Real Madrid has reached Champion League final for a record 18th time

Real Madrid pulled off an epic comeback to beat Bayern Munich 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu last Wednesday, booking their spot in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti was super stoked about the win. He said, “We played great… had chances to control the game… and with our fans backing us, we pulled off another surprise here at the Bernabeu.” He praised Joselu, calling him a fantastic striker, and commented on the team’s energy spike towards the end of the game, adding, “I’m totally looking forward to the final.”

Ancelotti didn’t hold back his admiration for the team: “They work super hard and stay humble. This is the best squad I’ve ever coached.”

The match itself was a rollercoaster. Both teams were cautious at first. Bayern’s Serge Gnabry kicked off the action with a shot that just missed, while Real’s Vinicius Junior smacked the bar, and Rodrygo’s follow-up was stopped by Bayern’s goalie, Manuel Neuer.

The first half wrapped up scoreless, despite some close calls, including Harry Kane’s volley that Real’s goalie, Andriy Lunin, managed to save.

In the second half, Real Madrid, who have won the European title 14 times, stepped up their game. Neuer was on fire, making killer saves against Rodrygo and Vinicius. But then, Bayern’s Alphonso Davies scored off a slick pass from Kane, making it look like Bayern was heading to the final.

But hold up! In the 88th minute, Neuer fumbled a simple ball, and Joselu seized the moment to tie the game. Just two minutes later, Joselu struck again from close range after a pass from Antonio Rudiger. The crowd went nuts when the goal, initially called offside, was confirmed by VAR as legit.

Real Madrid clinched the win with a 4-3 aggregate score, setting them up for their 18th Champions League final on June 1st at Wembley against Dortmund. It’s going to be epic!