Real Madrid 2-1 Bayern (aggregate score: 4-3): Joselu scores to complete epic turnaround | UEFA Champions League

A late Joselu goal allowed Real Madrid, 14-time champions, to overturn Bayern Munich, with the Merengues achieving another memorable comeback in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, setting up a final clash with Borussia Dortmund at Wembley on June 1st.

The match in a nutshell: Joselu’s brace sinks Bayern

Davies opened the scoring for Bayern like thisGetty Images

In contrast to the first leg in Bavaria, this time it was Real Madrid who took control in the opening minutes, with Vinícius Júnior causing the Bayern defense a lot of trouble. The Brazilian, who scored two goals in Munich a week ago, saw Neuer make a brilliant save to push his shot onto the post in the first quarter-hour, while Rodrygo also saw the German goalkeeper deny him on the rebound.

The Bayern response came after half an hour as Kane tested Lunin in the other box, but the first half ended with the score still level and the tie finely poised.

The deadlock was broken midway through the second half when Alphonso Davies, who came on to replace the injured Serge Gnabry in the first half, received a long pass from Kane on the left, cut inside, entered Real’s area, and unleashed a fantastic curling shot with his right foot that left Lunin with no chance.

As the clock approached the 90th minute, Bayern seemed to be heading for victory. However, in the 88th minute, Real Madrid struck. Joselu, who had come on just moments before, equalized on a rebound from a Vinícius Júnior shot that Neuer couldn’t hold onto, sending the Santiago Bernabéu into a frenzy. The frenzy only intensified three minutes later when Joselu redirected a Rudiger cross into the back of the net from close range. The play was initially flagged for offside, but the goal (and Real’s qualification to the final) was confirmed after a VAR review.

PlayStation® Player of the Match: Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid)

“He was a constant threat and made Real Madrid believe in the victory. His approach to the game was infectious, and in one of the numerous one-on-one situations, he created the crucial first goal for his team.”
UEFA Technical Observers Panel

Reactions 

Real players celebratingGetty Images

Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid coach: “Well, it happened again. But it happens so often that it must mean something. The fans encourage us, a fantastic stadium, players who never stop believing – it’s simply magical. We had the strength not to lose our heads in a difficult game when we fell behind. The fans helped us, they were fantastic for us. And that is contagious for the players.”

Vinícius Júnior, Real Madrid forward: “This is Real Madrid! We always believe, always. It’s simply magical to play for this team, in this stadium, and to do it so many times. This is just another case where, because we always believe in ourselves, we end up winning. We know we can make a difference, whatever happens.”

Thomas Tuchel, Bayern coach:

Matthijs de Ligt, Bayern defender:

Joselu equalized like thisUEFA via Getty Images