German Champions League final canceled: FC Bayern loses to Real Madrid

Joselu shocks the Munich people

The great German renaissance at Wembley between FC Bayern and Borussia Dortmund has collapsed. 25 years after the memorable 1-2 defeat in the final against Manchester United, Bayern experienced new drama in the Champions League with a 1-2 (0-0) draw against Real Madrid in the semi-final. The real joker Joselu turned the situation around at the Bernabéu on Wednesday evening with two very late goals (88th/90th+1). Captain Manuel Neuer, who had held up like a titan until then, made a serious mistake during the 1-1 draw. The first leg ended 2-2.

Alphonso Davies did not become Munich’s goal hero with his 1-0 victory in the 68th minute. The premier class final, on June 1 in London, will now be contested by record winners Real Madrid and challenger Dortmund. For the first time since 2012, Bayern finished a season without a title. And coach Thomas Tuchel is denied a triumphant farewell to Munich.

Bayern got lucky before conceding both goals when the supposed equalizer was correctly disallowed in the 72nd minute in front of over 76,000 spectators after video proof. Real captain Nacho had already grabbed Joshua Kimmich in the face with both hands and brought down the Bayern professional.

In the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, which was renovated at great expense and where former Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn also sat with a mug of beer, a crackling atmosphere could be felt even before kick-off. “I feel very alive. These are the moments and days you dream of, » Tuchel said with a smile on « DAZN » shortly before the match: « Perfect day, perfect setting, it couldn’t be more difficult. This is why we are challenged.

Despite the impressive backdrop and enormous importance of the showpiece match, Tuchel fielded young Aleksandar Pavlovic in central midfield in place of the experienced Leon Goretzka. The 20-year-old initially showed no fear and initiated Bayern’s first chance, but Serge Gnabry passed too imprecisely to Harry Kane in the penalty area (8th).

Gnabry had priority over Thomas Müller, but after less than half an hour the national player had to go off injured, as he did in the quarter-final first leg against Arsenal FC. But it was not Müller who came into play, but rather Davies, the quicker, who occupied the left attacking lane. However, numerous errors crept in during the transition, which visibly frustrated Tuchel on the sidelines.

The hosts around Toni Kroos, who was confident with the ball, had a playful advantage. In the 13th minute, Neuer had to show his class twice to prevent Munich from falling behind: the national goalkeeper directed a shot from Vinicius Junior, double scorer in the first leg, onto the post with his fingertips. Neuer also parried Rodrygo’s follow-up shot. Five minutes before half-time, Neuer made another superb save against Vinicius Junior.

Even if Munich had sporadic chances like that of Kane after a nice direct volley (28th), Madrid seemed much more present and determined. Matthijs de Ligt, who returned to fitness in time and replaced Min-jae Kim, scorer of Real’s two goals in the first leg, gave stability to Bayern’s defense in difficult moments.

The Spanish champions also started the second round with more momentum and power. Vinicius Junior in particular was in top form, the Brazilian caused a lot of danger with his speed and dribbling on the left side of Real’s attack, as was the case when he created a great chance from Rodrygo (55th ). After an hour, Vinicius Junior tested Neuer again – and once again the German goalkeeper won.

During the home team’s pressure phase, Davies surprisingly gave Munich the lead. Immediately afterwards, Kroos, who was playing his 20th semi-final in the premier category, replaced Luka Modric. After the equalizer was regained, Real increased the pressure again and Bayern defended with a five-man chain in the final minutes. But they found no cure for Joselu.