Real Madrid Reach Champions League Final After Controversial Win
Antonio Rudiger stuns fans with gesture as Real Madrid secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich on Wednesday night, booking their place in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium. The win, however, was not without controversy.
Dramatic Finish Sees Real Madrid Overcome Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich took the lead with 20 minutes remaining courtesy of a stunning strike from Alphonso Davies. However, the tide turned after Thomas Tuchel opted for a more defensive formation with substitutions including Leroy Sane, Jamal Musiala, and Harry Kane. This tactical shift backfired as substitute Joselu netted twice in the closing minutes (88th and 91st minutes) to snatch victory for Real Madrid and put them on the verge of a record-extending 15th European title.
Late Bayern Equalizer Ruled Out by VAR in Controversial Decision
The closing stages of the match were marred by a controversial officiating decision. With the clock ticking down in stoppage time, Matthijs de Ligt managed to find the back of the net for Bayern Munich, leveling the score at 2-2.
However, the linesman had already raised his flag for offside moments before the goal, technically halting play. Replays suggested that Bayern might have been onside, and the linesman’s decision to raise his flag prematurely may have incorrectly influenced the VAR review process, leading them to uphold the offside call.
This decision left Bayern players and staff furious. Fans even took to social media accusing UEFA of manipulating the outcome . Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel was particularly critical, calling the decision “disastrous” and criticizing both the linesman for raising his flag and the referee for blowing the whistle prematurely as reported by Sports Buddy.
Rudiger kisses the VAR machine
What a love story 😂
pic.twitter.com/BiL2jqxKlc
— Slesh (@FCBSlesh) May 9, 2024
“There are two mistakes,” Tuchel said. “The first big mistake is from the linesman. He raised his flag straight away; to raise your flag in a situation like this, you have to be very, very sure it’s offside. To have the guts, the balls, to raise the flag like this is a huge, huge call, and it is the wrong call. “We got the shot away within five seconds [of the flag] and the referee has the chance not to whistle, but he whistles. It is against every rule.”
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Antonio Rudiger Kisses VAR
Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger, on the other hand, seemed ecstatic with the outcome. Following the final whistle, he celebrated with the fans, even mimicking his former Chelsea celebration by grabbing a chair. To add further fuel to the fire, Rudiger then went over to the VAR monitor and planted a kiss on it.
The opposing managers predictably had differing views on the offside decision. While Tuchel remained critical, Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti defended the call, pointing to a disallowed goal for his own side earlier in the match due to a foul by Nacho on Joshua Kimmich.
