Updated8. May 2024, 23:36
Champions League: Immortal, Real Madrid joins Dortmund in the final
Trailing 0-1 until the 88th minute at Santiago Bernabéu, the Merengues snatched their qualification thanks to a saving double from Joselu in the semi-final return (2-1).
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Brice Cheneval
Author of a late double, Joselu saved Real Madrid from elimination at home in the Champions League semi-final.
AFP
Real Madrid did it again. Once again (we can’t count anymore), the Merengues have come back from hell to write a happy ending. The scenario may repeat itself year after year, but it never ceases to amaze, to amaze, to amaze. Undeniably, this club has Europe in its veins. This is reflected in his unrivaled track record, but also in his ability to transcend himself as soon as the atmosphere becomes tense.
This Wednesday evening, Real Madrid glimpsed elimination. A week after his draw in Munich against Bayern (2-2), he thought he would go to Santiago Bernabéu. Trailing from the 68th minute, following a masterful curling strike from Alphonso Davies, he chased the score until the 88th minute. Before completely reversing the situation.
Imperial Neuer… until the 88th
Used to punishing their opponents on the counter, Carlo Ancelotti’s players were caught in their own trap on Wednesday. Bayern arrived in the Spanish capital with cautious intentions, leaving the initiative of the game to the locals. The latter have long come up against an immense Manuel Neuer. The 38-year-old goalkeeper made four monumental saves. He intervened twice in front of Rodrygo, at close range (13th) and from a free kick (59th), and twice in front of Vinicius, on an incoming cross (40th) then a powerful strike under the bar (60th). The Brazilian duo, untenable, signed two other major chances: Vinicius made the post tremble (13th) while Rodrygo crossed his attempt a little too much (55th).
Opposite, Andriy Lunin was not to be outdone. Although less in demand, the Real goalkeeper shone in front of Harry Kane (28th, 54th) and Jamal Musiala (66th). He was unable to do anything, however, on Davies’ opening goal. Bayern even came close to breaking, Kim Min-jae finding the bar with a header (82nd).
Joselu superhero
But Real Madrid never admits defeat and can take advantage of every crumb that is left to them. Until then imperial, Manuel Neuer made a hole when he miscaught a long shot from Vinicius. Joselu, a great replacement at center forward, then threw himself to transform this offering into a goal (88th).
Three minutes later, he shook the net again by converting a tense cross from Antonio Rüdiger (90th + 1). A goal validated after intervention by the VAR. The Bernabéu was sinking into madness.
The most successful club in the history of the Champions League (14 victories), Real Madrid will be in the running to win the competition for a sixth time in the last eleven editions. Stratospheric.
Bayern, for its part, is preparing to complete its first white season since 2012. Having fallen from its pedestal in Germany where it won neither the championship, nor the Cup, nor the Supercup, the Bavarian club will open a new era this summer, with the departure of Thomas Tuchel.