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      Fans say Harry Kane is ‘officially cursed’ as Bayern Munich end season trophyless for first time in 12 YEARS

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      FANS have declared that Harry Kane is “officially cursed” after Bayern Munich ended their season trophyless for the first time in 12 YEARS.England captain Kane joined the German giants last summer in a £104million transfer from Tottenham.Fans have declared the Harry Kane ‘curse’ is realCredit: GettyHowever, despite Kane having another impressive individual season which has seen him score 44 goals and add 12 assists in all competitions, he has still been unable to end his trophyless run.Kane, 30, tasted defeat in his first game for the Bavarians as they lost to RB Leipzig in the DFL-Supercup.There was more woe for the team in the DFB-Pokal in November as Bayern were stunned by third-division minnows Saarbrücken – who went on to make the semi-final.Since then Bayer Leverkusen, who had previously never won the Bundesliga, claimed the title with matches to spare.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd that came despite one of Kane’s team-mates, Kingsley Coman, previously having his own omen of winning the league title every year since 2013 with Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Bayern.That left the Champions League as the last chance for Kane to get his hands on some silverware. A penalty from Kane in the first leg helped Bayern to a 2-2 draw against Real Madrid.The second leg saw Kane and Co under the cosh for some time before Alphonso Davies lashed home an opener for the Gemans in the 68th minute after a brilliant over the top pass from Kane to assist him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, just two minutes from the end of regulation time and after Kane had been subbed off, Manuel Neuer – who had otherwise been superb across both legs – spilled an easy shot from Vinicius Jr.This allowed super sub Joselu to poke home an equaliser. Watch Antonio Rudiger bring back iconic Chelsea chair celebration in wild scenes after Real Madrid win vs Bayern MunichThen three minutes later the Stoke and Newcastle flop was at it again as he expertly tapped home an Antonio Rudiger cross to send Los Blancos through to the Champions League final at Wembley.During his time at Spurs and with the Three Lions Kane – whose heartbreaking reaction to Real’s goal was caught on camera – has had some near misses.This has included missing out on the Premier League title to Leicester in 2015/16, losing the Champions League in 2019 to Liverpool following a controversial penalty call and losing the Euro 2020 final in the shootout to Italy.Fans could not help but highlight Kane’s so-called “curse” after his elimination confirmed another year without silverware for him.One fan shared a picture of Kane and said: “Bayern Munich are going to go without a trophy for the first time since 2011/12. This man is officially cursed.”A second said: “He is not cursed he IS the curse.”Another said: “Harry Kane tax.”A fourth said: “The Kane curse is so real now.. it’s no longer a joke.. what will he have to do to win a trophy?? I feel bad for him.”Bayern’s 12 year trophy haulHere’s the trophies Bayern Munich have won in every season since their last year barren season in 2011/12.
      2012/13: Bundesliga, German Super Cup, DFB-Pokal, Champions League
      2013/14: Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, Club World Cup, Uefa Super Cup
      2014/15: Bundesliga
      2015/16: Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal
      2016/17: Bundesliga, German Super Cup
      2017/18: Bundesliga, German Super Cup
      2018/19: Bundesliga, German Super Cup
      2019/20: Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, Champions League
      2020/21: Bundesliga, German Super Cup, Club World Cup, Uefa Super Cup
      2021/22: Bundesliga, German Super Cup
      2022/23: Bundesliga, German Super Cup

