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Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid
Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid: Borussia Dortmund is set to face Real Madrid in the Champions League final, hoping to pull off a remarkable upset. Real Madrid, the star-studded Spanish giants, are heavy favorites to win their 15th European title and their sixth in the last 11 seasons. Meanwhile, Dortmund has defied the odds just to reach the final in London.
Real Madrid has had an outstanding season, losing only twice in 54 games across all competitions. They won the La Liga title by 10 points and thrashed Barcelona 4-1 to lift the Spanish Super Cup. Despite their dominance, they had to fight hard to reach what coach Carlo Ancelotti calls the “biggest game of any season” in the Champions League.
Ancelotti’s team faced a tough battle against defending champions Manchester City, winning their quarter-final tie on penalties. They then staged another legendary comeback at the Santiago Bernabeu to beat Bayern Munich in the semi-finals. “We never stop believing, no matter the circumstances,” said Luka Modric. Along with Nacho, Dani Carvajal, and Toni Kroos, Modric could win the European Cup for a record-equalling sixth time.
Jude Bellingham: From Dortmund to Madrid
One of Real Madrid’s key players, Jude Bellingham, has a history with Dortmund. Bellingham was developed by the German club after being plucked from English Championship side Birmingham. A year ago, Madrid signed him for over 100 million euros ($109 million). Without Bellingham, Dortmund struggled domestically, finishing fifth in the Bundesliga, 27 points behind Bayer Leverkusen.
Despite their domestic struggles, Dortmund has saved their best performances for the Champions League. This is their third final in club history and the first since they lost to Bayern Munich at Wembley 11 years ago. Dortmund topped their group, which included tough opponents like Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan, and Newcastle. They then defeated PSV Eindhoven and Atletico Madrid before a heroic defensive effort saw them past PSG in the semi-finals.
The Underdog Spirit
Dortmund coach Terzic acknowledges Real Madrid as the favorites but remains confident. “They are the favorites, but we don’t care. We haven’t been the favorites against Atletico or PSG,” said Terzic. “If we are brave and not just here to watch Real Madrid lift the trophy, we have a chance.”
Dortmund’s only previous Champions League success came in 1997. However, the support from their fans is immense, with over 100,000 Dortmund supporters making the trip to London despite only 30,000 tickets being allocated to the club.
A Fairytale Ending for Marco Reus?
Marco Reus, one of the two Dortmund players who were part of the team that lost to Bayern 11 years ago, dreams of a perfect end to his career with the club. Saturday’s final will be his 429th and last game for Dortmund, and he is hoping for a fairytale ending. “There is nothing better than playing your last game in a Champions League final and winning it,” said Reus, who turned 35 on Friday.
Ensuring Safety and Focus
UEFA is keen to ensure that the focus remains on the game and the players. The decision to host the final at Wembley comes three years after the Euro 2020 final, which was marred by violence. To avoid a repeat, the English Football Association has invested £5 million ($6 million) into improving safety and infrastructure at Wembley, which is also set to host the Euro 2028 final.
As the stage is set for this thrilling final, both teams have their eyes on the prize. Will Real Madrid add another title to their illustrious history, or will Dortmund defy the odds and claim a historic victory? Football fans around the world are eagerly waiting to find out.
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