Real Madrid rely on the spirits of the Bernabéu to overcome Manchester City in the Champions League

The most difficult yet. In the 89th minute of the Champions League semifinal second leg against Manchester City, Real Madrid were losing 1-0 on the night, 3-5 on aggregate. Courtois had saved Madrid from a couple of difficult situations and City were on top. Guardiola got it right with a risky move taking off De Bruyne, who had a niggle and was struggling to find his rhythm, to put on Gundogan, who fired things up and started the move that led to City’s goal (a peach from Mahrez). Ancelotti changed things about, taking off his standard lifebuoy of Modric - Casemiro - Kroos to put on some more firepower with Camavinga, Rodrygo and Asensio. City were happy to run the clock down, with no worries, safe in their ability to get to the whistle. And suddenly the switch flipped: a run from Carvajal, cross, Benzema touch and a goal from Rodrygo.

City froze as Madrid came to life

That was in reality the end of City, who just before had nearly scored the decisive goal, saved on the line by Courtois and Mandy. But, as happened before to City and Chelsea, City froze and the night fell in on top of them while utter pandemonium reigned around the Bernabéu. Rodrygo’s other goal wasn’t long in coming. He’s a lad who’s lack of daring means he rarely goes round people, but what an eye for goal he’s got - and he’s usually on target. It was too late for Madrid to finish the job and the game went to extra-time, but there the momentum carried Madrid to their third, a penalty on Benzema, who converted the spot-kick. Take note: three goals against PSG, four against Chelsea, three against City.

The manes who inhabit the Bernabéu

There was still time to go, but nobody believed anything else would happen apart from the confirmation of another magical victory from Madrid. For many, it’s luck, but explaining it away like that does a disservice to the amazing phenomenon we’ve witnessed more intensely than ever this season. Given we’re descended from ancient Rome I’d put it down to protection from the manes, those glorious ancestors who left their spirits floating over this scared place and who appear when the team and fans do what’s required to receive their protection. In total, three unforgettable nights to give Salah what he wanted: Real Madrid vs Liverpool in the final in Paris.