Real deal /Benzema at double to deny Bayern
Real Madrid remain on course for a third consecutive Champions League triumph after holding on for a 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich last night for a 4-3 victory on aggregate.
Joshua Kimmich scored for Bayern in the third minute to set the stage for another comeback at the Santiago Bernabeu, like the one Juventus nearly pulled off in the quarter-finals. But the hosts reacted quickly this time, with Karim Benzema equalising early in the first half and scoring again just after half-time after an embarrassing mistake by Bayern goalkeeper Sven Ulreich. Bayern came within a goal of eliminating the holders when James Rodriguez – on loan from Real – scored in the 63rd minute, but it was not enough to avoid their third straight elimination against Madrid.
No club has won the European Cup three times in a row since Bayern in the 1970s.
Bayern Munich goalkeeper Sven Ulreich committed a huge blunder as holders Real Madrid edged into the Champions League final.
Ulreich missed a backpass to gift a vital second goal to Karim Benzema at the Bernabeu Stadium, and the Frenchman’s double in a pulsating 2-2 draw ensured Real progressed 4-3 on aggregate.
Bayern had led early through Joshua Kimmich and a strike from James Rodriguez – who is on loan at the German club from Real – set up a tense finish. But the hosts withstood considerable pressure to keep their bid for a third successive title on track. The defending champions will now play either Liverpool or Roma in the final in Kiev later this month.
Defeat was harsh on Bayern, who dominated large spells of the game.
Knowing they needed to score at least twice, the Germans went straight on the attack and set the tie alight as they snatched the lead after just three minutes. Franck Ribery sent the ball out wide and Corentin Tolisso whipped in a cross from the right. Sergio Ramos should have dealt with it but failed to clear and Kimmich pounced from close range.
Real responded quickly and Cristiano Ronaldo went close to levelling as he fired wide from six yards. The equaliser came after 11 minutes as Mateo Kovacic spread play and Marcelo delivered a superb cross to the back post. He picked out an unmarked Benzema, who rose to power home a header.
Ulreich’s gaffe handed Real the lead in the first minute of the second half. Tolisso’s backpass was poorly hit but Ulreich, realising too late he could not handle, completely missed the ball attempting to kick it and Benzema stole in for his second.
Bayern regained control and levelled on the night as Rodriguez struck at the second attempt after his initial shot was blocked by Raphael Varane.
Rodriguez had another effort blocked as Bayern sought a clinching goal. They pressed to the end, forcing Real into a rearguard action, but could not find a way through.