Overview
The 68th final in Champions League history is set to unfold at the renowned Wembley Stadium in the heart of the global football capital, London, United Kingdom. Under the guidance of Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti, the highly favoured Real Madrid will clash with Edin Terzić’s German outfit, Borussia Dortmund, regarded as the underdog in this pinnacle phase of the tournament.
Football enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await to witness and decipher who will host the coveted trophy. The stakes are sky-high as both teams boast rich histories and an array of young talents. In today’s article, I’ll provide a comprehensive overview and strive to elucidate every detail regarding this final.
Historical Context
The last time a final graced Wembley’s turf was May 25, 2013. It featured Borussia Dortmund, marking their last appearance in a Champions League final. Coached by Jürgen Klopp, Dortmund faced Bayern Munich in an all-German final, succumbing 2-1 to a late 89th-minute strike by Dutch legend Arjen Robben.
Dortmund’s Champions League triumph dates back to the 1996-1997 season, clinched with a 3-1 victory over Juventus in Munich, Germany. In contrast, Real Madrid boasts a storied trophy cabinet, with 14 Champions League titles. Their most recent success came in the 2021-2022 season, triumphing over Liverpool with a 1-0 victory in Saint-Denis, France, courtesy of Vinicius JR’s goal.
Key Factors and Players
Beginning with Real Madrid, who are the players to watch closely?
1: Toni Kroos: Foremost among them is Toni Kroos, the German maestro, who will bid farewell to the club after this match and retire following Euro 2024, as announced on his social media channels on May 22. Kroos’s significance, particularly in midfield, stems from his ability to dictate play with visionary passing and precision.
2: Vinicius JR: Another pivotal player for Real Madrid is Vinicius JR, whose speed and dribbling prowess on the left flank can pose serious threats to opponents and create attacking opportunities for his team. His duels against Borussia Dortmund’s fullbacks will be key aspects of the game.
3: Jude Bellingham: Reuniting with his former team, where he played from 2020 to 2023, the 20-year-old superstar’s versatility on the field is crucial. Bellingham can operate as a box-to-box midfielder, a deep-lying playmaker, or in an advanced attacking role, enabling his team to adapt tactics based on the game’s flow.
Turning to Borussia Dortmund, the following players are key:
4: Marco Reus: Like his compatriot Toni Kroos, Reus will also bid farewell to the game after this match. With over 389 appearances for Borussia Dortmund, his leadership and creativity will undoubtedly significantly impact the game. In his last match against Darmstadt, he scored a sensational goal from a free-kick. Together with Mats Hummels, they are the only two veterans from Borussia Dortmund who played in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich in 2013.
5: Jadon Sancho: Hailing from London, the 2000-born Sancho has rejuvenated his form since returning to Borussia Dortmund, becoming an indispensable asset with his creative flair and continuous threat to opponents. He seemed like a lost player, but the German team gave him a chance to return to play. On January 11, 2024, he arrived on loan, and today, he has regained great physical form, becoming an indispensable player for Edin Terzić’s team.
6: Julian Brandt: A blend of technical prowess and killer instinct, Brandt’s crucial goal in the quarter-final return leg against Atletico Madrid underscores his importance to the team’s midfield. He is ready for his first European final. A fundamental part of the midfield, he will be one of the key players that Carlo Ancelotti must keep in mind as he prepares for the final against Real Madrid.
Conclusion
As Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund gear up for the Champions League final, supporters can anticipate a thrilling match brimming with strategic nuances and magical moments. Will Dortmund’s youthful energy and tactical ingenuity triumph, or will Real Madrid’s star-studded lineup and experience secure another title? As the moment approaches to unveil who will lift the Ol’ Big Ears, the answer remains shrouded in anticipation.
Key Statistics
- If Real Madrid secures another Champions League victory, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric will each notch up six titles, surpassing the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo, who sits at 5.
- In their last 5 Champions League finals, Real Madrid emerged victorious, asserting their dominance on the European stage.
- Under the new management, Borussia Dortmund’s emphasis on youth development has been pivotal in their journey to the Champions League final.
Potential Lineups
Report by UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE & BUNDESLIGA
Borussia Dortmund: Kobel; Ryerson, Hummels, Schlotterbeck, Maatsen; Can, Sabitzer; Adeyemi, Brandt, Sancho; Füllkrug
Out: Bensebaini (knee), Duranville (muscular)
Real Madrid: Courtois; Carvajal, Nacho, Rüdiger, Mendy; Valverde, Kroos, Camavinga; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinícius Júnior
Out: Alaba (knee)
Doubtful: Tchouameni (foot)
Image Credit: Deposit Photos