Real Madrid Sneaks Past Bayern in Champions League Semi-Final
By way of the first leg, the score was drawn at two aside for each team. The aggregate saw the next team to score taking advantage, which later came from Real Madrid. In a thrilling match, Real Madrid would go on to defeat Bayern Munich in the deciding second leg of the Champions League Semi-final. Madrid continues their 29-game dominant streak without a single defeat dating back to last year at the Bernabeu.
Real Madrid sneaks past Bayern in the UCL Semi-Final
While Carlo Ancelotti’s tactics were well and alive early, Thomas Tuchel’s squad would contain the beast for the first half. Golden opportunities were presented to Real Madrid, with the first coming early in the frame with Englishmen Jude Bellingham. Bayern for the majority was playing more conservatively, soaking up the pressure that the Spanish side forced. With the counterattack strategy, it only worked towards the end of the first forty-five with a Harry Kane volley, then being saved by keeper Andriy Lunin. In having both defenses being examined, the score remained a deadlock at the break.
The Outstanding Back and Forth Clash
Making way into the second half, the better chances still fell to Vinicius Junior and Real Madrid. It is in the 68th minute of play where the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium was shocked. The substitute who came on for the injured Serge Gnabry in the 27th minute, Alphonso Davies, was the top performer. In the Canadian’s moment of brilliance against the Madrid backline, he turned onto his weaker foot and twirled one into the side netting. A picture-perfect counterattack scenario for the German side saw them go up in the tie, 3-2. Moments later Real Madrid would have the opportunity to equalize, with a scuffle in the box and a ball going in off the cross. After the VAR checked, the foul on Nacho occurred prior to the ball being put in. With the belief as time went on that Bayern Munich could do the unthinkable, Madrid would not suffice. In the 88th minute, super substitute Joselu got a rebound shot off Bayern tender Neuer and slotted it home. All the momentum favored the home side Madrid, where moments later Joselu found himself on the end of an Antonio Rudiger cross, putting this one away. That winner would be the deciding factor in a 2-1 second leg and 4-3 winners on the aggregate. Madrid will once again head to the Champions League Final, this time to face yet another Bundesliga squad.
A Look into the Final
German side Borussia Dortmund made a huge statement, defeating Paris St. Germain 2-0 on aggregate to book their ticket to the final. Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund will meet on Saturday, the first of June at Wembley Stadium. Illustrating a dramatic comeback from Madrid’s attack, they will look ahead to the physical Dortmund back four. Borussia Dortmund will be looking forward to the potential of their first Champions League crown since 1997. The mighty Madrid won back in 2022, defeating English side Liverpool one to nil.
