The biggest game on the European club football calendar is less than a month away, as Real Madrid will take on Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium in the 2024 UEFA Champions League final.
Dortmund progressed past PSG in the semifinal this year, weathering an onslaught across both legs but somehow coming up with a miraculous aggregate clean sheet. Goals by Niclas Fullkrug and Mats Hummels did the business for Eden Terzic, and the German side will be playing in the final.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side are through to European football’s biggest match yet again, as they bid to lift the Champions League trophy for a remarkable sixth time in ten years, after knocking out Bayern Munich in chaotic fashion.
It was more European magic from Real, who were minutes away from being knocked out. Joselu struck twice late on though, his winner coming in stoppage-time, as the LaLiga champions secured a 4-3 aggregate win.
Dortmund have not been in the final of this competition since they lost to Bayern at Wembley in 2013, and they will be desperate to ensure it is not more London misery.
The Bundesliga side have made a habit of upsetting the odds throughout their run through the knockout stages, producing a brilliant defensive effort in the last-four to end PSG’s dreams of finally becoming European champions.
Dortmund have won the Champions League just once, back in 1997 when they beat Juventus in the final. Should Real get the job done, as they so often have on the biggest stage, it will be a record-extending 15th European success.
Prediction
Everything points to Real winning their 15th European Cup/Champions League. It will take the performance of their lives for Dortmund’s players to overturn the odds. They have a fighter’s chance and will be backed by some of the most passionate supporters in Europe.
But Real Madrid are the kings of the Champions League, and it’s almost impossible see anything other than white ribbons on the trophy once again.
Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid team news
Sebastien Haller was on the bench in the semi-final against PSG, but will be pushing to start for Dortmund at Wembley.
Marco Reus will also be desperate to play some role, even if off the bench, in his final match for the club.
As for Real, Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao are both fit again and will now look to force their way into the starting line-up against Dortmund.
Aurelien Tchouameni is a doubt after picking up a foot injury, likely leading to either Edouardo Camavinga or Luka Modric taking his place in the midfield.
There are otherwise unlikely to be many surprises, with Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo expected to be trusted in forward areas.