Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel has revealed he took Harry Kane off against Real Madrid on Wednesday night because the striker was 'having back problems'.
The Bundesliga giants looked set to make the Champions League final after taking a 1-0 lead, with Alphonso Davies opening the scoring.
But a late brace from Joselu sent Real through to their 15th Champions League final.
In the closing stages of the match, Tuchel surprised supporters by taking off Kane.
Thomas Tuchel said Harry Kane was suffering from a back problem before substituting the striker in Bayern Munich's Champions League defeat to Real Madrid
REUTERS
The England international has been outstanding ever since his summer move from Tottenham, bagging 44 goals across all competitions.
Yet Tuchel has now revealed he substituted Kane because he was injured, with Jamal Musiala, Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sane also being hooked for the same reason.
"We started with a front four and all four has to go out with injury or cramp," said the German.
‘Kane was having back problems, it was no longer possible.
"The front four all said they had to go."
Tuchel is leaving Bayern at the end of the season after 18 months in the dugout.
Though he won the Bundesliga title last term, his time at the Allianz Arena has ultimately failed to live up to expectations.
And Tuchel has admitted the defeat 'hurts', while also conceding it will take a while for Bayern squad and staff members to get over such a shattering loss.
"It hurts. It’ll take a while to recover, but on the one hand it’s a loss where we left it all out on the pitch," he said.
"Of course, it’s tough to accept. It’s part of reality.
"No regrets. But on the other, there were too many injuries, a few too many substitutions, too many cramps.
"We started with a front four and by the end they were all off the pitch.
"And then Manu [Manuel Neuer], who had been exceptional in saving us all night, made a mistake he wouldn’t make in another 100 years."
While it was a painful night for Bayern, it was a joyous evening for Real.
Once again, they seem immune to defeat - turning the match around when many felt it was done and dusted.
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Harry Kane was left dejected after Bayern Munich exited the Champions League to Real Madrid
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Carlo Ancelotti has won the Champions League with Real twice, in 2014 and 2022 respectively.
And the Italian was delighted after seeing Joselu come off the bench to be the hero of the hour.
"I think we played well but to be honest we had opportunities to control the game," said the Italian.
"We had the strength to go up when they scored. It happened again here.
"It’s quite usual at the Bernabeu with our supporters. With them, we can do something that is unexpected.
Thomas Tuchel has admitted Bayern Munich's defeat to Real Madrid 'hurts' with Champions League dream left in tatters
REUTERS
"We believed. Joselu did a fantastic job.
"He is a fantastic striker. We did really well and had a lot of energy at the end of the game.
"I’m going to enjoy it of course from now until the final. We have fantastic days with our supporters to celebrate the league. It will be fantastic."
