Antonio Rudiger provided the assist for Joselu’s stoppage time winner against Bayern Munich (Picture: Getty)
An ecstatic Antonio Rudiger couldn’t resist getting involved in the celebrations as he was mobbed by Real Madrid supporters after the side’s dramatic Champions League semi-final comeback win over Bayern Munich.
After a 2-2 draw in the first leg, Alphonso Davies returned to Bayern’s starting XI and put Wednesday’s visitors in front with a stunning solo effort to silence the Madrid crowd.
But second-half substitute Joselu capitalised on an error from Manuel Neuer to level the score before slotting home a pinpoint cross from Rudiger to complete his double and take the roof off the Bernabeu in the 91st minute.
The hosts managed to preserve their narrow advantage to secure their place at Wembley on June 1, where they will meet Borussia Dortmund, who stunned Paris Saint-Germain in Tuesday’s absorbing semi-final second leg.
Victory over Dortmund would take Los Blancos to a record-extending 15th European title and send the them eight clear of AC Milan – the next best team on the all-time list.
‘My players are unbelievable. I’m really grateful to them,’ Real Madrid boss Ancelotti told reporters after Joselu’s late heroics.
‘They work really hard and I think this is the best squad I have ever had in my career.’
Madrid’s win was celebrated long into the night in the Spanish capital as fans toasted their epic fightback in style, just four days after being crowned La Liga champions for a 36th time.
While a stern test awaits Carlo Ancelotti’s men against Dortmund next month, the players allowed themselves to enjoy the moment, with former Chelsea defender Rudiger leading the celebrations at a rapturous Bernabeu.
Amidst the chaos, Rudiger made sure to pay tribute to David Alaba – who suffered a serious knee injury in December – by performing the Austrian’s trademark chair celebration.
‘That was for David Alaba because he’s an important piece of the team. I think his chair had to be brought up again for the fans to cheer him up. Everyone is important,’ Rudiger explained.
Rudiger was later mobbed by Madrid supporters as he tried to make his way out of the Bernabeu and the German joined in with the chanting while beeping his horn and dancing from from the driver’s seat of his car as a crowd gathered.
The 31-year-old centre-back will look to add a second Champions League title to his CV next month, three years after lifting the trophy with Chelsea in his final season with the club.
‘If I told you Real Madrid would win with an assist by Rudiger and a tap-in by Joselu, you would have said no chance,’ ex-Arsenal and France legend Thierry Henry had earlier said on CBS Sports.
‘Well that is Real Madrid, this is what they do.’
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