Real Madrid secured a place in the Champions League final with a heart-stopping 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich, a match destined for legend due to its rollercoaster ending and controversial calls.
The match erupted with energy, both sides trading early chances. Bayern’s Gnabry nearly connected with Kane, while Neuer’s stunning double save thwarted Vini Jr. and Rodrygo. A second ball on the pitch added to the initial chaos. Bayern’s pressing forced Real back, but their counters remained potent.
Disaster struck for Bayern on the half-hour mark when Gnabry succumbed to a hamstring injury, replaced by Alphonso Davies. The frenetic first half ended scoreless, defying the intensity of the play.
The second half mirrored the first. Vini Jr. continued to terrorize Bayern’s defense, his dazzling runs nearly leading to goals. Neuer’s brilliance kept Bayern level. Bayern countered, Musiala forcing a brilliant save from Lunin, before Davies unleashed a stunning curling strike to finally break the deadlock.
Drama escalated. Nacho’s equalizer was disallowed for a foul in the build-up, but Real wouldn’t be denied. A catastrophic error from Neuer allowed Vini Jr. to pounce, sending the Bernabeu into a frenzy. Minutes later, Joselu’s second goal completed the turnaround, leaving Bayern reeling.
In added time, Bayern’s potential game-tying goal ignited a VAR controversy. The assistant referee’s flag was raised before the ball crossed the line, and a full VAR check was not conducted, leaving the decision – and Bayern’s fate – shrouded in doubt.
Real Madrid survived, defying the odds and booking their place against Borussia Dortmund in the Wembley final on June 1st, setting the stage for a quest for their 15th Champions League title.