Yet another magical night at the Santiago Bernabeu culminated with Real Madrid progressing to their 18th UEFA Champions League final, courtesy of a brace by Joselu in the dying moments of the game.
Carlo Ancelotti made just one change to the side that started at the Allianz Arena, with Dani Carvajal returning after suspension and replacing Lucas Vázquez. Meanwhile, on the other hand, De Ligt, Aleksandar Pavlović, and Serge Gnabry returned to the lineup for Bayern Munich.
The game got off to a quick start, with Real Madrid earning a corner in just the first minute. The first half was largely dominated by the Merengues, with Rodrygo and Vinícius forcing Manuel Neuer to make some crucial saves.
One of these saves could have led to a goal, which would have been controversial as two balls were on the pitch – and in play – at the same time.
The Bavarians also came close to scoring with Serge Gnabry failing to make a quick decision as to whether he wanted to take a shot or square to Kane, ultimately slotting the ball wide for a goal kick.
The second half began with both teams playing cautiously, however, Los Blancos had a series of chances that either hit the woodwork or Neuer was at his best.
Alphonso Davies – who was brought on for Gnabry in the 27th minute due to an injury – finally punished Madrid for not taking their chances, as the Canadian took a right-footed shot to find the back of the net.
Carlo Ancelotti made a slew of changes by taking off Toni Kroos, Tchouaméni, Rodrygo, and Fede Valverde, who were replaced by Luka Modrić, Camavinga, Brahim Díaz, and Joselu, respectively.
The hunger for an equaliser intensified and during the chaos, Modrić made a crucial interception to deny Pavlović a chance at goal.
Vinícius Júnior wreaked havoc on the left wing throughout the game with Joshua Kimmich finding it hard to contain him. Even De Ligt faced problems coming up against him.
The Brazilian was involved in Real Madrid’s equalizer, as it was his shot saved by Neuer who fumbled and did not grab it cleanly, only for Joselu to grab the opportunity with both hands and give the Bernabeu faithful the moment they were waiting for.
With 9 minutes added on, Los Blancos knew they had a chance to end the game and not let it go to extra time.
That is exactly what happened – in the first minute of additional time, the German side was unable to properly clear a Madrid corner and as a result, Antonio Rüdiger found Joselu, who put the ball into the empty net.
There was a brief VAR check for offside and the goal was awarded, with Joselu scoring a brace in perhaps the biggest and most important game of the season for the Vikings.
The referee signaled additional minutes after the clock for 9 minutes was up. Bayern Munich tried and in the final minute thought that they had levelled the tie when De Ligt scored, but the linesman already had blown the whistle for offside before De Ligt took the shot. It was a controversial moment in the game, but on second look, it was a clear offside.
After letting the clock run to 15 minutes, the referee finally blew the whistle as the entire squad and Madridistas rejoiced as the men in white progressed to yet another final.
This match hereby proved what Juanito said in 1985, following a defeat against Inter Milan in the first leg of the UEFA Cup at San Siro: “90 minutes at the Bernabeu is a very long time.”
Sergio Ramos vs Atletico Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo vs Wolfsburg, Rodrygo vs Manchester City, and now Joselu vs Bayern Munich. The rule is pretty simple – a Champions League tie is not over until Real Madrid say it is over.
