Real Madrid are within touching distance of a third consecutive champions league triumph after Karim Benzema scored twice to eliminate Bayern Munich last night to book their place in the final.
Bayern, who trailed 2-1 following, last week’s opening leg in Germany, looked capable of inflicting this season’s latest European comeback.
Kimmich had given Bayern the lead after 28 minutes at the Allianz Arena and here he did it in three, slamming home after Sergio Ramos poked Corentin Tolisso’s cross straight to his feet.
Los Blancos were rattled, but the home side were level by the 11th minute, Benzema peeling free of David Alaba at the back post to head in.
Not long after the equalizer, Robert Lewandowski spurned a chance to score and James should have scored as well but was unable to adjust his body to the follow-up.
Just as the 2nd half begun, Tolisso’s backpass was misjudged and underhit but Ulreich still had the chance to clear. Instead, the keeper got his feet in a tangle, presenting Benzema with an open net.
James then came back to haunt Real at the Bernabeu to level the game on the night and bring Bayern to within a goal of going ahead.
Navas, who is likely to replace Real No 1 this summer, showed immense bravery in the final stages to deal with several aerial balls, as the hosts held on to reach yet another Champions League final.
