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Bayern Munich triumphs: Bastian Schweinsteiger's strike in the penalty shootout decided a dramatic victory for the German club over Real Madrid and a ticket to the UEFA Champions League final.
The Bavarian team lost the second leg with the same result as the first - 2-1, so they had to play extra time, which ended goalless, leading to a penalty shootout. Bayern was successful in this lottery - not even Cristiano Ronaldo could score, and the visitors had three successful shots to triumph at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.
This result means that on May 19, Bayern will face Chelsea at their home stadium for the prestigious European club football trophy. However, the hosts will have to do without their main trio: defenders David Alaba and Holger Badstuber, and midfielder Luiz Gustavo, who received yellow cards and will be suspended.
The match started very successfully for the hosts: not even 6 minutes into the game, the ball hit Alaba's hand in the penalty area, so the referee awarded a penalty kick. Cristiano Ronaldo successfully converted it, and a few minutes later, the same Portuguese player avoided an offside and doubled the lead.
It seemed like Bayern was knocked out, but the Germans not only didn't falter but also created opportunities on the other side of the field. Just before the second goal, Arjen Robben failed to redirect the ball into the net from a few meters, but the Dutchman did not miss when converting a penalty kick earned by Mario Gomez in the 26th minute - 2-1.
As it turned out later, the goal flurry subsided, and both teams started playing a more cautious game. This was especially clear in the second half and extra time when neither team could create clear-cut chances.
Before the penalty shootout, Real coach Jose Mourinho approached Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes and shook hands, but even that gesture was not enough as luck turned away from the Madrid team. After a precise shot by Alaba, Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up to the spot, but his shot was saved by Manuel Neuer.
In response, Mario Gomez beat Iker Casillas, and after Kaka's shot was blocked, it seemed like Real's hopes disappeared - Bayern led 2-0.
Philipp Lahm's shot missed the target, but Xabi Alonso reduced the gap, bringing optimism back to the enthusiastic crowd gathered in the stadium. However, it didn't take long for the Bayern fans to raise their hands in victory: Sergio Ramos sent the ball high into the stands, and Schweinsteiger did not miss.
Real Madrid 2 - 1 Bayern Munich (first leg 1-2, aggregate score 3-3, penalty shootout 1-3) 6' [1 - 0] C.Ronaldo (penalty) 14' [2 - 0] C.Ronaldo 27' [2 - 1] A.Robben (penalty)
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