      A fifth added: “It’s real. It’s damn real.”Kane and co felt they should have had the opportunity to play extra time after Matthijs de Ligt shot the ball into the net in the 12th minute of injury time after an INCORRECT offside call that would have been overturned by VAR.However, since the whistle had already gone before the shot had happened, the referee could not bring the play back to allow the goal.Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel – who fans joked had passed his Manchester United audition amid reports of him going to Old Trafford – described the call as a “disaster” that was “against the rules”.Dutchman De Ligt claimed in his post-match interview the linesman had apologised for “making a mistake”He told beIN Sports: “”This is a shame. The linesman said to me ‘I’m sorry I made a mistake’.”In the end, I’m not the type of person who wants to blame the loss or win on the referee so Madrid deserves to win because they won 2-1.”But I think, if it’s a rule, it’s a rule and that’s the only thing I can say about it.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOn the upside, if Bayern Munich’s last trophyless season is anything to go by, Kane could well be in for a trophy glut next season.And some England fans believe his curse could end at the Euros, joking: “He will get his trophy this summer, it’s coming home.”This one will have stung Kane the most… what’s the German for schadenfreude?, says Dave KiddBy Dave Kidd
      OF all the trophies Harry Kane has missed out on, the Bundesliga will have stung the most.
      This was supposed to have been a dead cert. This was nailed-on.
      Bayern Munich had won 11 successive Bundesliga titles, so when the England captain signed for the great Bavarian powerhouse last summer, we all said: “Well, at least he’ll finally win something.”
      Yet on Sunday evening, there were Bayer Leverkusen — known in Germany as ‘Neverkusen’ because they hadn’t previously won the league thanks to several late implosions — cavorting around, 16 points clear, unbeaten in all competitions and confirmed as champions with five games to spare.
      And so the greatest trophy curse in footballing history continues.
      And this one really is freakish because Leverkusen’s story is almost as extraordinary as Leicester City’s miracle title in 2015-16 — the season when Kane won his first Premier League Golden Boot and Tottenham ended up ‘third in a two-horse race’ behind Arsenal.
      Kane is always the runner-up, always the nearly man, always the fall guy, too often a figure of fun for those taking pleasure in the misfortune of others.
      Does anyone know the German word for schadenfreude…?
      Read Dave Kidd’s column in full.
      Or read more from Dave Kidd. More

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      Harry Kane’s heartbreaking reaction on Bayern Munich bench to Real Madrid winner spotted by TNT Sports cameras

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      HARRY KANE’S heartbreaking reaction as Bayern Munich crashed out of the Champions League to Real Madrid was spotted on camera.The striker started last night’s 2-1 defeat at the Bernabeu and was still on the pitch when Bayern took the lead through Alphonso Davies with 20 minutes remaining.Harry Kane’s heartbreaking reaction to Bayern Munich being KO’d from Europe was caught on cameraCredit: GettyKane buried his face in his arms as Real Madrid reached the Champions League finalCredit: TNT SportsHowever, Thomas Tuchel ended up taking Kane off as he looked to park the bus against Los Blancos.And the ex-Chelsea boss’ decision ultimately backfired as Real sub Joselu scored twice in a matter of moments with just minutes left on the clock.Tuchel later claimed he subbed Kane due to a back injury, saying: “He couldn’t keep going. He played with back pain and he couldn’t keep going, his back froze up.”But cameras caught Kane’s reaction the moment Bayern’s exit was confirmed.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe England captain was watching from the shadows of the dugout.And as the final whistle went, Kane heartbreakingly dropped his head into his arm, which was resting on the chair in front.Fans sympathised with Kane as one said: “I feel sorry for him.”Another declared: “I feel his pain.”Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSOne noted: “You’ve got to feel for him, he must be completely broken.”Another boomed: “That’s pain right there, 44 goals, his team bottled it.”Watch Antonio Rudiger bring back iconic Chelsea chair celebration in wild scenes after Real Madrid win vs Bayern MunichOne added: “He will get his trophy this summer, it’s coming home.”The result means Bayern will endure a trophyless season for the first time in 12 years.They already gave up their perennial Bundesliga crown to Xabi Alonso’s unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen.And Kane will continue to be without a single career trophy win after leaving Tottenham for one of Europe’s most successful sides last summer.The 30-year-old has been sensational in his debut season, scoring a career-high 44 goals in all competitions.That includes 36 goals in the league.But with his team-mates off the boil, and Tuchel effectively already sacked by Bayern’s board in February, Kane will now have to look to the Euros for his next chance of silverware. More

