X reacts as unlikely hero Joselu steers Real Madrid to Champions League final

Real Madrid secured their spot in this season’s Champions League final with an unbelievable late comeback in their 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich on Wednesday evening.

Neither side found themselves in the driving seat heading into the second leg after a 2-2 draw at the Allianz Arena a week ago, with a tight first half unable to separate the sides as defences reigned supreme.

Alphonso Davies fired the visitors in front but two late tap-ins from Real Madrid substitute Joselu sent the record European champions into June’s final with Borussia Dortmund.

Here is how X users reacted to the unbelievable events that unfolded in Madrid.

Ahead of the biggest game of the season for both sides, the atmosphere was bubbling around the Santiago Bernabeu as two European giants prepared to do battle.

A date with Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final was up for grabs, something supporters were well aware of as they cranked up the noise.

An incredible amount of Real Madrid fans pack the streets ahead of the game against Bayern tonight.

It’s set to be some atmosphere at the Bernabéu. 👏pic.twitter.com/MuGNlXipRs

— Football Away Days (@FBAwayDays) May 8, 2024

Bayern fans making themselves heard at the Bernabéu 🔴
pic.twitter.com/Y4mqXQJsSv

— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) May 8, 2024

The atmosphere inside the Santiago Bernabeu is electric 😳#RMAFCB #RealMadridVsBayernMunich pic.twitter.com/Yf2pYncVpn

— XtraLiga (@XtraLiga007) May 8, 2024

Despite the build-up, it wasn’t a first half full to the brim with drama and excitement, but there were still some breathtaking moments.

It was Real Madrid who came closest to opening the scoring and taking control of the tie during a cagey first half, Vinicius Junior crashing the post before Manuel Neuer followed up with a fantastic save from Rodrygo’s subsequent effort.

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 8, 2024

How Vinicius and Rodrygo didn’t score those clear chances still remains a mystery. 😂

— GiftedHands (@Sire_Gift) May 8, 2024

This Manuel Neuer save might win Bayern Munich the match #RMAFCB pic.twitter.com/hNM7EZ79BE

— Elias (@FCB_Elias1) May 8, 2024

Against the run of play though, Bayern eventually did grab their opener. It was substitute Alphonso Davies, who had come on for the injured Serge Gnabry at left wing, who powered the visitors in front.

The Canadian collected a long ball from Harry Kane before cutting in on his right boot and smashing a strike past Andriy Lunin in front of the travelling Bayern supporters.

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 8, 2024

ALPHONSO DAVIES WITH A STUNNER ARE YOU KIDDING ME

Canada’s greatest moment in soccer!

— Matteo Bonetti (@Bonetti) May 8, 2024

Alphonsie Davies….

wow

take a bow.

— Hh7 (@hugo_hdez218) May 8, 2024

However, just as Bayern began dreaming of the Wembley arch, Madrid started to do Madrid things.

The hosts began to pile the pressure on Bayern’s goal and it eventually paid dividends, with Neuer inexplicably spilling Vinicius Junior’s tame effort, with Joselu following up for the simplest of tap-ins.

Game on.

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 8, 2024

Manuel Neuer as soon as he realised Harry Kane might win a trophy pic.twitter.com/wFwpmlr4MT

— Project Football (@ProjectFootball) May 8, 2024

Manuel Neuer past the 85th minute
pic.twitter.com/3DUicgnkNK

— bodkin (@bodkin2005) May 8, 2024

However, not satisifed with the prospect of extra-time, Madrid were not finished there.

Just three minutes later they took a remarkable lead and it was that man Joselu – four goals in 27 appearances for Stoke City – who proved Madrid’s hero on the biggest of stages.

The Spaniard tapped home Antonio Rudiger’s cross in the 91st minute and despite the goal initially being ruled out for offside, VAR revealed that Joselu was actually marginally onside as Los Blancos booked their spot in the showpiece event at Wembley.

LOOK at what it means to JOSELU I hope he knows he CHANGED lives today pic.twitter.com/3k3YivqvaC

— WolfRMFC (@WolfRMFC) May 8, 2024

Joselu vs Bayern tonight pic.twitter.com/CtqUEAP1b0

— Dr Yash  (@YashRMFC) May 8, 2024

Joselu was playing for Stoke in 2015.

Tonight he has scored 2 goals off the bench for Real Madrid in a Champions League Semi-Final at the age of 34.

Football is incredible 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/C6Sg9lwoti

— Footy Humour (@FootyHumour) May 8, 2024

Real Madrid are simply the most INEVITABLE club in the world.

— 𝐀𝐅𝐂 𝐀𝐉𝐀𝐗 💎 (@TheEuropeanLad) May 8, 2024— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 8, 2024