Former Real Madrid forward looks back on his Champions League heroics: ‘Best thing I’ve ever experienced’ | OneFootball

Former Real Madrid striker Joselu has looked back on one of the most unforgettable nights of his career – the UEFA Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich, when his dramatic late brace sent Madrid into the final.

Speaking in an interview with Radio MARCA’s La Tribu, Joselu explained that moments like those “are always experienced differently” than other matches. 

He then expanded on why the Champions League holds such a special place at the club, adding,

“Madrid is the Champions League, it’s their competition. Everyone gets a little closer to what Madrid is,” he said.

Before offering a deeply personal conclusion about that unforgettable tie, Joselu summed it up by saying:

”In football terms, it’s the best thing I’ve ever experienced in my life.”

On the managerial situation

Beyond nostalgia, Joselu also provided insight into Madrid’s current situation and the changes on the bench. 

Drawing on his own experience inside the dressing room, he stressed the importance of leadership and emotional intelligence. 

He explained that managing people is just as important as managing tactics.

“In a dressing room, there are 25 people with different egos, personalities, and life situations. Group management is essential.”

Turning his attention to the current head coach Alvaro Arbeloa, Joselu highlighted a noticeable shift in atmosphere and player behaviour. 

Joselu has praised Arbeloa’s management. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

“Arbeloa is giving the players freedom, and it shows. I see them happier, and they are responding.”

Pressure at Real Madrid

That perspective closely reflects Joselu’s own journey at Madrid, where he often had to make an impact from a limited role. 

Speaking about the mindset required to succeed at the club, he said,

“You arrive at Madrid and you might play five minutes or come off the bench, but you always have to contribute.”

Joselu also addressed the pressures players face away from the pitch, defending them against speculation and misinformation when results dip. 

“When things go wrong, stories that aren’t true always come out. That hurts, because players also have lives and problems like anyone else.”

Looking back on his career, the striker acknowledged that difficult experiences shaped him into the player Madrid ultimately relied on. He explained:

“Relegation, bad times, modest teams… all that toughens you up. When an opportunity like Madrid comes along, you can’t let it slip away,” he explained.

He concluded by underlining the value of timing and maturity. “Experience counts for a lot, and that year caught me at the perfect moment.”

Even now, the memory of those decisive goals remains vivid. Joselu revealed how often he is reminded of that night by fans, saying,

“I’m still tagged on social media almost every day. Those 20 seconds of VAR seemed like an eternity, but it was worth it,” he concluded.