The team that appears to own this competition, that has some mystical hold over it and has lifted that trophy 14 times, are in the final again because, well, because of course they are.
Bayern Munich had held on, they had survived, and they had scored. They should have scored again, ending this, killing off the team that just won't die, but they hadn't. And yet still, Wembley was so close now.
There were less than three minutes to go on this semi-final, but it turned out to be a lifetime, one they will surely spend wondering how this happened.
Enough time not just for Madrid to equalise but to win it, two goals from the former Newcastle striker Joselu, sent on as a sub, taking them to the final, this place exploding.
It had happened again and it was so cruel, Manuel Neuer - Bayern's saviour dropping the first at his feet on 87.27 and the forward turning the second over the line on 90.02, a goal at first disallowed for offside, but then reinstated, royalty heading through to another final, another chance to wear its crown.
It would be a game of waves, Thomas Tuchel had said, and the first came crashing in after just seven seconds. A loose ball set Vinícius sprinting up the right and winning a corner, standing there in front of the north stand roaring and inviting them to roar too. There was a hint of concern, even nervousness, in the Bayern side, their passing under pressure lacking the precision to give them respite.
This story is from the May 09, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 09, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Winning back the west Black cowboys and cowgirls reclaim their place in history
When Larry Callies went to the movies as a boy in Rosenberg, Texas, the heroes riding horses and wearing 10-gallon hats were all white men. But the real cowboys Callies knew were Black.
Iranian president feared dead after helicopter crash
Conflicting reports as rescuers head to scene near Azerbaijan border
Ex-ministers warn tuition fees must rise urgently
Vice-chancellors and former ministers have warned that the cash crisis facing universities is so serious that the next government will have to urgently raise tuition fees or increase funding to avoid bankruptcies within two years.
Trump hush money case Cohen is the central figure as trial nears conclusion
Donald Trump's criminal trial is drawing to a close, with two looming questions: what will the jury decide, and how will America react?
Slovakia in crisis Shooting of prime minister shines light on polarised country
Yesterday morning, Father Tomáš stood solemnly in the small Catholic church nestled near a park along the banks of the Danube in Bratislava.
Israel calls international court of justice case an 'obscene exploitation'
Israel yesterday attacked South Africa's case against it in the international court of justice as an \"obscene exploitation\" of the genocide convention, claiming that it aimed not to protect Palestinian civilians but to defend Hamas militants.
In the line of fire Perilous evacuation from town under attack by Russians
Evacuating the last remaining residents of Vovchansk, the town at the centre of Russia's recent offensive in the Kharkiv region, becomes more dangerous with every passing day.
Toxic neoprene Is there a wetsuit that doesn't harm the planet?
Neoprene, the material used to keep swimmers and surfers toasty in the winter, is often manufactured using some of the most toxic chemicals on the planet.
Terrorist who murdered elderly man as revenge for Israel-Gaza war jailed for life
A terrorist who murdered a pensioner in Hartlepool town centre as \"revenge\" for the Israel-Gaza war has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 45 years.
'Descent into parody' Unions deride £4.4m scheme to send out free portraits of king
It is meant to remind Britons of the \"example set by our ultimate public servant\", but a £4.4m scheme to send out free portraits of King Charles for display in public buildings is not quite going to plan.
