Teams Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund will be fighting for the ultimate trophy at the Champions League Final on June 1. 2024. The 14-time winner Real Madrid and one-time winner Dortmund offer a unique match-up; will Madrid continue their never-ending reign of dominance or will Dortmund defy all odds and become victorious?
Los Blancos are the overwhelming favorites having just won their record-breaking 36th La Liga title. Carlo Ancelotti‘s side headed by the youngsters Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior hope to start the beginning of a new dynasty. Aiming to keep up their winning streak, Madrid looks for European glory and to bring honor to their team’s name.
Heading to Germany, team Dortmund are currently fifth in the Bundesliga standing, with a record of 17-7. This year marks Dortmund’s first final since the 2012-13 season. Despite their poor domestic season, Edin Terzic‘s team has the chance to make history, seeking a second win since their last in 1997. As they step onto the grand stage, Dortmund’s determination to defeat the Madrid powerhouse is driven by the collective ambition to mark their legacy alongside the world’s top teams.
The road to Wembley Stadium was effortless from Madrid. The Spaniards were undefeated in Group C, winning all six games against Braga, Napoli, and Union Berlin. 16 goals were scored, and an impressive seven goals from the opposing side. Dortmund’s cruise to the final stage was plagued with difficulties. Group F, arguably the hardest out of the eight, had top teams Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan, and Newcastle. Still, the Germans managed to top the group with 11 points, with star players Julian Brandt, Jaden Sancho, and Niclas Füllkrug leading the team. In contrast to Madrid’s high-scoring abilities, Dortmund only put seven shots in the back of the net, while conceding an impressive four with their tight defensive presence.
Real Madrid has the upper hand in winning the Champions League, having never lost in a UEFA final. In the last ten years, they have won all five of the championship games they have been in. However, if Madrid wins, one player will feel a special bittersweet feeling, Bellingham. The Englishman who has been a key player for Madrid recently transferred to the team from Dortmund. While winning Europe’s ultimate trophy is a feeling every player dreams of, Bellingham will have conflicting feelings knowing his success comes at the expense of his old teammates.
Dortmund are undeniably the underdog in this match. They come from a smaller market and do not have the same amount of scoring skills as Madrid. Their defense will be the edge they have and a deciding factor in the turnout of the game. Despite BVB’s weaknesses, they have overcome all odds in making it to the UCL final. With nothing to lose and everything to gain, Dortmund will be determined to make history.
Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund are two historic teams, ranked among the best in the world both sides hope to bring victory to their cities. For Madrid, a championship would extend their prestige, and for Dortmund, restored glory and the ultimate fairy tale ending would come alive. The kickoff will set the flame to 90 minutes of soccer in its most passionate and competitive form.
