UCL: Real Madrid progress after astonishing drama

-

Real Madrid 2 - 1 Bayern Munich

Real Madrid won 3-2 on aggregate 

The Spanish side and the Champions League are a match made in heaven. Let's explore what happened on another dramatic night in Madrid.

Real Madrid fans

The recently crowned Spanish champions snatched an incredible semi-final victory, scoringblate goals to beat Bayern Munich and set up a Champions League final with Borussia Dortmund at Wembley.

Bayern Munich had looked to be heading to the final. They went into the lead after Alphonso Davies cut in and blasted past Andriy Lunin after England captain Harry Kane had found him with a superb pass.

However, as they always do, Real Madrid found a way back into the game. Joselu grabbed an 88th-minute equaliser when he reacted quickest after Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who had been excellent up until then, fumbled an effort Vinicius Jr. 

There was even more drama to come two minutes later when Joselu, scored again. The former Stoke City and Newcastle United player swept home from six yards after Antonio Rudiger's square pass.

It was initially ruled offside, only for a video assistant referee (VAR) decision to show that Joselu was onside, sparking scenes of celebration in the Bernabeu. 

What a night! We're already excited about the final now. 

More reaction

Another season without a trophy for Harry Kane

When Harry Kane was on the pitch, Bayern Munich were heading to the Champions League final. It was probably a gamble to take him off but very few could have imagined what would happen next. 

Thomas Tuchel substituted Kane in the 85th minute against Real Madrid. At that point, Bayern were protecting a one-goal lead and were going to Wembley. From Kane's perspective, everything was going according to plan 

So while there are other factors in play, you'd have to say the substitution was a massive turning point.

It also sums up what 2023-24 has been for Bayern. This has been a season where they have looked lost when without the England captain. Kane somehow ends his debut campaign at the club without a major trophy. They even lost the German Super Cup at the start of the season. 

Kane's final opportunity to win a trophy in 2024 will be the upcoming European Championships. It would be quite the story if the Bayern Munich forward is the man to bring football home.

Popular posts from this blog

UCL: Real Madrid win the Champions League again

-
Image
Borussia Dortmund 0- 2 Real Madrid Real Madrid overcame a formidable challenge from underdogs Borussia Dortmund to secure the Champions League title at Wembley. Carlo Ancelotti made history once again with his fifth win as a manager in the competition, while Real Madrid claimed their 15th title in typical fashion. They weathered a stormy first half and several missed opportunities from Dortmund before emerging victorious. A brief summary of the match Dortmund's Karim Adeyemi missed two chances in the first half, and striker Niclas Fullkrug struck the post. Real Madrid's recalled goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, was also a formidable barrier. As expected, Real Madrid upped the ante, with Dani Carvajal nodding in a header from a corner 16 minutes from time, followed by Vinicius Jr racing clear to add a second goal. This victory crowned a glorious first season at Real Madrid for Jude Bellingham, but it was a night of disappointment for Jadon Sancho, on loan to Dortmund from Manch
Read more

Euro 2024: Germany win opening game

-
Image
 Germany 5 - 1 Scotland There were six goals in the first game of Euro 2024. Unfortunately for Scotland, they only managed one. Pictures from the Euro 2024 Opening Ceremony The atmosphere at Allianz Arena was electric right from the start. Just ten minutes in, Florian Wirtz effortlessly found the net to open the scoring. Shortly after, Jamal Musiala unleashed a powerful shot that almost broke both Angus Gunn’s net and the hearts of the stunned Scottish fans behind the goal. Before half-time, Kai Havertz made it three from the penalty spot, following Ryan Porteous’ red card which left Scotland facing an uphill battle. Substitute Niclas Fullkrug added a fourth for Germany with a high shot into the net, though Antonio Rudiger’s late deflected own goal offered a glimmer of hope for Scotland. Their joy was short-lived, however, as Emre Can silenced the Scottish supporters deep into injury time. This result marked the biggest win in the opening game of a European Championships.  Euro 202
Read more

Euro 2024: Italy survive Albania scare

-
Image
Italy 2 - 1 Albania Holders Italy overcome a huge scare from group outsiders Albania. Italy recovered from the shock of conceding the fastest goal ever scored at a European Championship to beat Albania 2-1 with Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolò Barella ensuring the defending champions made a winning start. Such a narrow margin of defeat may prove useful to Albania’s hopes of scraping third place in the group of death. They will almost certainly need to win their next game though. Not an easy task. Nedim Bajrami’s emphatic finish set a new record for the fastest goal in European Championship history, lifting the roof off a stadium that had never experienced anything like the Albanian influx, which kept the atmosphere electric throughout. Within 23 seconds, Bajrami ensured that this already intense occasion would go down in history. It was inevitable Albania would start aggressively, spurred on by a noisy support that filled at least three-quarters of the venue. Italy wasn't ready.
Read more