Real Madrid have successfully progressed to their third consecutive UEFA Champions League final by beating Bayern Munich 4-3 on aggregate. After the 1-2 first leg showing at the Allianz Arena, the match ended 2-2 at the Santiago Bernabeu tonight.
It was the visitors who opened the scoring through their highly rated German fullback, Joshua Kimmich. A cross from Thomas Mueller was aimed towards Robert Lewandowski and Sergio Ramos failed to get a solid contact on the clearance. The ball fell in front of Kimmich, who slammed it past Keylor Navas. 0-1
But Madrid were quick to counter and equalized within the next 8 minutes. Marcelo launched a scrumptious ball from the left towards the far post as Karim Benzema calmly headed it in. Cristiano Ronaldo’s deceiving run towards the middle was enough to pull Ulreich out of his position. 1-1
The Frenchman struck again just seconds from the second-half whistle. The Munich shot-stopper made a complete hash of the clearance attempt, off Tolisso’s pass and allowed Benzema to slot in his second with ease. 2-1
It was an end to end affair with neither team’s defence capable of keeping up with the other’s offence. James Rodriguez came back to give his side some hope by scoring from close distance. He connected the volley to one of the crosses quite well but unfortunately got blocked off by Ramos. The Columbian pounced on the rebound and struck a low driven shot through the legs of Navas. 2-2
Bayern tried to make a last-ditch attempt for the win and did come close a few times, Hummels’ header inside the box being the most threatening. Unfortunately, Jupp Heynckes will not be replicating another treble just before announcing his second retirement.
Here is how the Bayern Munich players were rated on the night.
Sven Ulreich – 4/10
An absolute shocker from the Munich keeper ended up costing his team the tie. He could have done better for the first opposition goal as well.
Joshua Kimmich – 7/10
Another solid performance by the German. Other than the goal, he looked solid with the ball and was very disciplined at the back.
Niklas Sule – 7/10
A night of astute defending from the 22-year-old. He did well to keep off Ronaldo and even surged ahead to help out his team.
Mats Hummels – 7/10
His best moment of the match was the solo run he took to get past 4 Madrid players and set up Lewandowski open on goal. Did have his shaky moments but overall not too shabby.
David Alaba – 6/10
Always a threat from the left. His deliveries were on point helped by the lack of defensive qualities in Lucas Vazquez.
Thiago Alcantara – 5/10
Other than a few clever flicks here and there not the most decisive night for the Spaniard. Lost possession far too easily on some occasions.
Corentin Tolisso – 5/10
Almost the same can be said of Tolisso. He struggled to outwork the clear Kroos-Modric partnership.
James Rodriguez – 6/10
Did well to give his side the second goal. He linked up the attacks well but did make a few silly errors.
Franck Ribery – 4/10
So wasteful with possession and seemed to have cost his side on plenty of occasions. His decision-making let him down tonight.
Robert Lewandowski – 5/10
Hobbled and wobbled his way through the 90 minutes, never coming close to place a serious scoring threat on the opposition.
Substitutes:
Sandro Wagner – NA
Javi Martinez – NA
