Real Madrid 2-2 Bayern Munich: Record winners reach 3rd straight final

Real Madrid are through to their third consecutive Champions League final after beating German giants Bayern Munich 4-3 on aggregate.

However, the 2017-18 Bundesliga champions gave them a few scares at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night.

Joshua Kimmich opened the scoring just as he did at the Allianz Arena last week.  The right-back took only three minutes to open the scoring from six yards after Sergio Ramos’ attempt to cut out a cross fell kindly into the path of the German international.

Real Madrid still led on away goals at this stage and were back level on the night after only 11 minutes when Karim Benzema had a free header at the back post to equalise from close range with goalkeeper Sven Ulrich not even close.

Kaylor Navas denied Robert Lewandowski one-on-one before James Rodriguez blazed the rebound over from virtually underneath the crossbar in the first half.

Benzema helped himself to a second 25 seconds into the second half when a short backpass from Corentin Tolisso saw Ulrich completely miss the ball and gift the French striker a tap in.

Bayern Munich had 45 minutes to respond and David Alaba drew a fine stop from Navas at his near post only five minutes after the record champions of Germany had fallen behind.

With Jupp Heynckes’ side pushing forward in search of two goals this left space open at the back for Real Madrid to exploit.  Cristiano Ronaldo volleyed over from only six yards before James Rodriguez equalised just after the hour.  The Colombian was mute in celebration against the club he is on a two-year loan deal from.

Kayloer Navas was forced into making a stunning save to deny Thomas Muller moments before Rodriguez saw a close-range effort blocked.  Mats Hummels narrowly headed a corner wide in stoppage time as Real Madrid managed to hold on and squeeze through to the final.