Joselu, Real Madrid’s most unlikely hero, surprises Bayern and takes the Champions League kings to another final

He had gone from Celta Vigo to Hoffenheim, to Frankfurt and Hannover, from Stoke City to a club that is now in the Spanish third division. He stopped at middling Newcastle and then Alavés. He spent last season at Espanyol, fighting unsuccessfully against relegation. Joselu, at this time last year, was a 33-year-old journeyman heading towards anonymity – until Real Madrid came calling.

Now, he is a Champions League hero.

For most of his tortuous career, you probably never heard of him. But on Wednesday night, under the lights of the Santiago Bernabéu, he stunned Bayern Munich with two goals in the dying minutes of the Champions League semi-final. He rescued the Kings of Europe from a 1-0 deficit. He sent Real Madrid, a club full of mystique and talent, to yet another Champions League final.

And when he heard the final whistle, he fell to the ground, with his body stretched out, his face in his hands and on the grass. Teammates piled on top of him.

Moments later, he looked around the palatial stadium in almost disbelief – as did anyone who followed his journey.

Less than two years ago, he went to Paris as a fan wearing a replica shirt, to support Real Madrid in the 2022 Champions League final.

Tonight and perhaps for all eternity, he will be the toast of the most successful football club of all time.