Joselu’s Redemption: Real Madrid Set Date With Borussia Dortmund For Champions League Final
After starting his senior career with Celta, Joselu traveled across three major leagues in search of redemption. From the Galician club, he ventured to Germany and England, making comebacks to Spain.
However, it was during a high-octane game in which his current team, Real Madrid, was on the brink of exiting the Champions League in the semifinals against another European powerhouse, Bayern Munich, that his liberation occurred.
The man who changed clubs each year since 2008, joining the likes of Real Madrid, TSG Hoffenheim, Eintracht Frankfurt, Hannover 96, Stoke City, Exeter City, Deportivo La Coruna, Newcastle United, Alaves, and Espanyol in the last 16 years as a professional player, finally hit the jackpot of stardom. A Los Blancos fan wouldn’t soon forget or cease to cherish the moment—he single-handedly led the 14-time European champions to another final in the last minutes of the game, scoring a brace.
His extraordinary feat was far from simple. He was up against a goalkeeper considered great in his field—Bayern’s best, Manuel Neuer. One goal resulted from a misjudged response by the German keeper, while the other showcased the skill possessed by the Spanish forward, a quality highlighted by Mark Hughes.
“You can see technically he”s very adept, getting his body in the right position to take chances,” Hughes, Joselu’s former Stoke City manager, had remarked about the forward”s ability.
At 87th minute, Bayern Munich was ahead and has almost confirmed their seat in the final that is scheduled to be held at Wembley, London on June 1. But, as they say, Joselu came out of syllabus. Note this: The Real Madrid early lineup already had all those names who delivered the La Liga two days ago, namely Camavinga, Luka Modric, Tchouameni, Tony Kroos, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr. But, Joselu who came as a substitute for Velverde at the 81st minute made all the difference. Minutes starting from 87 to 90+3 were the minutes of madness in Santiago Bernabu. It was the madness of comeback. Remember – Real and Bayern had 2 goals each from Allianz Arena, and any team scores more goals would advance to the final. After the Davies goal at 68th minute, almost 20 minutes went without any progress. But, then the Joselu magic happened.
Don Carlo must be so much happier today. He is going for another final and another record at Wembley. Today, Carlo Ancelotti became the first coach to reach six Champions League finals.
