Champions League final: will Borussia surprise the Real team?

2024-06-01 10:00 © Reuters

The first day of summer will give football fans a memorable sight - Madrid's "Real" and Dortmund's "Borussia" clubs will face off at London's "Wembley" stadium for the UEFA Champions League trophy.

This will be the 69th prestigious tournament final - the Spanish team has 14 titles in their collection, while the Germans triumphed only in 1996.

Expert opinions

Matthias Rotters, Dortmund journalist

"I see "Borussia" as the weaker team in this pair, but it gives the Germans a good opportunity to surprise.

This season, Dortmund had many problems in the Bundesliga with teams that closed themselves in defense, while in the Champions League they found a lot of space against more attacking teams. When the team attacks at a high pace, it would be difficult for any team in the world to hold back the Germans. Also, it doesn't seem like "Real" will want to play defensively in the final."

Graham Hunter, Madrid journalist

"When you look at "Real's" history in the Champions League, you automatically think that the Spaniards should win. However, C. Ancelotti's army doesn't think so."

This season, "Real" played six matches against Bundesliga representatives and won four by a minimal margin, also there were two draws. So, "Real" thinks that it will be the same tactically, physically and psychologically again.

The Madrid team has not lost a UEFA tournament final since the 1983 defeat against "Aberdeen" in the European Cup Winners' Cup. The additional motivation for the Spaniards will be that if Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Nacho, and Dani Carvajal win, they will join Madrid's club legend Paco Gento, who is the only player to have won the Champions League six times."

One last dance 🕺#UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/iXKz9zUoer
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 31, 2024

Tournament final results

"Borussia"

1 win / 1 loss, goal difference 4:3

Last final: "Borussia" - "Bayern" 1:2 (2013)

"Real"

14 wins / 3 losses, goal difference 43:23

Last final: "Liverpool" - "Real" 0:1 (2022)

Predicted starting line-ups

"Borussia": Kobel; Ryerson, Hummels, Schlotterbeck, Maatsen; Can, Sabitzer; Adeyemi, Brandt, Sancho; Fullkrug.

"Real": Courtois; Carvajal, Nacho, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Kroos, Camavinga; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius.

Coaches' comments

Edin Terzic ("Borussia")

"Our clear goal is not only to play in the final but to win it. We are happy to be here, but we must triumph to win trophies. We are ready to compete at the highest level.

If we manage to shine in one match, then everything will be possible. "Real" is called the favorite, but we don't care. We were not favorites against Madrid's "Atletico" or Paris Saint-Germain. If we are brave and determined, we can see the Madrid club raise another trophy, then we will have a chance."

Carlo Ancelotti ("Real")

"My team is focused and the players trust their abilities to demonstrate their best. Everything is going well so far and we maintain the right attitude.

My idea is to clearly explain my tactical decisions. The clearer everything is, the happier the players are, and they show better results on the field.

Of course, there will be emotions in the final, but they can evoke fear and block the confidence needed to achieve victory. Mastery is the most important quality, and my players are fantastic, but other important things are teamwork, work, and sacrifice for each other."

Referee

The match at Wembley Stadium will kick off at 22:00.

The referee for the match is Slovenian Slavko Vincic.