NEW DELHI:
Real Madrid
showcased their renowned comeback prowess to secure a dramatic 2-1 second-leg victory over
Bayern Munich
at the
Santiago Bernabeu
, sealing their path to the
Champions League final
.
Trailing behind on aggregate, Real faced the prospect of elimination as Bayern substitute
Alphonso Davies
unleashed a stunning strike in the 68th minute.
However, a late surge from Real, orchestrated by substitute Joselu, turned the tide of the match.
Joselu's equalizer in the 88th minute, capitalizing on a rare error from Bayern goalkeeper
Manuel Neuer
, injected new life into the Bernabeu. Moments later, he secured the win with a second goal, albeit controversially initially ruled out for offside before being awarded following a
VAR review
.
Reflecting on the team's indomitable spirit, midfielder Jude Bellingham remarked, "We've seen it a lot of times this season when it looked as though we're dead and buried ... it doesn’t matter who scores the goals but someone always manages it... that mentality of never say die."
Real Madrid's dominance throughout the game was evident, with
Vinicius Jr
leading the charge down the left channel and Neuer putting up a valiant defense for Bayern. Despite Bayern's resilient performance, Real's relentless pressure eventually paid off, propelling them to yet another Champions League final.
Bayern Munich, meanwhile, felt aggrieved by what they perceived as contentious officiating decisions, particularly a disallowed goal in added time. Defender Matthijs De Ligt expressed frustration, labeling the call "a disgraceful decision."
With their Bundesliga reign ended by Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern's hopes for silverware were dashed, leaving them with only the Champions League to fight for this season. Manager Thomas Tuchel lamented the outcome, describing it as feeling "like a betrayal in the end."
Real Madrid's remarkable comeback sets the stage for an electrifying final showdown against
Borussia Dortmund
at Wembley on June 1, as they aim to clinch a record-extending 15th Champions League title.
(With inputs from Reuters)
English (US) ·