Real Madrid earned their first victory ever in Munich to break a streak of 12 years failing to qualify for the Champions League final. Los Blancos played a brilliant game at the Allianz Arena, with a superb performance from Sergio Ramos, who scored two goals in the first 20 minutes.
With Bayern Munich desperately trying to shorten Los Merengues’ lead, Cristiano Ronaldo sealed the victory in a counter-attack. The Portuguese became the top scorer in one Champions League season as he closed the score with a terrific free-kick.
Carlo Ancelotti men showed great personality since the first minute. Their well-positioned defence and their tightly closed lines made the hosts suffer. Bayern were unable to threaten Iker Casillas , and they started to get nervous.
Los Blancos, on the other hand, played calmly when in control of possession, waiting for the best chance to destroy Bayern hopes with a goal.
That moment arrived as Sergio Ramos silenced the local fans with two goals in four minutes. After the 15 minute mark, Luka Modric played a corner into the area and the Andalucian attacked it brilliantly, planting a fine header into the back of the net. Some Madridistas were still celebrating when Pepe flicked Angel di Maria’s free kick and Ramos headed it home again.
Pep Guardiola men needed four goals at that point to qualify for the final, and they started attacking anxiously, leaving only Dante and Jerome Boateng at the back. Real Madrid took advantage of that situation as Ronaldo made it three in a fantastic counter-attack lead by Gareth Bale, who assisted the Portuguese to score a record 15 goal in this Champions League season.
That solid lead allowed Los Merengues to relax on the second half. Bayern kept on attacking, but they struggled to create good chances. Arjen Robben came close to shortening Real’s lead with a fine effort from outside the box, but his shot sailed wide of the post.
Iker Casillas saved two efforts from Frank Ribery and Toni Kroos, and Robben also blazed another shot a few centimetres over Casillas’ bar.
Yet Los Merengues had the chances to score. Manuel Neuer denied a great effort from Fabio Coentrao from just three metres, but he was unable to save a superb free-kick shot from Ronaldo. The Portuguese slotted the ball under the jumping wall to make it a record 37 goals in this year’s Champions League for Real Madrid.
It was an unforgettable night for the Madridistas. However, there’s one who will have bitter memories. Xabi Alonso was shown a yellow card in the first half and he will miss the final. Real awaits either Chelsea or Atletico Madrid.