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Watch: Chicharito puts Real Madrid through to Champions League semis
Wednesday had been a frustrating day for Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez.
Given a chance to start against Atletico Madrid in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals with injuries to Real Madrid's Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale and Luka Modric, Chicharito turned in a workmanlike shift, but only had a slew of near-makes and bruises to show for it. Until crunch time.
Chicharito touched home a close-range opportunity in the 88th minute after a short cross from Cristiano Ronaldo to give Real Madrid the 1-0 win it needed to advance to the Champions League semifinals.
Ronaldo had worked a nifty one-two combination with James Rodriguez before toe-poking the ball to the center of the box. After misses from either side of the area, Chicharito made no mistake from the center, beating a helpless Jan Oblak and keeping the defending champions alive in the quest for their 11th European championship.
Chicharito, who will reportedly spurn MLS's advances to remain in Europe this summer, is on loan with Real Madrid for the season from Manchester United. His season hasn't been nearly as fruitful as he would have hoped, but Real Madrid might not still be in the Champions League without his contribution.
Real Madrid is joined by Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Juventus in a who's who of a final four on the continent.
GALLERY: Cuauhtemoc Blanco's iconic career
Cuauhtemoc Blanco Through the Years
Cuauhtemoc Blanco received a farewell from Club America, playing against Morelia in a Liga MX match–and performing his trademark "Cuauhteminha"–on March 5, 2016.
Cuauhtemoc Blanco lifts the Copa MX trophy with Puebla in his final match as a professional.
Blanco is given a hero's farewell after the Copa MX final between Puebla and Chivas.
Blanco plays his final match for Mexico at Estadio Azteca in a friendly against Israel on May 28, 2014.
Blanco and Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez have some fun during training at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Blanco celebrates his penalty kick against France in a 2-0 group-stage win at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
Blanco dribbles against host South Africa in the opening match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Blanco celebrates a valuable goal in 2010 World Cup qualifying at Estadio Azteca against El Salvador.
Blanco poses as part of EA Sports's FIFA 2010 cover release for the popular video game in North America.
Blanco is hoisted after a World Cup qualifying match against Canada in 2008.
Blanco commanded plenty of media attention during his time in MLS with the Chicago Fire.
Never shy to express himself, Blanco gestures to a referee during the 2009 MLS Eastern Conference championship.
Blanco reacts after a goal in the 2009 Eastern Conference semifinals against the New England Revolution.
Blanco tries his signature Cuauhtemiña in a 2008 match against the Columbus Crew, putting the ball between his legs and carrying it while jumping between a pair of defenders.
Blanco gets into it with Kansas City goalkeeper Kevin Hartman during a 2008 MLS match.
Blanco is presented 2008 MLS All-Star Game MVP honors by commissioner Don Garber after an MLS win over West Ham in Toronto.
Blanco and David Beckham congratulate their teammates during the 2008 MLS All-Star Game against West Ham.
Blanco's arrival in MLS with the Chicago Fire made for some front-cover headlines.
Blanco celebrates one of his 125 goals with Club America at a match at Azteca against Necaxa in 2006.
Blanco extends for the ball at the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup final against the USA, which the Americans won 2-1 in Chicago.
Blanco argues with the referee in a 2006 World Cup qualifying match against the USA, which Mexico wound up winning 2-1.
Blanco lifts the trophy after America wins the 2005 Mexican Clausura championship.
Blanco and John O'Brien tussle for the ball in the 2002 World Cup round of 16, a match the Americans won 2-0.
Blanco celebrates his golden goal against the USA in the 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup semifinals on his home soil.
Blanco and Luis Hernandez train in Bolivia during the 1997 Copa America.
Blanco lifts the 1996 U.S. Cup at the Rose Bowl after his goal helped Mexico secure a 2-2 draw against the USA in the final, which was good enough to claim the title.
