Following a 4-3 aggregate triumph against Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid advanced to the Champions League final at Wembley Stadium thanks to a stunning late double by former Stoke forward Joselu.
The tie was finely poised after four goals were scored in the first leg of the semi-final in Germany last week.
Madrid had an amazing 13-month unbeaten home record and a wealth of European history on their side, but they were on the verge of a second consecutive last-four exit in this competition when Bayern replacement Alphonso Davies scored a 68th-minute rocket.
It stunned a previously upbeat home crowd, but Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti worked his magic, turning to his bench to save the day.
Substitute, Joselu responded to the SOS by capitalizing on Manuel Neuer’s error to square the score after 88 minutes.
Three minutes later, he guided in a second, which was initially disallowed before being allowed after VAR intervened.
Ancelotti’s team endured an extended period of stoppage time, and Matthijs de Lift’s late shot was ruled off for the visitors, ensuring Madrid’s 18th appearance in a European Cup final, only days after winning LaLiga.
It also meant England captain Harry Kane, who was substituted with his team leading, would have a trophy-less maiden season with the German giants.
