Real Madrid’s Champions League journey is akin to a high-wire act, where they often appear on the brink of disaster but rarely falter.

Under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti, who claimed his historic fifth Champions League title, Real Madrid secured their 15th win in the tournament by overcoming Borussia Dortmund with late goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Jr. at Wembley.

As Ancelotti and his players celebrated, hoisting the giant trophy amid pyrotechnics and fireworks, the scene felt familiar.

It echoed the many dramatic victories of Real Madrid in recent years, where they have often left their opponents heartbroken, including the likes of Atletico Madrid and Liverpool.

Dortmund’s disappointment was palpable as they walked past their passionate fans, who had filled Wembley with color and noise.

Real Madrid struggled in the first half, rattled by Dortmund’s pace and intensity under Edin Terzic. They were fortunate to reach half-time on level terms, living on their nerves and luck.

Dortmund’s Karim Adeyemi might question his decision-making when he attempted to dribble around Real’s goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois instead of shooting.

He also missed another opportunity that Courtois saved. Niclas Fullkrug was equally unlucky, seeing his shot rebound off the inside of the post and another powerful header saved by Courtois.

Throughout the match, there was a growing sense of inevitability that Real Madrid would find a way to survive and ultimately prevail, just as they did against Manchester City in the quarter-finals and Bayern Munich in the semi-finals.

Dortmund vs Man Utd Highlights

The UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid lived up to its billing, ending in a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Allianz Arena. Vinicius Junior opened the scoring for Real Madrid in the first half, but Leroy Sane and Harry Kane turned the game around with a goal each for Bayern. Vinicius then equalized with a penalty to set up an exciting second leg in Spain.

Vinicius Junior was the hero for Real Madrid, scoring both goals to secure a valuable draw away from home. Despite Bayern’s early pressure, it was Real Madrid who took the lead midway through the first half, capitalizing on a brilliant pass from Toni Kroos.

Vinicius’ goal marked his third consecutive season scoring in the Champions League semi-final.

Bayern Munich fought back in the second half, with Sane finding the back of the net to level the score.

The momentum shifted further in Bayern’s favor when Kane converted a penalty, giving them the lead. However, Real Madrid responded quickly, with Vinicius scoring his second of the night from the spot after a foul on Rodrygo.

The result leaves the tie finely poised heading into the second leg, with a place in the final at Wembley on the line.

Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid Highlights

Manchester City’s hopes of retaining the Champions League were dashed by Real Madrid in a thrilling quarter-final at Etihad Stadium that ended in a penalty shootout.

Despite going behind early to Rodrygo’s goal, City dominated the game and equalized through Kevin de Bruyne in the 76th minute. Their relentless attack, however, was met with a resilient defense from Real, who managed to hold on until the end of extra time.

The match was ultimately decided by penalties, with Luka Modric missing Real’s first spot-kick. However, City’s Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic failed to convert, allowing Rudiger to score the winning penalty for Real Madrid.

The defeat ended City’s hopes of securing another treble, as they now shift their focus to the Premier League and FA Cup. They face Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Saturday, needing to bounce back quickly from this disappointment.

Real Madrid vs Man City