History
- This will be Madrid’s record-extending 18th European Cup final and ninth in the Champions League era, showcasing their dominance in European football.
Bayern’s Disappointment
- Bayern, a six-time European champion, aimed to return to the final but fell short in a hard-fought match.
Dortmund’s Journey
- Dortmund, the 1997 European champion, secured their spot in the final by eliminating Paris Saint-Germain.
Key Moments
- The match was evenly contested, with Madrid creating significant chances throughout.
- Neuer’s exceptional performance kept Bayern in the match until his late mistake allowed Madrid to equalize.
- Davies’ goal gave Bayern hope, but Madrid’s resilience ultimately secured the win.
Controversial Refereeing
- The match saw controversial refereeing decisions, including disallowed goals and offside calls, adding to the drama.
Conclusion
- Real Madrid’s victory over Bayern Munich sets up an exciting final against Borussia Dortmund, promising another thrilling chapter in Champions League history.
