King of comebacks: Real Madrid beats Bayern Munich 2-1 to reach another Champions League final
Real Madrid is back in the Champions League final. The 14-time European champion pulled off another stunning comeback at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on May 8, defeating Bayern Munich 2-1 to reach the final for the second time in three seasons.
“It has happened again what has happened so many times before,” said Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti. The team needed some late drama to advance, like it happened so many times in 2022. Joselu scored in the 88th minute and then in stoppage time.
“You always dream of being part of moments like this”
Before the halftime, both Madrid and Bayern players were yet to open their accounts. The latter started leading from the 68th minute due to an Alphonso Davies goal. Then deep in stoppage time, it thought it had equalised but had not actually.
Joselu of Real Madrid first scored quite late in the match after Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer spilled an easy save. His second goal was initially called off for offside but was eventually permitted after video analysis, taking the team to another Champions League final.
“You always dream of being part of moments like this,” said Joselu. It will be Real Madrid’s record-extending 18th European Cup final and the ninth in the Champions League era, also a record. “Not even my best dreams were as good as this,” Joselu added.
Champions League final: Borussia Dortmund Real Madrid
Madrid’s performance during the 2022 season involved several late comebacks like the one it pulled off on May 8. The team beat Liverpool that season to make it to the final. It also delivered great performances in the semifinals, quarterfinals and the round of 16.
Six-time European champion Bayern Munich could have returned to the final for the first time since winning the competition in 2019-20. “Of course, it is tough to accept. It is part of reality. No regrets,” said Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel on yesterday’s scores.
Borussia Dortmund, the 1997 European champion, locked horns against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, eliminating the opposition team 2-0 on aggregate. It is preparing for a tough battle against Real Madrid on June 1 in London. Keep an eye out for more updates.
