A late double from Joselu (88e90e+1) opened the doors to the Champions League final for Real Madrid, at the end of a scenario of which only Carlo Ancelotti’s men have the secret (2-1). Restless but behind, the Madrilenians conceded the opening goal, with an explosive strike from Alphonso Davies (68e). With a single goal difference, the White House dismissed Bayern Munich in the semi-finals (2-2 in the first leg, 4-3 in total), and will meet in the final, Borussia Dortmund, defeater of Paris Saint-Germain the day before.
What you must remember
Joselu’s entry into play reflects the recent history of Real Madrid. Absolutely irrational. Author of only nine small goals in the league in the colors of Real Madrid this season, he was thrown into the deep end by Carlo Ancelotti at the end of the match, while the Madrilenians were trailing 1-0. In three minutes, the Spanish striker will score a double and shake up the scenario of the match. To add a little drama, we thought for a long time his second goal was refused for an offside position. This was not the case, and Madrid is extending its European spring.
- The thread of the match. 0-0, 14e : Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has just made a very classy double save. He first deflected a dangerous shot from Vinicius onto his post, before winning in front of Rodrygo, who was hanging around.
0-1, 68e : Harry Kane reverses the play to his left. Alphonso Davies, who came to replace Serge Gnabry in the first period, took the opportunity to move towards the center, and barely entered the area, the Canadian fired a low shot which surprised everyone, starting with Lunin. His first goal in the Champions League.
1-1, 88e : Vinicius rolls in a powerful shot, which Manuel Neuer, absolutely impeccable until then, fails to catch. His hand fault allows Joselu to take over from close range to equalize and tip Bernabeu into unreality.
2-1, 90e+1 : Three minutes later, Joselu did it again. The leading striker is found by Antonio Rüdiger with a strong left-footed cross into the heart of the area. Right in front of the opposing goal, all he has to do is push the ball into the back of the net. No Bavarian was there to prevent him from scoring, the VAR almost did it. After viewing, the absence of an offside position is confirmed and the goal validated.
- The phrase. Carlo Ancelotti used his third eye at a press conference the day before the match: “I always adapt. I can’t have a team that only has one identity. » And the Mister, opting for a late entry from Joselu (81e), was not mistaken.
- The number. 18.
This is the number of European finals in which Real Madrid has taken part in its history, including the one to come on June 1, against Borussia Dortmund. And the Germans can fear the broad experience of the Madrilenians, as much as their realism: because the White House has already won the competition fourteen times.
- The turning point of the match. Thomas Tuchel’s latest changes.
The Bavarian tactician made a series of changes to inject fresh blood and solidify his team which was leading 1-0. The entries of Kim Min-Jae (76e), Thomas Muller (85e) et Eric-Maxim Choupo Moting (85e) have weakened the Munich base more than anything else. Worse still, once Kane, Sané and Musiala came out, it was difficult to score in any hope of getting back into the lead.
The first period did not keep all its promises, but the two institutions quickly caught up. Between the repeated breakthroughs of Vinicius, the multiple saves of Manuel Neuer, and a stifling scenario at the end of the match, this semi-final return finally offered its share of striking moments.