Real Madrid Clinches Champions League with Late Goals

Real Madrid overcame a formidable challenge from Borussia Dortmund to clinch the Champions League title at Wembley. Carlo Ancelotti added to his illustrious record with a fifth win as a coach in the competition while Real Madrid secured their 15th title. Despite a difficult first half and several missed chances by Dortmund, Real managed to come out on top.

Dortmund’s Karim Adeyemi squandered two first-half opportunities and striker Niclas Fullkrug hit the post, with Real’s reinstated goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois proving a formidable barrier. Real Madrid stepped up their game with Dani Carvajal heading home from a corner 16 minutes from time, followed by Vinicius Jr. scoring a second after a pass from Jude Bellingham nine minutes later.

This victory capped a stellar first season at Real for England’s Jude Bellingham, but it was a disappointing night for his compatriot Jadon Sancho, who is on loan to Dortmund from Manchester United.

Ruthless Real Madrid Masters Again

Real Madrid’s late surge to victory in Europe’s elite tournament had an air of inevitability. Despite struggling in the first half against Dortmund’s intense play, Real Madrid’s players showed their trademark resilience. Dortmund created several chances but failed to convert them, a situation that often leads to a predictable outcome when facing Real Madrid in the Champions League.

Courtois, chosen over Andriy Lunin, played a crucial role in Real’s victory with late goals from Carvajal and Vinicius Jr. delivering the decisive blows. Questions about how Real Madrid manages to win despite seeming out of sorts are answered by the players’ muscle memory and experience. Toni Kroos, Carvajal, Nacho and Luka Modric, who came on as a late substitute, all claimed their sixth Champions League winners’ medals.

Carlo Ancelotti, as composed as ever, continued his remarkable record with Real Madrid. Bellingham had a quiet night, missing a big chance but eventually setting up Vinicius Jr.’s goal. England hopes this experience sets up their young star for success in Euro 2024.

Dortmund Pay the Price for Missed Chances

Borussia Dortmund entered the Champions League final as underdogs but played well enough in the first half to challenge that perception. Adeyemi missed an early chance after rounding Courtois but ending up too wide. Courtois then saved another shot from Adeyemi before Fullkrug’s low effort agonizingly hit the inside of the post.

After the break, Courtois made another crucial save from Fullkrug’s header. As the game progressed, it became apparent that Dortmund would pay for their missed opportunities with Real Madrid experts at capitalizing on their chances.

Dortmund’s fans provided magnificent support, giving their team a rousing ovation after the final whistle. Despite their efforts, Dortmund lost their second Champions League final at Wembley, having previously been defeated by Bayern Munich in 2013. Coach Edin Terzic will reflect on this match with a sense of what might have been.

Player of the Match

Number: 15
M. Hummels
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