Borussia Dortmund, once considered unlikely contenders for the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League, now stand on the brink of their second title in the prestigious competition. In a surprising turn of events, they face 14-time champions Real Madrid in the final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.
The journey to the final has been a remarkable one for Dortmund. Despite selling star midfielder Jude Bellingham to Real Madrid last summer and enduring a rocky Bundesliga campaign, the team managed to excel on the European stage. After finishing second in the Bundesliga last season and narrowly missing out on the title on the final day, Dortmund topped a challenging group and delivered standout performances in the knockout rounds to secure their place in the final.
In the group stage, Dortmund faced tough opponents in Group F, including Paris Saint-Germain, Milan, and Newcastle United. Despite a shaky start, they won three of their last four matches to finish top of the group. Their victories included a crucial win over Newcastle at St. James’ Park and a comprehensive 3-1 win against Milan at San Siro. Dortmund’s resilient performances saw them secure 11 points, leading Group F ahead of PSG, Milan, and Newcastle.
In the knockout stages, Dortmund continued to impress. They faced PSV Eindhoven in the last 16, securing a 3-1 aggregate victory with a standout performance from returning star Jadon Sancho. The quarter-finals brought a tough matchup against Atletico Madrid. After a 2-1 defeat in Spain, Dortmund turned the tie around with a thrilling 4-2 win at Signal Iduna Park, advancing with a 5-4 aggregate score.
The semi-finals saw Dortmund up against PSG once more. In a closely contested two-leg affair, Dortmund emerged victorious with two 1-0 wins, thanks to goals from Niclas Fullkrug and Mats Hummels. These results set up a grand final at Wembley against Real Madrid.
Manager Edin Terzic is expected to field a similar lineup to the one that triumphed over PSG. Key players include goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, who has been stellar throughout the tournament, and captain Emre Can, who will anchor the midfield. The dynamic duo of Julian Brandt and Karim Adeyemi will be crucial in Dortmund’s counter-attacking strategy, while Niclas Fullkrug will lead the line against Real Madrid’s formidable defense.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, enter the final with the weight of their illustrious history. The Spanish giants, led by experienced manager Carlo Ancelotti, are aiming for their 15th Champions League title. With star players like Vinicius Junior, who could make a case for the Ballon d’Or with a strong performance, and Jude Bellingham, who faces his former club, Madrid are formidable opponents.
Saturday’s final will also mark the end of an era for two German football legends. Marco Reus will play his last game for Dortmund, while Toni Kroos is set to make his final club appearance for Real Madrid. Both players have enjoyed storied careers and will be eager to bow out on a high note.
As the footballing world turns its attention to Wembley, the stage is set for a clash between underdog resilience and established dominance. Whether Dortmund can defy the odds and claim their second Champions League title or Real Madrid will continue their reign as Europe’s most successful club remains to be seen. The final promises to be a thrilling encounter, showcasing the best of European football.