Real Madrid and Dortmund Battle for European Glory

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti anticipates his players will feel the intense pressure of the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley. Real Madrid with a record 14 titles, enter the match as favorites against Dortmund, who finished fifth in the Bundesliga. Despite this, Ancelotti, the competition’s most successful manager with four titles, knows victory is not assured.

“A Champions League final is the most important and dangerous game,” Ancelotti said. “You need luck, good play, and constant vigilance. The proximity to success brings fear and anxiety.”

Real Madrid has shown resilience in Europe, overcoming Manchester City on penalties in the quarter-finals and scoring two late goals in their semi-final against Bayern Munich. Ancelotti acknowledged the dual nature of the situation, stating, “The fear starts tonight, tomorrow morning, and afternoon. If you have more fear, you will be happier if you win.”

Dortmund midfielder Julian Brandt recognizes the challenge against Real. “They’re the ultimate opponent in the Champions League,” Brandt said. “But if we didn’t believe we could win, we might as well stay in Dortmund.”

Real Madrid Key Players and Records

Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois will start in goal replacing Andriy Lunin, who is ill. If Real wins, Luka Modric, Dani Carvajal, Toni Kroos and Nacho could join Francisco Gento in having six Champions League medals.

“Everyone says we’re favorites, but it’s 50-50,” Modric said. “Dortmund are a big club and will make it tough.”

English Stars in the Spotlight

The final features high-profile English players. Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, formerly of Dortmund has excelled, becoming Real’s top scorer with 23 goals and earning La Liga’s player of the season. Conversely, Jadon Sancho, on loan from Manchester United, has revitalized his career at Dortmund, highlighted by his standout performance against Paris St-Germain. Another English player, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens has also contributed significantly to Dortmund’s season.

Farewell Matches

Marco Reus is set to make his 429th and final appearance for Dortmund at Wembley. The club legend, who has spent 12 years with Dortmund, will leave this summer. He was part of the Dortmund team that lost to Bayern Munich in the 2013 final at Wembley. Mats Hummels with 507 appearances will decide his future post-final.

For Real Madrid, Toni Kroos retiring after Euro 2024 will play his last club match. The futures of Luka Modric and Nacho remain uncertain, with both out of contract after this season. Modric has made 533 appearances since joining from Tottenham in 2012 while Nacho has been a versatile squad player with 363 appearances for Real.