Toward the end, the only hurdle separating American soccer from a guaranteed and gratifying slice of history was Real Madrid, the club that embodies entrenched, old-world pedigree and which frequently seems to be playing with 12 or more on these climactic European nights.
But like so many barriers before it during this unrivaled season for Americans abroad, mighty Madrid fell. Chelsea, powered by a Christian Pulisic goal in the first leg and a backbreaking assist in Wednesday’s semifinal decider, deservedly defeated the visiting Spaniards, 2–0 on the night and 3–1 on aggregate, thus qualifying for the club’s third UEFA Champions League final.