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      Gareth Bale tweets for first time in eight months as he shares rare seven-word post after Real Madrid beat Bayern

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      GARETH BALE broke his X silence to congratulate Real Madrid on reaching the Champions League final.The Spanish giants produced a late comeback to beat Bayern Munich 2-1 at the Bernabeu, winning 4-3 on aggregate.Gareth Bale won five Champions League titles with Real MadridCredit: GettyReal Madrid will now take on Borussia Dortmund at Wembley on June 1.And Bale revealed he will be there to cheer on his former side as they bid to win the Champions League for a record-extending 15th time.The former winger, who retired last year, tweeted for the first time in eight months, saying: “Hala Madriddd!! See you at Wembley boys.”Bale, 34, has plenty of experience playing in the Champions League with Real and scored a key equaliser in the final against Atletico Madrid when they won La Decima in 2014.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe also scored twice in the final four years later as a substitute when Real Madrid beat Liverpool 3-1 in Kyiv.The Wales legend won five Champions League titles with Los Blancos before leaving the club in 2022.Two of those trophies came playing under Carlo Ancelotti, who could win the competition for a fifth time.Real Madrid beat Manchester City on penalties to reach the latter stages of the competition after knocking out RB Leipzig in the Round of 16.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGareth Bale honours
      Tottenham
      League Cup – 2008
      Real Madrid
      La Liga – 2017, 2020, 2023
      Champions League – 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022
      Copa del Rey – 2014
      Club World Cup – 2014, 2017, 2018

      They will be heavy favourites up against Dortmund in the final, who have won the competition once – in 1997.Meanwhile it was heartbreak for Bayern Munich and Harry Kane, whose trophy drought continues.Gareth Bale’s golf venture hits new high as fans say Real Madrid legend has ‘finally achieved his dream’ More

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      Watch Antonio Rudiger bring back iconic Chelsea chair celebration in wild scenes after Real Madrid win vs Bayern Munich

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      ANTONIO RUDIGER celebrated Real Madrid’s Champions League triumph over Bayern Munich last night with a CHAIR.The defender played a key role as his side triumphed 2-1 at the Bernabeu, making for a 4-3 aggregate score.Antonio Rudiger celebrated Real Madrid’s win over Bayern Munich with a chairCredit: GettyRudiger once did a similar celebration while at ChelseaCredit: BEIN SportsBayern looked on course to reach next month’s Wembley final against fellow Germans Borussia Dortmund thanks to Alphonso Davies’ outrageous strike.But with just minutes left, sub striker Joselu levelled for Real before poaching a winner moments later.The result means Real are on the cusp of landing a record-extending 15th European title.And Rudiger was so overjoyed at full-time that he restored his iconic Chelsea chair celebration.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe defender famously waved a chair around when Chelsea lifted the Club World Cup against Palmeiras in 2022.Kai Havertz netted a late penalty in extra time to seal a 2-1 win, sending Rudiger into the crowd before emerging with a fold-up chair.The German briefly waved it in the air before launching it back into the stands.And last night saw Rudiger take his chair antics to a new level.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe grabbed one from the stands before running onto the Bernabeu field and waving it around.However, this time Rudiger did it in tribute to injured Real teammate David Alaba, who himself has utilised it as a celebration in the past.Rio Ferdinand shows Real Madrid ultimate respect with classy act as Man Utd legend soaks up ‘best stadium in the world’Look at Antonio Rudiger & how much Kai Havertz winning goal meant to him!!! He loves @ChelseaFC !!! And for me deserves a contract for life. Hopefully he will get the deal he wants & he will stay. 💙 pic.twitter.com/yIjcgDfShw— Frank Khalid OBE (@FrankKhalidUK) February 12, 2022

