Luka Modric only joined the match as a second-half substitute, but the 38-year-old midfielder made a telling contribution as Real Madrid came from behind to stun Bayern Munich

Luka Modric will play in yet another Champions League final with Real Madrid – and the veteran midfielder certainly earned his place at Wembley.

Real produced a stunning late comeback to beat Bayern Munich 2-1 on Wednesday night and go through 4-3 on aggregate to face Borussia Dortmund on June 1. Alphonso Davies’ brilliant finish appeared to have Bayern on course before Joselu netted twice in three minutes to turn it around.

Joselu came off the bench in the 81st minute to make a huge impact, but he wasn’t the only Real substitute to do so. Modric replaced Toni Kroos in the 69th minute and Carlo Ancelotti’s decision helped Real wear Bayern down.

Modric’s passing ability and calm head were important factors, but the 38-year-old midfielder’s work rate was also showcased in a crucial moment. In the 85th minute, Bayern broke on the counter-attack from a Real corner and when Thomas Muller had the ball by the centre-circle, it was a three-on-one in their favour and 2-0 to the German side looked a distinct possibility.

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But, aided somewhat by a sloppy pass from Muller to Davies, Modric managed to sprint back and nick the ball off Aleksandar Pavlovic as he stretched to reach Konrad Laimer’s through- ball. Just three minutes later, Manuel Neuer spilt Vinicius Junior’s effort to allow Joselu a tap-in and Antonio Rudiger crossed for the super-sub’s second in the 91st minute to win it.

Modric’s contribution wasn’t lost on fans. “Oldest player to play and still giving it all like he was in his 20s. Really hope younger players will look up to him and follow the same,” wrote one on Reddit. “There is always a sense of relief when Modric enters the pitch. We can never replace a guy like Modric,” added another. One simply stated: “I want to clone Modric.”

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On Twitter, one fan wrote: “That Luka Modric tackle made the difference, or else it would have been 2-0 to Bayern. Modric tracked back and tackled. What a legend. Croatian-made super engine.” Another added: “Modric changed the game entirely after getting subbed on in the 69th minute, bringing calmness and composure. Keep in mind that he is nearly THIRTY NINE years old. We're witnessing one of the best midfielders ever to play this beautiful game.”

Modric will now have the chance to win his sixth Champions League title with Real, while his fellow veteran Kroos can win his fifth with the club and his sixth altogether, having claimed one with Bayern before joining. The experienced core of the side have been expertly managed by Ancelotti, who has moved away from starting them together and been rewarded.