Football Leagues

Real Madrid achieve unique feat after stunning Champions League comeback against Bayern Munich

May 09, 2024
By Web Desk
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Joselu struck two late goals to push Real into their sixth Champions League final since the 2013-14 season. - Real Madrid

Real Madrid registered a superb 2-1 semi-final comeback win against Bayern Munich on Wednesday to qualify for the final against Borussia Dortmund.

The record 14-time European champions advanced 4-3 on aggregate after the first leg ended in a 2-2 draw.

Bayern had taken a 3-2 lead on aggregate after Alphonso Davies' second-half goal at the Santiago Bernabeu but substitute Joselu struck two late goals to push Real into their sixth Champions League final since the 2013-14 season.

According to Opta, Real Madrid also achieved a unique feat as they have now won four matches despite conceding the first goal in the UEFA Champions League this season, which is the most by a side in a single campaign since Los Blancos in 2016-17 (5) when they went on to lift the trophy.

Meanwhile, manager Carlo Ancelotti said that Real Madrid's success in the Champions League is "something magical".

"It's happened again ... because it's happened so many times now it's something inexplicable," Ancelotti told reporters.

"It's happened again (thanks to) fans that push (us), a stadium that helps, a fantastic atmosphere and players who never stop believing that they can do it. It's something magical, there's no explanation for it."

Ancelotti also lauded Joselu for his impactful performance despite being on the bench for the majority of the season.

"He is a fantastic reflection because he's a player who's contributed a lot this season even if he hasn't played many minutes," the Italian manager said.

"But he's the perfect reflection of what this squad is: players who contribute a lot without losing confidence (if they're not playing) and the idea that they can offer the team something."

Real, who have already bagged the LaLiga title, will lock horns with German side Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final on June 1.