It's more than about Real Madrid's DNA

Despite this, tens of thousands of home fans continued to cheer in the stands. They seemed to already know what would happen. Sure enough, within three minutes, Carlo Ancelotti's team turned things around to make it 2-1. A pair of goals that seemed to fall from the sky were scored by substitute striker Joselu.

Also read: The Art of Attacking Real Madrid

"This is Real Madrid! We always, always believe. It's truly incredible to be able to play for this team, be in this stadium, and achieve great things multiple times. That was just one example, we always have confidence in ourselves and can win no matter what," said Madrid winger, Vinicius Jr.

Madrid's first goal felt strange. If the game had only gone until the 87th minute, Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer would have undoubtedly been the best player. He made five crucial saves before the goal. However, suddenly, he failed to catch a rather slow shot from Vinicius. The ball slipped away to Joselu's feet.

"El Real's" winning goal was very dramatic. Joselu's goal was disallowed by the assistant referee because he was in an offside position. There were two moments at once that had the potential to be offside, Joselu and the assist provider Antonio Ruediger. However, the video assistant referee (VAR) confirmed the goal. Both players escaped offside.

After 15 minutes of injury time and the long whistle sounded, Joselu and his teammates hugged each other until they lay down on the grass. Neuer just looked down. Bayern defender Matthijs de Ligt vented his emotions at the assistant referee because his goal was disallowed in the final minutes. These various emotions are enough to describe how dramatic the second semifinal match was.

This is Real Madrid! We always, always believe. It is truly amazing to play for this team, be in this stadium, and achieve great things over and over again.

Madrid also qualified for the final with a 3-2 aggregate advantage over Bayern. They beat the best teams to reach the final, including defending champions Manchester City in the quarter-finals. Jude Bellingham and colleagues will meet Dortmund at Wembley Stadium at the end of May.

Also read: Real Madrid's Champion Mentality Show

Michael Ballack, legendary midfielder of Bayern Munich, said, "Madrid's 'DNA' in the Champions League is not just talk. It's brutal. It's as if there is an energy in this stadium that gives them confidence to rise up in the final moments. Once again, it was proven today, even though it was due to the opponent's mistake. This club has charisma," he said.

Tuchel's gamble and Ancelotti's precise reaction

The anticlimax of Bayern was caused by many factors. In addition to Neuer's blunder and Madrid's mentality, Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel played a big role in ruining the momentum. In the 85th minute, he withdrew striker Harry Kane and attacking midfielder Jamal Musiala at once. Thomas Mueller and Eric Choupo-Moting were brought in.

However, Kane and Musiala are key to Bayern's strategy which relies on counterattack transitions. After taking the lead, they continue to threaten the opponent's defense who plays with a higher line. Especially Kane who provided an assist for the opening goal. As for Mueller and Choupo-Moting who are fresher, it is hoped that they can help with defense more.

Without any threat on the attacking line, Bayern gave full freedom to the opposing team to attack. As a result, three minutes after the substitution, Madrid equalized the score. After the tie, the away team immediately became confused because they did not have their best weapons on the attacking line.

Tuchel, including bringing in additional defender Kim Min-jae to replace winger Leroy Sane in the 76th minute, played it too safe. However, a 1-0 lead at Santiago Bernabeu is still very vulnerable, especially given the history of multiple comebacks by "El Real" at the end of the game.

Also read: Thomas Tuchel Trapped in Real Madrid's Enigma

"The defeat was painful, but we have given our all on the field. There are too many injured players, many players experiencing cramps, resulting in many substitutions. Then Manu (Neuer), who saved us all night, made a mistake that will not be repeated for another 100 years," said Tuchel.

On the other hand, Ancelotti was very reactive after falling behind in the 68th minute. The coach inserted four players who were more offensive-minded, including Joselu (replacing Rodrygo) and Luka Modric (replacing Toni Kroos). The substitution with Joselu was very effective because Madrid played without a pure striker from the beginning.

Joselu offers a more tangible presence in the penalty box to disrupt Bayern's "parking the bus" strategy. "Joselu is an incredible reflection of this team. He hasn't played many minutes this season, but he's always been helpful whenever needed. He never loses his confidence," praised Ancelotti.

Meanwhile, Ancelotti did not immediately play a total defensive style after winning. He only brought in an extra defender when injury time was already nine minutes old, with only three minutes remaining. Midfielder Jude Bellingham was replaced by center back Eder Militao.

Aside from Joselu, one of the best performers in the match was Vinicius. The Brazilian national team player disrupted Bayern's right-hand defense, which was occupied by wing-back Joshua Kimmich. Vinicius was repeatedly able to pass Kimmich with ease, especially in the second half, including in the process of Madrid's equalizing goal.

Two years ago, Joselu came to Paris to support Madrid in the Champions League final. The former Madrid academy player then joined this season on loan from the second division club Espanyol. This time, he personally led Madrid back to the pinnacle of the competition. (AP/REUTERS)