Real Madrid's Unparalleled Comeback Kings Reign Supreme

Thursday 09 May 2024 - 07:57

When Real Madrid takes the field, the extraordinary becomes the norm. Once again, the Madrilenos defied the odds by staging an epic comeback against Bayern Munich (2-1) in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final on Wednesday night at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium. This victory propels them into the final, where they will face Borussia Dortmund at Wembley on June 1st.

In a scenario reminiscent of the greatest football epics, Joselu, the Spanish striker on loan from Espanyol Barcelona, emerged from the depths to score a decisive brace in the final minutes of regulation time (88th and 91st), when Real Madrid was virtually eliminated. At 34 years old and with little experience at the highest European level until this season, Joselu first capitalized on a rare mistake by the legendary 38-year-old Manuel Neuer, who had kept Bayern alive until then. He then clinched the victory with a headed goal from a Rüdiger cross (90+1, 2-1).

This irrational reversal of fortunes is nothing new for Real Madrid, an immortal force even when perceived to be in decline. In recent seasons, the Madrilenos have become experts in such comebacks, stringing together three successive remontadas en route to their 14th Champions League title in 2022, against PSG, Chelsea, and Manchester City.

Having been crowned Spanish champions just last weekend with four rounds remaining, Carlo Ancelotti's men now set their sights on an unthinkable treble (La Liga, Spanish Super Cup, Champions League) at Wembley, where they will vie for their 15th European crown in their 18th final appearance.

However, the Santiago Bernabéu had been plunged into a cathedral-like silence by a sublime strike from Canadian Alphonso Davies, who came on as a substitute for Gnabry in the first half (68th, 1-0). As in the first leg (2-2), and like Manchester City in the previous round (3-3), or more recently against FC Barcelona (3-2), the Germans believed they had done the hard part and were envisioning an unexpected ninth final appearance after a disappointing season in which they surrendered their Bundesliga title for the first time since 2013, to Bayer Leverkusen.

Especially since their legendary goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, at 38 years old and after months away from the pitch last season, had been repelling wave after wave of Madrid attacks, which had begun crashing against his goal from the opening minutes of the match.

After a double save against Vinicius and then Rodrygo (13th), aided by his post, the 2014 World Cup champion had completely deflated the supporters of the White House with three more saves against the same Vinicius (40th, 60th) and Rodrygo (59th). But he finally cracked two minutes from the end of regulation time, a reflection of a defense that had given everything and lacked composure in the final moments.

Refereeing Controversies

The end of the match was marred by refereeing controversies: Real Madrid's first equalizer, a fortuitous goal, was disallowed by VAR for a foul by Nacho on Kimmich (71st, 1-1), and Bayern protested in vain for an offside call on Joselu's second goal (90+1, 2-1).

The Germans can also feel aggrieved by the final action of the match, where the Spanish players had stopped playing for an offside that was not so clear-cut, while De Ligt had put the ball into the net.

"That decision is an absolute disaster," fumed Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel on DAZN. "We have to let the play go until the end. That's the rule, especially since it's so close to the goal, and it's so tight."

"The scene at the end, I find it incredible. I can't understand why he doesn't let the play unfold. He apologized. I wouldn't say that Real Madrid always gets lucky, but it made the difference today," added De Ligt to DAZN's microphone.

Despite the controversies, Real Madrid has once again demonstrated its incredible ability to rise from the ashes, confirming its status as the unparalleled comeback kings of European football.