Real Madrid overcame Bayern Munich to make their third successive Champions League final.
Los Blancos came under plenty of pressure on a night packed with drama and talking-points.
Sportsmail were on hand to cover anything you might have missed from the semi-final second leg at the Bernabeu.
Incredible crowds swarm to welcome team bus
There were remarkable images of Real Madrid’s arrival. As the coach made it’s way to the stadium thousands of fans heaved forward to catch a glimpse of their heroes.
All pubs in the Spanish capital had been closed so fans congregated to welcome Real in their thousands.
The aerial shots in particular were staggering and no doubt enhanced the sense of occasion for the players watching from behind their darkened windows.
Fans swarmed the concourse and pushed to get a closer look at the Real Madrid bus
The streets were lined with fans cheering Los Blancos on their way to the Bernabeu
Pubs closed in the Spanish capital meaning the majority of fans took to the streets
Tifo time
There was an immense show of support from the Real supporters in a coordinated display before kick-off.
‘Defendamos el trono, conquistemos la gloria’, was written on a gigantic banner which translates as, ‘Defend the throne, conquer the glory.’
As the players lined up for the famous Champions League song it was a fitting backdrop to the scene.
Ronaldo overtakes Xavi
Cristiano Ronaldo seems to top every list he’s part of and he’s closing in on another milestone.
He is on course to break the appearance record for the Champions League, overtaking Xavi on 151 games and 15 short of Iker Casillas’ record.
The incredible professionalism shown by Ronaldo and the way he looks after his body means there’s likely to be plenty more huge European nights in his future.
| Player | Appearances |
|---|---|
| Iker Casillas | 167 |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | 152 |
| Xavi | 151 |
| Raul | 142 |
| Ryan Giggs | 141 |
28 pass-move for Real’s equaliser
Bayern took the lead to set Real on the back foot but the equaliser was a thing of beauty.
There was a methodical build up on both flanks as Zinedine Zidane’s side looked to work an opening.
Marcelo eventually picked up a diagonal before finding the room for a deep cross that Benzema nodded home unmarked.
Los Blancos pulled level as Karim Benzema ghosted in at the back post to head in
Benzema among Champions League greats
The Frenchman may have only scored his tenth goal of the season but that header lifted him into rarefied air.
His 54 Champions League goals moved him to fifth in the all-time scorers list for the competition before he added his 55th shortly after the break.
Ronaldo and Messi are way out in front but it’s not a bad record for the Real striker to silence his critics with.
Karim Benzema scored the equaliser for Real and has netted 54 times in the competition
Ulreich slammed on Twitter
Sven Ulreich has deputised so well for the injured Manuel Neuer all season but produced a ridiculous blunder to gift Real the lead.
He went to pick up the ball but realised it was a back pass and pulled out, allowing Benzema to pass into an empty net.
Unsurprisingly, those on Twitter weren’t particularly kind about the mishap…
Sven Ulreich was mercilessly mocked on social media after his massive mistake
Attack stopped for two balls on the pitch
In the second half Real took a quick corner too quickly for their own good.
With Marcelo in a threatening position outside the box the referee called play to a halt.
A rogue ball had been spotted bouncing through the penalty area and Bayern were afforded the chance to reorganise.
Marcelo had the ball in a dangerous position but there was another ball on the pitch
The Brazilian defender argued with the referee but the game had to be stopped
Non-celebration rage
James Rodriguez equalised against his parent club but put his hands up in apology.
He’s on a two year loan deal with the Bavarian side but plenty on Twitter took aim at what they saw as an over the top show of respect.
It was also an opportunity for a reminder of one of the worst headlines ever written. After Rodriguez scored for Colombia at the last World Cup, one now infamous headline read: The name’s Bond, James Rodriguez.’
