Real Madrid's Stunning UCL Rally to Beat Bayern Munich, Reach Final Thrills Fans
Joseph Zucker@@JosephZucker
Featured Columnist IVMay 8, 2024
Bayern Munich turned back the clock to 1999 and not in a good way.
Thanks to a pair of late goals by Joselu, Real Madrid bested Bayern 2-1 in the second leg of their Champions League semifinals tie to advance 4-3 on aggregate.
For the German giant, it was a collapse reminiscent of Manchester United scoring twice in second-half stoppage time to claim a European title 25 years ago.
A 68th-minute goal from Alphonso Davies put Bayern Munich ahead. An all-German final with Borussia Dortmund looked increasingly likely as the clock ticked up toward the end of regular time. Then Joselu wrote his name into Real Madrid lore forever.
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid was among those following the action and reacting as Joselu's goal was upheld after a video review:
You can't be too surprised by Real Madrid snatching victory from the jaws of defeat in the Champions League because winning in Europe is second nature to the club. But that didn't make Wednesday's comeback any less remarkable.
That Joselu, who's only playing for Madrid on loan from Espanyol, drove the dagger into Bayern's heart was all the more improbable.
Fabrizio Romano @FabrizioRomanoFootball, the only sport where you spend months talking about players you gonna sign for tons of millions…<br><br>…and then the one you signed on loan with €1.5m buy option sends you to Champions League final. 🤯<br><br>What a story, Joselu. <a href="https://t.co/P8PJX6pE5r">pic.twitter.com/P8PJX6pE5r</a>
Now, Borussia Dortmund is all that stands between Real Madrid and a 15th European Cup.
Edin Terzić's squad will be the firm sentimental favorites for the Champions League final June 1 at London's Wembley Stadium, but plenty of fans will feel confident the outcome is already set in stone.
Madrid hasn't lost a European Cup final since 1980-81 and you'd bet that winning streak carries on.