Antonio Rudiger hilariously thanked the VAR monitor on his triumphant trek off the Santiago Bernabeu pitch on Wednesday night, fresh footage has shown.
Real Madrid had just beaten Bayern Munich 2-1 (4-3 agg) to reach the Champions League final and VAR was vital in their breathtaking victory.
Joselu had initially been ruled offside after prodding home the winning goal in the 91st minute, but a video assistant referee decision ruled him onside.
Cue pandemonium in a delirious Bernabeu, where fans had already witnessed Joselu equalise just three minutes before.
Alphonso Davies had given Bayern a shock 1-0 lead but Madrid's inspired turnaround means they will face Borussia Dortmund - Jude Bellingham's old club - in the final.
Video footage shows Rudiger leaning into the pitchside VAR monitor and patting it as he exited the stage.
Because the camera pans late, it is unclear if the defender went for a mere embrace or if his passions extended to a smooch.
He was clearly struggling to restrain his excitement as he shouted 'Vamos' towards the fans and again to himself as he trooped down the tunnel.
When Joselu's second strike was initially ruled offisde, footage showed TNT Rio Ferdinand informing Rudiger of the bad news as he exulted in the stands.
Ferdinand revealed that he had planned a celebration with Rudiger, which he unfortunately wasn't able to show off.
He told TNT Sports: 'As he was coming to me, I was thinking: "Right, we've got a celebration planned here, me and Rudiger."
'But I saw the flag go up in the corner of my eye and I said: "Get back on the pitch, get back on the pitch."
'Unfortunately we weren't able to show our celebration we had planned over the last couple of days. Maybe get there another time.'
There was further VAR controversy to come, with Bayern Munich's Matthijs De Ligt controversially having a late equaliser ruled out after Noussair Mazraoui was deemed to be offside.
Los Blancos will get their shot at a record-extending 15th Champions League title at Wembley on June 1.
Rudiger is aiming for his second crown, having won Europe's premium competition with Chelsea in 2021 under Thomas Tuchel, who he knocked out on Wednesday.
tanamopuz
0
Why not? Now their corruption is coming out for all to see.
abeg shut up and sell ur grass
caoalmpst
0
This is Real Madrid, the owners of officials....There is nothing luck here, it was damn fixed for Madrid to win.
thanks, now go fix some for ur beloved team
ciuabimsyz
1
This is Real Madrid, the owners of officials....There is nothing luck here, it was damn fixed for Madrid to win.
FemiBalogun
4
thanks to VAR, we can see it clearly that it's difficult for some club to win trophy again since VAR was introduced, no day light robbery again. Chelsea deserve UCL final in 2009, but get robbed without VAR.
Kipcdkpsty
0
it's a fact that the referee made a mistake 2 days ago and its a fact ronaldo scored 2 goals against bayern on the last semifinal he played against Bayern Munich too....so you can say keep crying and choose to be blind
Vahbcdeikl
0
It pains when u have nothing to say.... I swr see d flock to drop madrid in d mud well ur pains our joy..... Hala madrid
Kipcdkpsty
0
Hahaha at least the guy is honest....look even Real Madrid players openly admit why they win meanwhile their fans keep saying nothing happened
VceeOgun
1
How many of u Madrid fan rush here cus Dey Barca & man city fans will b here crying πππ€£π€£
coteknos
2
Rudiger kissing the Virtual Assistant for Real, the VAR
sethuramalingam213
0
Why not? Now their corruption is coming out for all to see.
Barca are also paying a lot to referees still can't able to win. come on cry more as we will lift the 15th UCL shortly [Crylaugh]
sethuramalingam213
0
Ballon d or winner is VAR madrid will win the double...VAR is versatile can play any position on the pitch and can play well if starts or super sub...hala VADRID the greatest club in Spain
come on cry more Manchester shitty fan. we will keep winning. see u soon with 15th[Crylaugh]
sethuramalingam213
0
they mostly pay refere
Even man United pay referee they won't be winning [Crylaugh]
KANNEHFOMBA
0
UCL now
[image]
cry more
sidcilopy
0
Why not? Now their corruption is coming out for all to see.
As ur also during plantini time so stop crying
sidcilopy
0
they mostly pay refere
Alex Ferguson also pay refree during his time so stop crying
Beaacoyz
0
still wondering how Chelsea let him out for free who is dominating world football while Chelsea is struggling in defense
jona2004
1
UCL now
Femzy1991
0
they mostly pay refere
I am not sure you are a true United fan though. I don't have a reply for you..
Femzy1991
0
Why not? Now their corruption is coming out for all to see.
Lmao.. Mbappe is coming to put you in a deeper depression. You all may have to leave this earth to avoid watching Real Madrid ππ
Charliequin99
0
they mostly pay refere
it's a shame as a Man Utd fan to say this, Utd and Madrid are two clubs far away but have love for each other. Every Utd fan is a Madrid fan and vice versa
Dabaeknprt
1
they mostly pay refere
BrianKessy767
1
Ballon d or winner is VAR madrid will win the double...VAR is versatile can play any position on the pitch and can play well if starts or super sub...hala VADRID the greatest club in Spain
Anuolu190
0
Barca Fans cry me a jar π« πΉπΉπ
LosMendo
1
Why not? Now their corruption is coming out for all to see.
the corruption in person is talking
pukabdmpy
4
Why not? Now their corruption is coming out for all to see.
BankoleLonge
2
Rudiger actually resembles Rio Ferdinand. Rio was a defensive beast who terrified attackers. Rudiger is following in his footsteps.
JamesMulenga01
4
Unless you don't know our mad guy Rudiger you can say he was thanking Var but he is always like that when he is happy and he is always happy when we win i love it and all his coligues love him that way his vibes
Natbdkruz
2
Thank u chelsea for this monster
ualhaji
1
veecmpsuz
1
such a meme lmao