Champions League Final Sheet: 17 Things to Know About Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund
Real Madrid, with the most UEFA Champions League/European Cup titles, seeks another victory in London against Borussia Dortmund. This win would mark their sixth title in 11 years and 15th overall.
Real Madrid has bolstered its squad with young talent and is set to sign Kylian Mbappé. Meanwhile, Dortmund, in a transition year after selling stars Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham, made a surprising run to the final despite finishing fifth in Germany’s domestic league.
Here are 17 key points to know before the Champions League final at Wembley Stadium:
1. Out of 23 clubs that have won the UEFA Champions League/European Cup, only 13 have multiple titles. Dortmund aims to be the 14th with a second trophy. They last won in 1996–97 against Juventus and lost in 2013 to Bayern Munich.
2. Dortmund, initially the least favored to advance from their group, topped the “Group of Death” and overcame odds in knockout stages against Atlético Madrid and PSG to reach the final.
3. From the 2013 Dortmund team, only Marco Reus and Mats Hummels remain. Reus will play his final match for Dortmund, and Hummels, crucial in the semifinal against PSG, is expected to start.
4. Real Madrid’s Toni Kroos will also play his final match before retiring post-Euro 2024. He’ll likely start in midfield, with Luka Modric replacing him later in the game.
5. Dortmund’s chances heavily rely on goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, who excelled in saving goals this season, with a plus-6 post-shot expected goal difference in the Champions League.
6. Despite Kobel’s heroics, Dortmund’s defense has been inconsistent, conceding many expected goals both in the Bundesliga and Champions League.
7. Real Madrid faces a goalkeeper dilemma between Thibaut Courtois, returning from injury, and the in-form Andriy Lunin. Courtois is expected to start after strong performances late in the season.
8. Dortmund’s vulnerability to set pieces contrasts with their strength in attacking set plays, though Real Madrid’s strong set piece defense will pose a challenge.
9. Real Madrid improved defensively in the second half of the season, allowing fewer expected goals per match compared to the first half, setting a solid foundation for the final.
10. Unlike many top teams, Real Madrid doesn’t press high but excels in transition, allowing the second-fewest touches in their penalty area in La Liga.
11. Jude Bellingham, a standout player for Real Madrid after joining from Dortmund, will be pivotal. His goal-scoring and assists have been crucial for Madrid this season.
12. Vinicius Junior’s increased goal production has compensated for the loss of Karim Benzema, making him a key player to watch against Dortmund’s defense.
13. January loan additions Ian Maatsen and Jadon Sancho have boosted Dortmund’s squad, with Sancho particularly effective in ball progression and key matches.
14. Dortmund’s second-half improvement in the Bundesliga, despite a weak start, has been significant, showing a positive trend heading into the final.
15. Real Madrid’s strategy of playing well with a lead, producing more chances when ahead, will be crucial if they score early against Dortmund.
16. Historical underdog stories in the Champions League give hope to Dortmund, though Real Madrid remains a heavy favorite.
17. If Dortmund’s Kobel delivers another stellar performance, they might just lift the trophy, though Real Madrid, with its history and talent, is expected to triumph and sign Mbappé soon after.
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