      Rudiger revealed the chair was a tribute to David AlabaCredit: BEIN SportsRudiger waved the chair towards fans before Alaba took over duties.Rudiger said: “The chair celebration was for David Alaba.“He is an important piece of the team and the chair had to be brought up so the fans could cheer him up.”Fans were certainly delighted with Rudiger’s efforts.One said: “How great is Rudiger.”Another declared: “He understood Real from minute one. What a character.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOne noted: “Rudiger always brings great vibes.”Another added: “Chelsea are missing him so much.” More

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      Jude Bellingham stars in new position for Real Madrid – and it could unlock a mouthwatering new England XI for Euro 2024

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      JUDE BELLINGHAM took up a new role during Real Madrid’s thrilling Champions League win over Bayern Munich on Wednesday.The 20-year-old has firmly put himself in Ballon d’Or contention since joining Los Blancos in a £115million transfer last summer.Jude Bellingham played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s semi-final win over Bayern MunichCredit: GettyThe midfielder moved out to the left throughout the game while Real Madrid were out of possessionIn 39 appearances across all competitions this season Bellingham has scored 22 goals and provided 10 assists, making him one of the most in-form players in Europe.On most occasions, the England star has been pulling the strings in the centre of midfield – making his goalscoring exploits all the more impressive.However, during Wednesday’s crucial second-leg clash with Bayern Munich he appeared to shift over to the left.While Real Madrid were out of possession, he would move out to the left in a 4-4-2 formation with Vinicius Jr cutting inside to play as a second striker.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd when Los Blancos were in possession, the midfielder would return to the centre.The change evidently worked as Carlo Ancelotti’s side went on to win 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu.But Bellingham’s new role could be a penny for Gareth Southgate’s thoughts ahead of Euro 2024.The England boss could decide to play him on the left when the Three Lions take to Germany this summer.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHow England could line up if Bellingham plays on the left in a more advanced positionAlternatively, Southgate could experiment with a 4-4-2 which could see Bellingham move to left midfield and Ollie Watkins alongside Harry KaneThat could open up a spot in midfield for either Cole Palmer or Kobbie Mainoo, both of whom have been breakthrough stars in the Premier League this season.It could also present an opportunity for Southgate to start a second striker should he decide to try a 4-4-2 formation, meaning Ollie Watkins or Ivan Toney could be given a chance alongside captain Harry Kane.England footie star Jude Bellingham’s new girlfriend is a lads’ mag pin-up in her native NetherlandsAlternatively, the England boss could play it safe by sticking with what he knows – keeping the Madrid magician in the centre of midfield alongside Arsenal ace Declan Rice.That could see Phil Foden line up in the No10 position or on the left wing, with Kane and Bukayo Saka completing the attack.Speaking after Real Madrid’s win over Bayern, Bellingham told TNT Spors: “There have been a lot of times we have looked dead and buried, but we have that mentality of never say die.”Or the England boss could go for a 4-1-2-1-2 More

