Real Madrid, the Champions League zombie that won’t accept death

Is there anything more haunting in the world of football than encountering an opponent who seems to possess an otherworldly resilience, refusing to be defeated? It’s a spectacle that leaves you torn between wanting to shield your eyes in disbelief and being captivated by the surge of adrenaline, the spine-chilling terror, and the sheer entertainment it provides. 

Real Madrid, time and time again, have showcased their mastery in defying the odds when it matters most. With each triumph more epic and surreal than the last, this behemoth has become an uncontrollable zombie that cannot be vanquished.

When Alphonso Davies unleashed a strike in the 68th minute, granting Bayern Munich a 1-0 lead on Wednesday night, a glimmer of hope emerged for the German giants, a potential foothold in the final. Yet, true to their indomitable nature, Real remained unwavering. It’s a rarity for a mere one-goal advantage to morph into a nightmarish horror movie for a team of Bayern’s caliber. The tension was palpable, particularly when Harry Kane narrowly missed a late chance, sending the ball crashing into the side-netting, followed by Kim Min-jae’s agonizing header that thudded against the crossbar from point-blank range.

Bayern had a golden opportunity to dash Real Madrid’s aspirations, to deliver the final blow that would silence their relentless spirit. But, alas, they faltered, and in the depths of their hearts, everyone knew what would happen next. The resolute spirit of Real would rise, as it always does in moments of adversity, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat with an uncanny ability to conjure miracles when least expected.

When Joselu, on loan from Espanyol in the second division, was brought on as a Real substitute and leveled the score at 1-1 in the 88th minute, it didn’t even come as a shock. The 34-year-old journeyman striker demonstrated quick reflexes after Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who had performed admirably until that point, fumbled Vinicius Jr’s attempt.  

But the excitement didn’t end there. Just two minutes later, Joselu struck again, claiming the winner with his third touch, courtesy of a well-timed pass from Antonio Rudiger. Initially ruled offside, the VAR intervened and conclusively showed that Joselu was indeed onside, igniting wild scenes of celebration at the Santiago Bernabeu. 

Once again, the cruel hand of fate had dealt its blow. There was even a brief moment for Bayern to experience a glimmer of hope, a chance to make Real taste their own bitter medicine. As the clock ticked on to the 103rd minute, Matthijs de Ligt unleashed a shot that found the back of the net, only to have his celebration cut short by the raised flag of the linesman. The decision was made so early that it left Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel seething with frustration, but there was no way back for them. Real held on tightly, securing their place in the final where they would face yet another German opponent, Borussia Dortmund, at Wembley on June 1. 

Real now stand on the cusp of claiming their sixth Champions League trophy in the span of just 11 years. If they were to triumph at Wembley and secure their 15th European title, they would boast more than double the number of championships held by the next closest team AC Milan, who have a modest seven titles to their name. Undoubtedly, there will be endless discussions surrounding the mystical elements and the seemingly inexplicable success of this notorious football juggernaut.  

Amid the accolades and awe that surround Real Madrid’s dominion, let us take a moment to empathize with Kane. The English striker had propelled Bayern to a 2-1 lead in the first leg against Real, only for Vinicius to retaliate and level the score at 2-2 in Germany. In the second leg, it was again Kane who displayed his exceptional vision by delivering a sublime pass to Davies on the left flank. The Canadian winger fearlessly took on Rudiger, cutting inside onto his right foot, and fired an unstoppable shot that seemed destined to secure a famous win.

Yet, in a rather perplexing maneuver, Tuchel opted to substitute Kane with only five minutes remaining, just before Joselu dramatically swung the game in Real’s favor. Kane, who has notched an impressive 44 goals for Bayern since his high-profile transfer from Tottenham last summer, now sees his aspirations of capturing his first major title cruelly shattered. 

For all his individual brilliance, Kane is ultimately a mortal, while Real remain shrouded in an ethereal and untouchable aura.