Decoding substitutes with two-plus goals in a Champions League semi-final
Substitutions in football are often key at any juncture of a match given the impact they can have on the field. Real Madrid witnessed this when Joselu came on in the 81st minute against Bayern Munich in their UEFA Champions League semi-final second-leg clash and scored twice as Real fought back. We decode substitutes with two-plus goals in a Champions League semi-final.
Why does this story matter?
It's vital for managers to understand and throw in players who can either add more depth in attack or bring stability at the back or lungs in midfield. One always needs fresh legs to keep up with the flow of the match. Sometimes managers are forced to make subs due to injuries. Decision-making becomes pivotal and Real manager Carlo Ancelotti got things spot on.
Only three players have attained this feat in the UCL
As per Squawka, only three substitutes have scored 2+ goals in a UEFA Champions League semi-final. They are former Liverpool midfielder Gini Wijnaldum (45 mins vs Barcelona, 2019), Real's Rodrygo (52 mins vs Manchester City, 2021) and Real's Joselu (9 mins vs Bayern, 2024).
Gini Wijnaldum makes an instant impact against Barcelona
Liverpool came into their UCL semi-final second-leg clash against Barcelona with a 3-0 defeat away. However, Jurgen Klopp's men did the unthinkable and won the match 4-0 at Anfield to progress to the final. Wijnaldum came on for Andy Robertson in the 46th minute and made instant impact. He scored a brace (54', 56') before Divock Origi added a fourth (79') to help Liverpool.
Rodrygo special floors Man City at the Santiago Bernabeu
Man City won the first-leg 4-3 against Real and were leading 1-0 in Madrid (5-3 on aggregate) until the 90th minute. Coming on as a substitute for Toni Kroos in the 68th minute, the Brazilian turned home Karim Benzema's left-wing ball from close range (90') before scoring from a header (90'+1). Benzema scored in the first half of extra-time, helping Real progress (6-5 agg).
Joselu sends Real to their 18th final
Real were trailing and Joselu came on in the 81st minute for Federico Valverde. In the 88th minute, Joselu scored a poacher's goal after Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer spilled the ball from Vinicius Junior's powerless shot. Three minutes later, Joselu scored again after Antonio Rudiger squared the ball across. Intially deemed offside, the goal stood after a VAR check. Real won 2-1 (4-3 agg).