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      Man Utd fans say Tuchel has ‘passed his audition’ after bizarre Kane sub against Real Madrid sparks ‘disasterclass’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED fans joked Thomas Tuchel had “passed his audition” after a “disasterclass” against Real Madrid.The German coach, 50, has announced that he is leaving Bayern Munich at the end of the season.Thomas Tuchel is facing questions after his late tactical changesCredit: ReutersHarry Kane was subbed off just before Real Madrid equalisedCredit: GettyAs pressure continues to mount on Erik ten Hag after a dire campaign at Old Trafford, Tuchel has found himself linked with the job at United.Despite missing out on the Bundesliga title for the first time in 11 years, the ex-Chelsea manager was hoping to bow out of Bayern by leading them to Champions League glory.However, that dream went up in smoke as he and his side suffered heartbreak in the Spanish capital.Real Madrid snatched an incredible victory at the death to seal their place at Wembley.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBayern looked to be going through after a rocket from Alphonso Davies put them ahead with just 22 minutes to go.They looked to be comfortable heading towards full time and holding Madrid at bay until disaster struck.Real sub Joselu grabbed an 88th-minute equaliser after latching on to a mistake from Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.Then seconds later the ex-Stoke City and Newcastle flop finished from six yards to win it 2-1.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe 34-year-old Spaniard’s introduction proved to be a masterstroke – but that was not the only substitution that proved to be a major talking point.Firstly, Tuchel brought on Kim Min-jae for attacker Leroy Sane on 76 minutes despite the South Korean’s nightmare in last week’s first leg, switching to three at the back.Watch Harry Kane speak German for first time in Audi advert with Muller as fans say ‘does a Bafta count as a trophy?’But it was the decision to replace 44-goal top scorer Kane, who is still waiting for his first-piece of silverware, with Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting on 86 minutes that left everyone baffled.Ex-Real Madrid star Steve McManaman was commentating on TNT Sports and said: “The best number nine around is off the pitch.”Winger Jamal Musiala was also replaced by Thomas Muller at the same time – and those decisions completely backfired.Speaking on TNT Sports, ex-Bayern and Man United ace Owen Hargreaves said: “I’ll tell you what was unexpected, Harry Kane going off the pitch.“That’s one of the biggest subs I’ve ever seen in a game of football of that magnitude.“To take off a guy that’s scored 44 goals, who is the most durable player pretty much anywhere and you bring on another striker in Choupo-Moting. Maybe he wanted height for corners, I don’t know.“You cannot take him off. There’s five minutes left in the game, there’s ten minutes of extra-time, 15 minutes. I said to Scholesy straight away, they’re going to score.“That’s one of the biggest calls. I love Thomas Tuchel. I don’t know why they made that call. Kim came on ten minutes before that and they were quite comfy.“They went from a back four to a back three. Bayern had it in their hands and they let it go. The mistake from Neuer obviously but everybody’s going to be talking about the subs, you cannot take Harry Kane off.”United legend Scholes then added: “It ended up a game of substitutions. Good ones for Real Madrid. Joselu with the two goals, brilliant. Wins his team the game. Neuer makes a huge mistake which he’ll be disappointed with.“I thought Tuchel’s substitutions were strange. Kane was strange. Even if they get one goal, there’s still extra-time, penalties to come as well, you know how strong he is.“Kim was the stranger one. I thought they looked quite comfortable in the game up until that point. They go to three at the back. Kim coming off last week was a disaster for him and again he looked a little bit all over the place.”And, amid the recent speculation linking him with Old Trafford, it did not take long for fans to start sticking the boot in online.One joked: “Thomas Tuchel doing his best Manchester United 23/24 impression by conceding 2 in quick succession.“This guy has passed the audition.”Along with a laughing emoji, another post read: “Manchester united fans watching This Tuchel disaster class & there are linked to him.”A third commented: “Tuchel has completely thrown away that game with his poor subs.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Quite typical for Utd fans to get gassed in the moment and lose the plot. He is far from what this club needs moving forward.”While a fourth added: “Tuchel taking off Kane and Musiala only to lose his lead within minutes is so banter-ish that he can only be heading to Man Utd this summer.”Pundits’ verdict on Ten Hag’s futureWhere do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United future?
      Michael Owen – He has to go
      “He cannot, simply cannot, manage this team next season. He’s not good enough.”
      Teddy Sheringham – Might stay if he wins Cup but should go
      “If United win the FA Cup, he could stay. But, for me, changes are needed and United need to get it done sooner than later.”
      Jamie Carragher – Sacked
      “I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
      Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
      “To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
      Louis Saha – On the fence
      “I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
      Alan Shearer – Sacked
      “I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.” More

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      De Ligt reveals linesman APOLOGISED to him for ‘making a mistake’ in controversial decision during Real Madrid defeat

