Joselu: How Real Madrid’s Champions League Hero Is Teammate Dani Carvajal’s Brother in Law

• Joselu Mato was the unlikely hero as Real Madrid reached another UCL final
• The on-loan striker from Espanyol scored two late goals vs. Bayern Munich
• The striker and his teammate, Dani Carvajal, are married to twin sisters

Not even in Joselu Mato's wildest dreams would he have imagined he would be the X-factor in a UEFA Champions League semi-final.

At 34 years old and in the twilight of his career, having played for 'smaller' clubs like Stoke City and Alaves, being on Real Madrid's roster is enough.

But to star in one of the biggest games of the season - from the bench - that's what dreams are made of.

Joselu was introduced against Bayern Munich at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, with the home side desperately needing an equaliser. He went one better - he levelled the tie and scored the winner three minutes later.

Heavyweight broadcaster Robert Marawa, the voice of sports media in South Africa, celebrates 49th birthday

Boxing

BBC Sports' Michael Emons summarised it perfectly: 'You never thought you'd say Joselu to the rescue'.

Up somewhere in the stands, his wife, Melanie Canizares, cheered the former Hoffenheim striker before turning to his brother-in-law, Dani Carvajal, and the rest of his teammates.

How Joselu and Dani Carvajal are brothers-in-law

It is not every day that you play football with your brother-in-law, but Joselu and Carvajal's story is interesting - they married twin sisters!

The two players came through together from Real Madrid's academy, but Joselu sealed a move away from the club where he played in Spain, Germany, and England before returning home last summer, although on loan from Espanyol.

Joselu married Melanie in 2016 and have since been blessed with two children. Carvajal, meanwhile, married Melanie's twin sister, Daphne Canizares, in 2022.

Sportskeeda reports that Melanie works as a flight attendant while her sister owns Blue Weddings, a company which organises weddings and other events.

Real Madrid players' wives and girlfriends in 2024 with pictures

Football

The two brothers-in-law will be hoping to win their fourth title together when they play Borussia Dortmund in the final on June 1.

They have won the Supercopa Espana and La Liga title this year, plus the 2022/2023 UEFA Nations League with Spain last year.

Ancelotti names player who could win Ballon d'Or

Sports Brief has also reported that Carlo Ancelotti has primed Vinicius Junior to win the Ballon d'Or very soon.

The Brazilian produced another immaculate performance as Real Madrid beat Bayern Munich in the UCL semis.

The forward forced a mistake from Manuel Neuer, allowing Joselu to score the equaliser two minutes from time.