This evening, history will be made at Wembley Stadium as underdogs Borussia Dortmund go head-to-head with the seasoned Champions League veterans Real Madrid. Dortmund is determined to end a 27-year wait for their second Champions League title, while Real Madrid has their sights set on clinching their 15th. The stage is set for an epic battle, which team would take this one? Let’s find out below!
Match Preview
Credit: Opta Analyst
Dortmund's road to the final has been filled with thrilling highs and heartbreaking lows. Under Edin Terzic's leadership, the team overcame formidable opponents such as Paris Saint-Germain to secure their place at Wembley. This victory was especially rewarding, as it avenged their defeat to Bayern Munich in the 2012-13 Champions League final.
Throughout the competition, Dortmund displayed remarkable resilience, navigating through the challenging "Group of Death" that featured renowned teams like AC Milan, PSG, and Newcastle United. While they faced a setback against Atletico Madrid in the quarterfinals, the team displayed their determination and skill in a remarkable second-leg comeback. Their tenacity was on full display in the semifinals as they managed to keep PSG at bay, with Mats Hummels sealing the deal with a crucial goal.
Real Madrid, led by the experienced Carlo Ancelotti, has a rich history of success in the Champions League, having reached the final once again. They secured their spot after a thrilling semifinal victory over Manchester City, with Joselu putting in a standout performance. Throughout their journey, Real Madrid dominated the group stage and delivered impressive wins in the knockout rounds.
Ancelotti, who holds the record for the most Champions League titles as a manager, is determined to add a fifth trophy to his collection. The final will also mark the end of an era for midfielder Toni Kroos, who has played a pivotal role in Real Madrid's success.
Team News
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Borussia Dortmund: Ramy Bensebaini is recovering from a knee injury, while Julien Duranville is nursing a muscle issue. Mateu Morey is also in recovery due to an illness and is not included in the knockout squad. Sebastien Haller has returned to training following an ankle injury but will likely start on the bench. Niclas Fullkrug is set to spearhead the attack in his absence.
Real Madrid: David Alaba is out with an ACL injury, Aurelien Tchouameni is sidelined with a foot injury, and Andriy Lunin is battling the flu and may need to travel separately.
Odds Market on Msport.com
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Dortmund win = 5.20 odds (B3T22NX)
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Real Madrid win = 1.69 odds (B3T22RY)
Key Insights and Predictions
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Head-to-Head: Out of 10 previous meetings, Borussia Dortmund have won 3 matches, Real Madrid 4, with 3 draws.
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Goals Galore: Previous matches have averaged 3.6 goals, with both teams scoring in 70% of encounters.
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Current Form: Real Madrid has picked up 7 points from their last 5 games, averaging 1.4 points per game. Borussia Dortmund has picked up 12 points, averaging 2.4 points per game.