Real Madrid is aiming to win their 15th Champions League title, but if Borussia Dortmund wins their second title, it wouldn’t be a big surprise.
UEFA Champions League : If the hype is true, Real Madrid, who have won the Champions League 14 times, might as well be crowned champions now.
In reality, Borussia Dortmund, who won in 1997, are strong contenders too.
Real Madrid, who also won their 33rd LaLiga title this season, have reached the Champions League final without losing a single match, which is a first for them.
Dortmund, in great form, are right behind Madrid, with only one loss in their last 11 European matches.
Successfully getting through the toughest group with ease
Dortmund was placed in a tough group with Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan, and Newcastle United. After losing their first game 1-0 in Paris, they bounced back strongly, winning three games and losing two. They ended up at the top of the group, three points ahead of PSG and Milan.
Dortmund easily defeated PSV Eindhoven from the Netherlands in the round of 16. In the quarterfinals, they faced Atletico Madrid and lost 1-0 in the first leg in Spain. However, they won 4-2 at home at Signal Iduna Park, moving on to the semifinals.
Dortmund faced PSG again in the semifinals. Despite PSG being the favorites, Dortmund won both legs 1-0, ending the French champions’ European hopes.
Madrid, who last won the Champions League two seasons ago, dominated their group with a perfect score of 18 points. They finished ahead of Italian champions Napoli, while Sporting Braga and Union Berlin were eliminated.
The knockout stages were much tougher for Madrid. They faced strong challenges from Leipzig, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich. They needed penalties to beat Manchester City and a last-minute comeback to overcome Bayern Munich.
Dortmund’s challenge is not only to beat Real Madrid’s star-studded team on their way to the final but also to face one of the best managers in the competition. Carlo Ancelotti has won six out of his seven Champions League finals.
The 64-year-old Italian, Carlo Ancelotti, has won a record four Champions League titles as a coach and two as a player. He is taking this game seriously and aiming to extend his record.
“It feels the same as the first time,” Ancelotti said. “First, there’s the joy of being here, then the concerns and fear come. The cold sweat will arrive on Saturday afternoon, but that’s normal, and I’m ready for it.
“But this team gives me a lot of confidence. I see them focused on the match; they are in Champions League mode.”
Ancelotti, who led Real Madrid to Champions League victories in 2014 and 2022, has a rich history with the competition, having also won it as a player and manager with AC Milan.
On the other side, Edin Terzic, at 41, is relatively new to the managerial scene compared to Ancelotti. In 2013, when Borussia Dortmund won their only European title, Terzic was just a fan in the stands, beginning his coaching journey without any professional playing experience.
Terzic acknowledges the contrast between Dortmund’s journey and that of established European giants like Real Madrid. He emphasizes Dortmund’s story of ups and downs over the years, as they strive to compete consistently. Now, facing formidable opponents, they’re ready to challenge for the Champions League despite not being traditionally built for such success.
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From 2013 heartbreak for Dortmund to Real hope against Madrid
Schlotterbeck, who is 24 years old, forms a strong defensive partnership with 35-year-old Mats Hummels at the center of Borussia Dortmund’s defense. Hummels, who was outstanding in both legs of the semifinal against PSG, provides experience and leadership to the team.
With Hummels and Schlotterbeck at the back, Dortmund can focus on their own game plan against Real Madrid without worrying too much about their defense.
Schlotterbeck emphasizes the importance of Dortmund quickly settling into their rhythm, moving the ball swiftly, and imposing their style of play on Real Madrid.
Hummels, who was also part of the Dortmund team that reached the 2013 Champions League final, along with the departing Marco Reus, knows the disappointment of losing in such a big game, having been defeated by Bayern Munich with a last-minute goal from Arjen Robben. That final was also held at Wembley Stadium.
Team news
Real Madrid will have Thibaut Courtois back in goal, which is a big boost for them. Courtois has only played four times this season and hasn’t been in action in the Champions League.
Andriy Lunin, who filled in for Courtois, missed the flight to London due to flu but is expected to join the squad before the game. However, David Alaba is sidelined due to injury, and Eder Militao is also doubtful as he’s struggling to recover from a long-term injury.
On Dortmund’s side, Sebastien Haller is their only concern as he’s trying to regain full fitness after an ankle problem. Julien Duranville and Ramy Bensebaini are both confirmed to be unavailable for the match.
