The Uefa Champions League second leg tie match between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu came to a conclusion with the current reigning champions Real Madrid advancing to the final once again.
Making the trip to Spain with a 2-1 goal aggregate was quite a psychological task for Bayern Munich who were wasteful back at home against an opportunity-prone Madrid side.
Bayern needed a win at the Bernabeu to reach the final but the game finished 2-2 as Real Madrid clinched a 4-3 aggregate win.
It was certainly as pulsating and action-packed as football followers had envisaged and as the whistle was blasted, the visitors took control of the possession with Madrid sitting deep to absorb the pressure mounted by the desperate Bayern team.
Joshua Kimmich scored early for the Bavarians from six yards out but their lead didn’t last as a run down the left wing by Marcelo with a cross swung in, a goal from a Benzema’s header restored parity. The score board had Madrid 1- 1 Bayern.
The second half commenced with Bayern hoping to upset their host but a horrendous mistake from Bayern goalkeeper Sven Ulreich, put Madrid ahead as Karim Benzema scored a second. On-loan Bayern forward James Rodriguez then scored against his parent club to keep the game open to the final minute.
Bayern Munich had several opportunities to win at the Bernabeu but Corentin Tolisso and Muller’s efforts were saved by Real Madrid’s keeper Keylor Navas.
Sergio Ramos made a mess of his attempted clearance at the near post from a right wing ball delivery by Thomas Muller and Kimmich nicely slotted the ball into the net.
Coach Zidane surprisingly restored Benzema back to the starting line-up after the Frenchman who has had a poor run of form had scored just once in his previous 12 games. He was a substitute in the first leg fixture at the Allianz Arena.
There was a huge slice of luck for Real Madrid and the second goal scored by Benzema. The ball rolled to Ulreich from Tolisso brought about the second goal but the goalkeeper thought about picking up the back-pass, only to instantaneously realize he could not while he swung forth his right leg and missed the ball, only to have a chasing Benzema tap-in easily.
It was indeed a moment of grieve for Bayern but they fought on and Rodriguez pulled one back for Bayern and all they needed that point was just another goal to as to progress on away goals. But the resilient Real Madrid side held on coupled with a spectacular showing from Keylor Navas.
Only Liverpool or Roma now stands between Zidane and his third successive Champions League title in 3 years.
Credit must be given to Bayern Munich who played so well in both legs of the fixture dominating possession; they have won the domestic league with sitting 24 points clear off second-placed Schalke 04 with five games left.
However, Bayern’s exit is another failure at the highest level of European competition and they have now gone out in the semi-finals in four of the past five editions since lifting the trophy in 2013.
Real Madrid will face either Liverpool who visits Rome tonight in the final in Kiev, Ukraine on May 26.
source: https://www.dabbsports.com