UEFA Champions League Final Preview: Dortmund face Real Madrid as Bellingham faces his old team
In an epic showdown at Wembley Stadium, Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid are set to clash in the UEFA Champions League Final, promising a night of high drama and intense competition. For Dortmund, this final marks a poignant return to the iconic venue where they last reached the Champions League final in 2013, only to be defeated by Bayern Munich. This time, they face the formidable Real Madrid, clear favorites after dominating La Liga with a stunning 95 points.
Adding to the intrigue, this final features Jude Bellingham facing his former club for the first time since his high-profile transfer to Real Madrid last summer. The young English midfielder will be keen to make his mark against his old teammates. Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s veteran midfielder Toni Kroos will be playing the last club game of his illustrious career, eager to end on a high note by adding yet another Champions League title to his collection.
For Dortmund, the stakes are particularly high as they must win this match to secure their place in next season’s Champions League, having finished fifth in the Bundesliga. With history, personal narratives, and future prospects on the line, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter under the lights at Wembley.
This is also the last Champions League match under the current format, as from the 2024/25 season the UCL is getting a reformation. Read all about how the new Champions League format works here.
Road to the Champions League Final:
Dortmund:
Borussia Dortmund’s journey to the UEFA Champions League Final has been a testament to their resilience and strategic excellence. Starting in a tough Group F, they faced formidable opponents like Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan, and Newcastle United. Despite an initial setback with a 2-0 loss to PSG, Dortmund quickly found their rhythm. They secured critical victories, including a 3-1 win over Milan and a double triumph against Newcastle, to advance from the group stage.
In the knockout rounds, Dortmund’s mettle was tested further. A 3-1 aggregate win over PSV Eindhoven in the Round of 16 showcased their defensive strength and attacking prowess. The quarter-finals saw a dramatic comeback against Atlético de Madrid, overturning a first-leg deficit with a thrilling 4-2 home victory to win 5-4 on aggregate. They faced PSG in the semi-finals once again and that clash ended in a dominant 2-0 aggregate win, despite not beating them in the group stage, paving their way to Wembley.
- Record: 7 wins, 3 draws, 2 losses
- Goals Scored: 17 (1.42 per match)
- Goals Conceded: 9 (0.75 per match)
- Possession: 47.17%
- Passing Accuracy: 82.67%
- Balls Recovered: 529 (44.09 per match)
- Tackles Won: 108 (9 per match)
- Clean Sheets: 6 (0.5 per match)
- Saves: 45 (3.75 per match)
- Distance Covered: 1386.83 km (115 km per match)
- Yellow Cards: 20 (1.67 per match)
If Dortmund win the Champions League final, they’ll receive €20m from UEFA. However, they’ll get paid even more from Real Madrid if they lose and their former player Jude Bellingham wins it 🤯🏆 pic.twitter.com/kA0aKgdX0F
— 365Scores (@365Scores) May 10, 2024
Real Madrid:
Real Madrid’s path to the UEFA Champions League Final has been characterized by their attacking brilliance and consistency. They navigated through a competitive Group C with an impressive unbeaten record. Their campaign began with a narrow 1-0 victory over Union Berlin, followed by a thrilling 3-2 win against Napoli. Dominant performances continued with wins over Braga both home (3-0) and away (2-1), and a high-scoring 4-2 victory against Napoli. They concluded the group stage with a 3-2 win over Union Berlin, securing their place in the knockout rounds.
In the knockout stages, Real Madrid displayed their championship pedigree. A 2-1 aggregate win over RB Leipzig in the Round of 16 highlighted their defensive resilience. The quarter-finals brought a nail-biting encounter with Manchester City, where Real Madrid advanced on penalties after a 4-4 aggregate draw. The semi-finals saw them face Bayern Munich in another closely fought tie, prevailing with a 4-3 aggregate victory thanks to a crucial 2-1 home win in the second leg.
Key Stats:
- Record: 8 wins, 4 draws, 0 losses
- Goals Scored: 26 (2.17 per match)
- Goals Conceded: 15 (1.25 per match)
- Possession: 52.67%
- Passing Accuracy: 91.17%
- Balls Recovered: 429 (35.75 per match)
- Tackles Won: 92 (7.67 per match)
- Clean Sheets: 3 (0.25 per match)
- Saves: 48 (4 per match)
- Distance Covered: 1381.55 km (114.59 km per match)
- Yellow Cards: 21 (1.75 per match)
Team News:
Dortmund are heading to Wembley with almost an entirely fit squad. Their main concern is the availability of Sebastien Haller, who has been battling an ankle issue. Additionally, both Julien Duranville and Ramy Bensebaini are confirmed to be unavailable for the match.
Real Madrid have a few more issues to deal with ahead of the Champions League final. Andriy Lunin has been ill with the flu so Thibault Courtois will almost certainly start in goal.
David Alaba will be absent once again due to the injury he sustained in December. Aurelien Tchouameni has also been ruled out with a foot injury.
BREAKING 🚨
— 365Scores (@365Scores) May 24, 2024
Carlo Ancelotti confirms that Aurélien Tchouaméni will MISS the UEFA Champions League final vs. Dortmund due to injury 🚑 pic.twitter.com/s3ZSNt68Ci
Key Players:
Dortmund – Mats Hummels
Mats Hummels has been an indispensable pillar at the back for Borussia Dortmund this season, bringing his wealth of experience and leadership to the fore. Having played in Dortmund’s last Champions League Final at Wembley in 2013, Hummels possesses the invaluable know-how needed to navigate such high-stakes encounters. His exceptional performances throughout the season, particularly in the semi-finals against PSG, have been pivotal. Hummels not only anchored the defense but also scored a crucial goal at the Parc des Princes, securing Dortmund’s path to the final. His calm and composed presence will be crucial as Dortmund aim to lift the trophy.
Real Madrid – Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham has taken the football world by storm this year, establishing himself as arguably the best player in the world since his move from Dortmund to Real Madrid. With four goals and four assists in the Champions League, Bellingham has consistently delivered on the biggest stage. Returning to his home country for the final, he will be eager to showcase his extraordinary talent ahead of the Euros. Bellingham’s dynamic midfield presence, vision, and goal-scoring ability make him a key player for Real Madrid as they seek to claim another European title. His performance in this final could further solidify his candidacy for the Ballon d’Or.
Champions League Final – Key Statistics
- Real Madrid are unbeaten in their last 25 games
- Dortmund have scored first in eight of their last nine games
- Real Madrid are unbeaten in their last four games against Dortmund, with BVB last winning in 2014
By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyH3lfgott on Twitter (X)
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