From supporter to hero at the Santiago Bernabeu – The story of Joselu, the man who qualified Real Madrid to the Champions League final

​Real Madrid has its sights set on the 15th UEFA Champions League trophy, after a dramatic qualification following the double with Bayern Munich (4-3 on aggregate) in the semi-finals. The hero of the “los blancos” group was a player on loan from a team in the second division of Spain.

>> Marca’s refereeing expert explains why Bayern Munich’s goal against Real was incorrectly disallowed

>> Scandal after Real qualified for the Champions League final – Bayern’s coach on refereeing: “A total disaster”

Joselu, the player brought on loan from Espanyol, double in the semi-final with Bayern Munich

Having reached the age of 34, Joselu received the chance of his career from Real Madrid.

Arriving in the second division of Spain with Espanyol, Joselu was loaned by Real Madrid for only 500,000 euros, and his transfer proved to be a real success for the team at the Santiago Bernabeu.

He started his career as a professional footballer at Real Madrid Castilla, after playing junior at Celta Vigo, and the sport took him through Germany (Eintracht Frankfurt, Hoffenheim and Hannover 96) and England (Stoke City and Newcastle United).

Joselu also played in Spain for Deportivo La Coruna and Alaves, and in July 2022 he arrived at Espanyol for free.

Although he was relegated with the Catalan group, his season was an exceptional one, he managed to score 17 goals in all competitions.

In 2022 he was going to Paris for the final between Real Madrid and Liverpool

In 2022, the Spanish striker went with his father to Paris, to the final that Real Madrid won against Liverpool.

A year away, the phone call he didn’t expect came. Real Madrid needed a striker and called for a breakdown and economical solution.

For just 500,000 euros, Real have transferred a striker who has scored 16 times to date and who brought an unexpected qualification to the final of the Champions League.

Joselu was introduced on the field by Carlo Ancelotti in the 81st minute of the match against Bayern Munich, with the score 1-0 for the Germans, and he scored two goals that mattered enormously.

>> VIDEO The moment Santiago Bernabeu erupted – VAR decision sparked celebration