UEFA Champions League Final: Borussia Dortmund V Real Madrid Key Players and Predicted Line-ups
Last updated: May 30, 2024 by Leon Marshal
In a highly anticipated clash, Borussia Dortmund will face Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, 1 June. This showdown promises a thrilling battle between Dortmund’s unexpected rise and Real Madrid’s quest for another European triumph. Here’s all you need to know about this monumental match’s key players and predicted line-ups.
UEFA Champions League Final: Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid – What do you need to know?
Dortmund have been the surprise package of this season’s competition in the eyes of many, coming through arguably the toughest group before seeing off PSV, Atlético de Madrid and Paris to reach the Wembley final. Those performances belied an inconsistent league campaign in which Edin Terzić’s men eventually finished fifth.
Also group winners – with a maximum 18-point haul no less – Madrid came through stern tests in all their knockout ties to reach the final, teetering on the brink against Leipzig, Manchester City and Bayern before reaching their 18th final in this competition. Their nail-biting progression contrasted their league form, with Carlo Ancelotti’s men easing to another La Liga title.
Madrid are unbeaten in their 12 matches in the competition this season (W8 D4), but, remarkably, this is the first time they have reached a European Cup/Champions League final without losing a match. However, Dortmund have lost only one of their last 11 European outings (W7 D3), keeping clean sheets in six of those games and scoring the first goal in nine of their last ten matches.
BVB’s last Champions League final also took place at Wembley Stadium, where they lost 2-1 to Bayern in 2013, with Mats Hummels and Marco Reus still playing pivotal roles for the club 11 years later. That experience will be vital against a Madrid side who are no strangers to the biggest game in European club football and who have lost only one of their last 20 UEFA competition matches against German teams (W13 D6).
Both teams have demonstrated remarkable resilience and tactical acumen throughout their campaigns. Dortmund’s dynamic attacking trio of Karim Adeyemi, Julian Brandt, and Jadon Sancho has been instrumental in breaking down defences. At the same time, their midfield, anchored by Emre Can and Marcel Sabitzer, has provided a solid backbone. On the other hand, Real Madrid’s strength lies in their experience and depth, with players like Toni Kroos and Jude Bellingham controlling the game’s tempo and providing key passes to their forwards.
The managerial battle between Edin Terzić and Carlo Ancelotti adds another layer of intrigue to the final. Terzić, relatively new to the Champions League spotlight, is impressed with his strategic nous and ability to adapt to high-pressure situations. Ancelotti, a seasoned veteran with multiple Champions League titles, brings a wealth of experience and a tactical acumen that has seen him outwit some of the best managers in the world.
Historically, matches between Dortmund and Real Madrid have been fiercely contested, with both teams enjoying their share of victories. This final promises to be another epic encounter, with both sides boasting formidable line-ups and a burning desire to lift the coveted trophy. Fans can expect a game of high intensity, tactical battles, and moments of individual brilliance that define Champions League finals.
With Wembley Stadium set to be a cauldron of noise and colour, the stage is perfectly set for what could be one of the most memorable Champions League finals in recent history. Whether it will be Dortmund’s tactical discipline and counter-attacking prowess or the experience and clinical finishing of Real Madrid that prevails, only time will tell. One thing is certain – football betting fans at the best betting sites will be backing their teams.
Possible Line-ups for Dortmund and Real Madrid
Probable Line-ups
Borussia Dortmund (4-2-3-1): Kobel; Maatsen, Schlotterbeck, Hummels, Ryerson; Can, Sabitzer; Adeyemi, Brandt, Sancho; Füllkrug.
Real Madrid (4-3-1-2): Courtois; Mendy, Nacho, Rüdiger, Carvajal; Kroos, Camavinga, Valverde; Bellingham; Júnior, Rodrygo.
Statistical Comparison
Both teams have shown strong performances leading up to the final. Dortmund scored 11 goals and provided 14 assists, while Real Madrid netted 15 goals with an equal number of assists. The average ratings for both teams are close, with Dortmund at seven and Madrid slightly higher. The teams are also similar in aerial duel success, dribbles, and tackles per game.
Missing Players
Dortmund will miss Ramy Bensebaïni due to injury, while Sebastien Haller, Mateu Morey, and Julien Duranville are doubtful. Aurélien Tchouaméni and David Alaba are out for Madrid, and Thibaut Courtois is expected to start.
Team News
Dortmund’s only confirmed absentee is Ramy Bensebaini. Real Madrid will miss Tchouaméni and Alaba due to injuries, and Courtois might start ahead of Lunin. This setup hints at a challenging but exciting encounter between two of Europe’s football giants.
Form Guide and Team Analysis
Previous Meetings (Last 6 matches)
In their last six encounters, Real Madrid have had the upper hand with three wins, while Borussia Dortmund have won once and two matches ended in draws. Their most recent match saw Real Madrid edge out a 3-2 victory over Dortmund in December 2017.
Dortmund’s Recent Form
Dortmund’s recent form has been a mix of results. They defeated RB Leipzig heavily but bounced back with wins over PSG and Augsburg. They finished their Bundesliga campaign with a convincing 4-0 win over Darmstadt.
Real Madrid’s Recent Form
Real Madrid have been in excellent form, highlighted by a commanding 3-0 win against Bayern Munich. They have also registered emphatic victories over Granada and Alaves. However, they ended their La Liga season with back-to-back draws against Villarreal and Real Betis.
Analysis
Both teams have shown resilience and adaptability throughout the season. Dortmund’s key strengths lie in their dynamic attack, while Real Madrid boasts a solid defence and clinical finishing. This clash promises a compelling tactical battle between two well-prepared sides.
Expert Predictions and Historical Context
Matthias Rötters, a Dortmund expert, believes Borussia Dortmund have the potential to surprise many despite being seen as the underdogs. He highlights their ability to exploit spaces left by attacking opponents, which has been critical to their success in the Champions League. Dortmund’s dynamic attack, led by players like Adeyemi, Brandt, and Sancho, combined with the experience of Hummels and Reus, could pose significant challenges for Real Madrid.
Graham Hunter, a Real Madrid correspondent, offers a contrasting perspective. He emphasises Madrid’s experience in high-stakes matches and their remarkable resilience in knockout stages. Madrid’s journey to the final has been marked by dramatic comebacks and a steely determination to win. With players like Kroos, Modrić, and Bellingham and a formidable attacking duo in Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo, Real Madrid are well-equipped to handle the pressure of the final.
Historically, Real Madrid have a superior record in the Champions League, with 14 titles to their name, while Dortmund have only one. Madrid has not lost a UEFA knockout final since 1983, showcasing their dominance in European football. The 2013 final at Wembley saw Dortmund narrowly lose to Bayern, and they will be eager to rectify that outcome. This match pits two footballing philosophies against each other and a rich history of European success versus the desire to create new legacies. Although many consider this game a foregone conclusion, with the Spanish team favoured to win, many experts predicted a routine win for Bayer Leverkusen over Atalanta in the Europa League. In that game, Ademola Lookman scored a remarkable hattrick in the 3-0 win over Leverkusen.