Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid will clash at London’s Wembley Stadium on June 1, 2024, in the UEFA Champions League final.
Dortmund, the underdog, has been the surprise package of this competition, coming through a challenging group before eliminating PSV, Atlético de Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain to reach the final. Real Madrid, who have won the Champions League 14 times before, came through difficult tests in all their knockout ties to reach the final.
In terms of recent form, Madrid are unbeaten in their 12 matches in the competition this season, while Dortmund have lost only one of their last 11 European outings. Dortmund have kept clean sheets in six of their last 11 European games and have scored the first goal in nine of their last ten matches.
The last time Dortmund made it to the Champions League final, they lost 2-1 to Bayern in 2013, with Mats Hummels and Marco Reus still playing pivotal roles for the club 11 years later. Real Madrid have an impressive record in the European Cup/Champions League final, having won 14 out of the 17 finals they have played in.
Dortmund’s coach, Edin Terzić, has said, “You don’t play a final, you win a final – and that is our clear goal. We’re happy to be here but we have to win to hold that trophy in our hands.” Real Madrid’s coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has also stated, “The team is focused; we have the necessary confidence to show the best of ourselves. Everything’s gone well so far and we have the right approach.”
The match is set to be a thrilling encounter, with Dortmund’s speed and attacking prowess coming up against Madrid’s experience and defensive solidity. Who will come out on top and lift the coveted trophy? Only time will tell.
