In the Champions League, Real Madrid managed a 4-3 aggregate victory against Bayern Munich, thanks to an impressive double from Joselu in the final moments. The 2-1 home victory at the Santiago Bernabeu has guaranteed Madrid’s place in the final, to be held at Wembley Stadium. The previously well-matched semi-final tie saw each side score twice during last week’s first leg held in Germany.
Despite the threat of a successive semi-final exit from the competition and a staggering 68th-minute goal from Bayern’s substitute, Alphonso Davies, Madrid, backed by a 13-month unbeaten stretch on home turf and extensive European history, prevailed. Manager Carlo Ancelotti, turning to his bench, called upon Joselu to rescue the game.
In the 88th minute, Joselu capitalised on a Manuel Neuer error, netting in the tying goal. He struck again three minutes later, although his goal was initially disallowed before being confirmed via VAR.
Anxious moments followed for Ancelotti’s squad during extended stoppage time when a late shot by Matthijs de Lift for the visitors was deemed illegitimate. The team’s perseverance enabled Madrid to secure their 18th European Cup final appearance, hot on the heels of their La Liga title triumph.
Unfortunately for England’s skipper, Harry Kane, this outcome confines him to a debut season without silverware with the German behemoth, despite being withdrawn while his side was leading.