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      MATTHIJS DE LIGT has revealed the linesman apologised to him for “making a mistake” in Bayern Munich’s defeat to Real Madrid.The German giants were beaten 4-3 on aggregate in the Champions League semi-final after a 2-1 loss on Wednesday night.Matthijs de Ligt revealed the linesman apologised ‘for making a mistake’Credit: TNT SportsBayern Munich had a late goal controversially ruled out for offside by the linesmanCredit: GettyHowever, De Ligt thought he had snatched a dramatic late equaliser only for it to be controversially ruled out.A long ball into the Real Madrid penalty area was headed down to the defender in the 12th minute of added time.The whistle was blown as he smashed the ball into the net, though, after the linesman’s flag had been raised.Fans slammed the decision on social media, with the Bayern bench enraged by the incident.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLManager Thomas Tuchel fumed that the “disaster” decision was “against the rules” after the match.De Ligt has also addressed the incident and revealed the assistant referee had apologised to him.Speaking to beINSPORTS, he explained: “This is a shame. The linesman said to me ‘I’m sorry I made a mistake’.”In the end, I’m not the type of person who wants to blame the loss or win on the referee so Madrid deserves to win because they won 2-1.Most read in Champions LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”But I think, if it’s a rule, it’s a rule and that’s the only thing I can say about it.”The second leg had proven to be an eventful night for the officials, with fans spotting an error during the first half.Real Madrid almost scored after play was allowed to continue despite a second ball already being on the pitch when a throw-in was taken.Meanwhile, the hosts had a goal disallowed for offside after a VAR review penalised a foul on Joshua Kimmich.Joselu’s stoppage time winner was also only confirmed after a review having initially been ruled out for offside.De Ligt’s late disallowed goal meant Bayern were unable to force extra-time, though.Instead, Los Blancos will now take on Borussia Dortmund in the final at Wembley Stadium on June 1.Thomas Tuchel was left infuriated by the decision to disallow the goalCredit: Reuters More

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      Real Madrid were so confident of beating Bayern Munich they had special shirts designed to celebrate win

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      REAL MADRID had special shirts designed to celebrate their win over Bayern Munich.The Spanish giants were so confident of reaching the Champions League final the shirts were ready for the players at the full-time whistle.Real Madrid had special shirts made to celebrate their win over Bayern MunichCredit: TNT SportsJude Bellingham and his team-mates celebrated in their ‘A por la 15′ shirtsCredit: TNT SportsReal Madrid secured a 2-1 second leg victory to advance to next month’s final at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday night.A brace from substitute Joselu snatched the win, with Bayern’s rivals Borussia Dortmund awaiting in London.At the end of the match, the Real Madrid stars changed into special shirts with the message “A por la 15” printed on the back.The message means “Go for 15” in English, referencing the club’s aim to win their 15th Champions League this season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLos Blancos’ stars wore the shirts as they celebrated the win on the pitch.Jude Bellingham could be seen in the special jersey as he danced with match winner Joselu and Eduardo Camavinga.Former Stoke striker Joselu came off the bench to complete a dramatic late turnaround.He capitalised on a mistake from Manuel Neuer to equalise in the 88th minute.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThree minutes later he scored the winner after a VAR review overturned the on-field decision to rule it out for offside.Real had fallen behind earlier in the second half through a stunning Alphonso Davies strike.Rio Ferdinand shows Real Madrid ultimate respect with classy act as Man Utd legend soaks up ‘best stadium in the world’They thought they had equalised just minutes later after a corner routine deflected in off Davies.However, the strike was disallowed by VAR for a foul on Joshua Kimmich by Nacho Fernandez.Carlo Ancelotti will now be hoping to win his third Champions League with Real Madrid.He has previously won the competition in each of his two spells as manager in 2014 and 2022.Real Madrid will bid to win their 15th Champions League against Borussia DortmundCredit: Getty More