Real Madrid star Joselu on Wednesday night secured for himself a place not only in the history books of the club, but also in the colours of Los Blancos for next season.
As much, of course, comes on an evening which will live long in the memory of the veteran Spaniard.
Real are fresh off marking the club’s return to action on the continent.
After welcoming German heavyweights Bayern Munich to the Santiago Bernabéu for the 2nd leg of the Champions League semi-final tie between the clubs, Carlo Ancelotti’s troops found themselves a goal down, with just three minutes remaining in the 90.
As seems to prove the case year after year when it matters most, though, Los Merengues, once again, found a source of inspiration in their hour of need.
This came by way of the aforementioned Joselu.
Introduced off the bench late in proceedings on Wednesday, the 34-year-old first dragged Real Madrid level, with a poacher’s finish after Manuel Neuer spilled a tame effort on the part of Vinícius Jr.
Then, as matters rolled into injury-time, Joselu bagged the goal which has afforded his side a shot at yet another Champions League title, converting Antonio Rüdiger’s cross from the left.
Recent weeks have seen it suggested that Joselu’s future beyond the summer has not yet been decided.
The experienced hitman remains only on loan from 2nd-tier Espanyol, with the imminent arrivals of Endrick and Kylian Mbappé having pointed towards the board at the Bernabéu giving consideration to turning down their cut-price option to make Joselu’s arrival permanent.
Any such doubts, though, were on Wednesday night put to bed, once and for all.
Joselu will be a Real Madrid player next season. And he will be fully deserving of as much.
Conor Laird | GSFN
