MADRID,- Real Madrid once again showcased their penchant for dramatic comebacks, as Joselu’s late heroics propelled them to a thrilling 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final at Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday.
Trailing on aggregate, Real faced elimination but staged a remarkable turnaround with Joselu’s brace sealing a 4-3 aggregate triumph, propelling them to their sixth Champions League final in a decade. They will now vie for a record-extending 15th title against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley on June 1.
Echoing memories of their memorable semi-final comeback against Manchester City two years ago, Real found themselves trailing after Bayern’s Alphonso Davies unleashed a sensational strike from a counter-attack in the 68th minute.
However, Joselu emerged as the savior, capitalizing on a glaring error from Manuel Neuer in the 88th minute to restore parity before netting the winner just two minutes later, albeit initially ruled offside before VAR intervention awarded the goal.
Reflecting on the team’s resilience, Jude Bellingham, set to face his former club in the final, remarked to TNT Sports, “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.”
Davies had earlier ignited the contest with a spectacular goal, bending an unstoppable shot into the far corner. Despite Bayern’s lead, Real dominated proceedings, with Vinicius Jr tormenting the visitors down the left flank.
The Brazilian’s relentless pressure eventually paid off as Neuer’s fumble gifted Joselu the equalizer, revitalizing the Santiago Bernabeu crowd.
Moments later, Real capitalized on their momentum, clinching a well-deserved winner to secure their berth in yet another Champions League final.
