Real Madrid‘s Joselu scored twice in the final minutes as they fought back from the brink of elimination to reach the Champions League final with a dramatic 2-1 second-leg win over Bayern Munich on Wednesday that sent them through 4-3 on aggregate.
Real progressed to their sixth Champions League final in 10 years and will bid for a record-extending 15th title against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley on June 1.
In a repeat of their spectacular semi-final comeback win over Manchester City two years ago, they saw their opponents take the lead after Bayern substitute Alphonso Davies scored from a counter attack in the 68th minute.
But Joselu climbed off the bench to equalise following a calamitous error from Manuel Neuer in the 88th minute and, two minutes later, he shinned a second into the Bayern goal from a cross by Antonio Rudiger.
Mail Sport’s Pete Jenson rated the players on Wednesday night.
Sub Joselu scored twice in the final minutes to book a place in the Champions League final
Bayern Munich’s Champions League dream was ended – and so too was their hopes of a piece of silverware for 2023-24
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REAL MADRID 4-4-2
Lunin – 7
Did his best to match Neuer save for save. Another top performance from Ukraine keeper more than filling the void left by the now fit again Courtois.
Carvajal – 7.5
There is no better right-back in Europe right now. Epic blocks in defence and put his inverted full-back hat on plenty too with dangerous raids forward but was out of position when Davies scored.
Rudiger – 7
Got physical with Kane and for the most part it paid off. Couldn’t block Davies’ shot.
Nacho – 7
Great covering run to stop Musiala reaching Kane’s pass in first half. His push on Kimmich before Madrid had the ball in the net was a clear foul.
Mendy – 7
Bullied Sane and reminded everyone why Ancelotti loves him for all the talk Madrid will eventually sign Bayern’s Davies.
Jude Bellingham impressed in a slightly deeper role for Real Madrid on Wednesday night
Valverde – 7
Madrid’s Bullet Train never tired in midfield but there was no end product on the night and he made way for Brahim.
Tchouameni – 7
Madrid’s first line of defence. Did his best to deal with the dual threat of Musiala and Kane dropping deep. Replaced early by Camavinga.
Kroos – 7
Not quite the extraordinary first-leg performance but still sprayed the ball around the Bernabeu and covered so much ground despite his years.
Bellingham – 7.5
Several epic clearances on the edge of his own area. Played deeper and to the left of Madrid’s midfield four and looked happier with the game in front of him. Inspired.
Rodrygo – 6.5
Missed early chance and then over-hit cross to Vinicius. Never quite matched his compatriot strike partner. Replaced as Madrid went for broke.
Vinicius Jnr produced a manic medley of shots, sprints, passes, dribbles and sublime touches
VINICIUS JNR – 9
Best player in the world right now. Forget Kylian Mbappe. A manic medley of shots, sprints, passes, dribbles and sublime touches. All that was missing was the goal but his shot allowed Joselu to score.
Subs
Brahim (for Valverde 80) – 7.5, Camavinga (for Tchouameni 69) – 6.5, Modric (for Kroos 69) – 6.5, Joselu (for Valverde 81), Militao (for Bellingham 90)
Manager
Carlo Ancelotti – 8
BAYERN MUNICH 4-2-3-1
Neuer – 6.5
Great saves from Rodrygo and Vinicius Jnr were two from so many. Then he dropped his lunch at the doorstep and Bayern dream was snatched from them.
Kimmich – 7.5
Great pass in behind Mendy early on. Good distribution going forward and strong in defence.
Dier – 7.5
Another Englishman unwanted by his Premier League club but looking top class in a Champions League semi-final.
De Ligt – 7
A massive improvement on Kim Min-Jae who was still spinning from his first leg spell in the Vinicius mixer. Handled the onslaught well.
Mazraoui – 7
Like De Ligt he knows what it’s like to conquer the Bernabeu having done it with Ajax. Forced fine save from Lunin in the first half. Dealt with Rodrygo.
Manuel Neuer saved Bayern on several occasions but was at fault for Real’s late equaliser
Pavlovic – 6.5
First ever start in Champions League away game aged 19 and it didn’t faze him.
Laimer – 7.5
Outstanding in the first leg and stood tall again. Showed his speed to keep pace with Vinicius defending on the counter. Revelation.
Sane – 6
Was bullied by Mendy, failing to cause Madrid too many problems. Taken off early in the second half.
Musiala – 8.5
Great covering run to cut out Lunin’s throw to Vinicius. Played through the middle and always a threat probing behind Kane.
Gnabry – 6
Another night ruined by injury. Physical problems have been the bane of his season.
Kane – 7.5
Brilliant shot on the turn tipped around post by Lunin. Managed a similar effort after the restart. Needs so little time, space and back lift to get shots away. Within three minutes of a Champions League final as he left the pitch subbed.
Subs
Davies (for Gnabry 26) – 8.5, Kim Min-jae (for Sane 76) – 6.5, Muller (for Musiala 85), Choupo-Moting (for Kane 85),
Harry Kane was just three minutes from a Champions League final before Joselu’s late double
Manager
Thomas Tuchel – 6
Referee
Szymon Marciniak – 7
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