Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich LIVE: Champions League result and final score after dramatic semi-final comeback
Real Madrid 2-1 Bayern Munich (4-3 on agg.) Joselu came off the bench to score twice in the final minutes and send Madrid through to another Champions League final
Real Madrid stunned Bayern Munich with a dramatic late comeback as substitute Joselu scored twice in the final minutes to send the 14-time winners through to the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley.
Madrid were heading for a shock defeat when Alphonso Davies silenced the Bernabeu with a stunning strike, with Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel minutes from pulling off a remarkable upset after a backs-to-the-wall defensive performance.
But an error from Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who looked unbeatable in denying Vinicius Jr earlier in the contest, allowed Joselu to score an 88th minute equaliser as the German spilled a tame shot.
Joselu then tapped in Antonio Rudiger’s cross moments later. It was initially disallowed for offside but it was awarded following a VAR review, sending Madrid through to the Wembley final where they will look to win a record-extending 15th European crown.
Follow all the live action in the blog below and get the latest Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich predictions and tips.
Tuchel: Bayern have an obligation to do their best
Bayern were undone by a clinical Real in the first leg, with the German side dominating for large periods without putting their opponents to the sword.
Two goals from Real's Vinicius Jr. either side of efforts from Leroy Sane and Harry Kane left the tie poised on a knife edge, but with Real favourites to advance with the second leg in Spain.
Real, the record 14 times winners, have an aura in the Champions League, but Tuchel said the Spaniards' record holds no fear for his side.
"Bayern are also one of the most successful and dominant clubs in the world and we have an obligation to do our best when we step on the pitch tomorrow," he said.
"You don't talk about myths, that would make it harder for us. It is already one of the toughest stadiums to win but not impossible. We are not here to enjoy the moment."
Bayern reached the Champions League's last four for the first time since winning the competition in 2020, while Madrid last lifted the trophy in 2022 with an amazing run of comeback wins at home to reach the final.
Real are bidding to win their sixth Champions League title in 10 years having clinched a record-extending 36th LaLiga crown on Saturday.
The Bavarians, however, have endured a disappointing domestic run and Tuchel will exit at the end of the season.
"Real Madrid are an amazing team but we need to be confident in ourselves and help each other, we can't be stuck or afraid. We need to make something positive from the pressure," Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer said.
"Against a team like Real Madrid, it's the little things that matter. Nobody wants to make a mistake because both teams have very good offensive power."
Bayern boss Tuchel tells players to find their inner child at Bernabeu
Playing against Real Madrid in a Champions League semi-final is what many of Bayern Munich's players would have grown up dreaming about and manager Thomas Tuchel wants his side to rediscover their inner child at the Bernabeu on Wednesday.
After last week's 2-2 draw in Germany, Bayern will have to beat Real in their own back yard if they are to reach the final at Wembley.
With Bayer Leverkusen ending Bayern's 11-year Bundesliga reign by securing the league title last month, the six-times European Cup winners have only one trophy left to fight for this season.
Tuchel spent several minutes talking to his players in an empty Santiago Bernabeu stadium on Tuesday and said that he told them they needed to find extra motivation within themselves.
"It is important to connect with your own inner child. When we were little we played these games in the garden. So now we are here and that's our chance to make it true," he told a press conference in Madrid.
"I think both teams have to endure defending and suffering when their opponents have the ball. It is extremely difficult to steal the ball from Real Madrid. Both teams are very, very strong in the transition game. It gets very complex. You need luck and precision. Then everything is possible at this stage."
Reuters
Real Madrid v Bayern Munich: Lunin to start in goal
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is not taking any chances in goal for the second leg of the Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich tonight, keeping Andriy Lunin as the goalkeeper despite Thibaut Courtois’ return from injury last weekend.
Ancelotti said Tuesday he will stick to the plan of starting Lunin at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium even though Courtois had an assured performance in the 3-0 win over Cadiz on Saturday, which allowed Madrid to clinch the Spanish league title
Courtois did well in his first match since tearing the ACL in his left knee in August, two days before the start of the season. He then also ruptured the meniscus in his right knee in March when he was close to making a comeback.
“Lunin will play tomorrow,” Ancelotti said Tuesday. “Courtois has to take his time to get back to his best. He played against Cadiz after training very well and had an excellent game, showing security and confidence, but he has to get back to his best.”
Lunin has impressed since replacing Courtois. The 25-year-old Ukrainian won the starting position over Kepa Arrizabalaga, the former Chelsea player who is Madrid’s other reserve goalkeeper.
But Lunin made a couple of mistakes in the recent “clasico” against Barcelona, prompting criticism and reigniting the discussion about who should start.
Predicted line-ups
So here’s how the two sides could line up tonight at the Bernabeu:
Real Madrid XI: Lunin; Carvajal, Rudiger, Nacho, Mendy; Valverde, Kroos, Tchouameni; Bellingham; Vinicius, Rodrygo.
Bayern Munich XI: Neuer; Kimmich, De Ligt, Dier, Mazraoui; Laimer, Goretzka; Sane, Muller, Musiala; Kane.
Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich: Team news
Carlo Ancelotti will stick with Andriy Lunin in goal having deputised well this season, despite the return to fitness of Madrid’s first-choice goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois. David Alaba remains absent.
For Bayern, Raphael Guerreiro will miss the second leg after injuring his ankle, though Matthis de Ligt has returned to full training. Eric Dier suffered a forehead injury against Stuttgart but was able to train on Monday.
Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich: How to watch the game tonight
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage on the channel from 7pm BST ahead of kick-off at 8pm. Subscribers can stream the action via discovery+.
You can purchase a TNT Sports subscription via discovery+ here, for only £30.99 per month.
Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich
Real Madrid and Bayern Munich vie for a place in the Champions League final with their tie finely poised after the first leg.
A Vinicius Jr double secured a 2-2 draw in Germany for Carlo Ancelotti’s side to take the semi-final back to the Bernabeu level.
But despite a below-par Bundesliga season, Bayern have managed to lift their level in this competition and again showed the qualities required to reach the Wembley decider.
It could well be a thrilling night in the Spanish capital with two of Europe’s biggest clubs eyeing continental silverware.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments