Real Madrid’s success in the UEFA Champions League is “something magical,” manager Carlo Ancelotti said on Wednesday after the record 14-time European champions claimed a stunning 2-1 semi-final comeback win over Bayern Munich.
A goal from Alphonso Davies in the second half at the Santiago Bernabeu gave Bayern a 3-2 lead on aggregate, before substitute Joselu struck two late goals to power Real into their sixth Champions League final since the 2013-2014 season.
“It’s happened again ... because it’s happened so many times now it’s something inexplicable,” Ancelotti told reporters. “It’s happened again [thanks to] fans that push [us], a stadium that helps, a fantastic atmosphere and players who never stop believing that they can do it. It’s something magical, there’s no explanation for it.”
Photo: AFP
Ancelotti praised Joselu for his impact on the team and for his professionalism despite spending much of the season on the bench.
“He is a fantastic reflection because he’s a player who’s contributed a lot this season even if he hasn’t played many minutes, but he’s the perfect reflection of what this squad is: players who contribute a lot without losing confidence [if they’re not playing] and the idea that they can offer the team something,” the Italian manager said.
Real, who have already clinched the La Liga title, face German side Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final at Wembley Stadium in London on June 1.
Photo: AFP
Photo: AFP
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