2024 UEFA Champions League Final Preview: Real Madrid vs. Borussia Dortmund

The 2024 UEFA Champions League final promises to be an intriguing clash between two teams with vastly different histories and trajectories in European football.

On one side, we have Real Madrid, the most decorated club in the history of the competition, entering the final as the heavy favorite. Real Madrid has an unmatched record of 14 UEFA Champions League titles, with seven of those victories coming since the turn of the century. Their domestic form has been equally impressive, as they cruised to their 36th La Liga title during the 2023-24 season.

On the other side stands Borussia Dortmund, a club with a rich history but a more modest record in the UEFA Champions League. Dortmund has only one UEFA Champions League title to its name, which they won back in 1997. This final marks just their third appearance at this stage of the competition. Domestically, Dortmund had a challenging season, finishing fifth in the Bundesliga, significantly trailing the unbeaten champions Bayer Leverkusen by 27 points.

Key Details for the 2024 UEFA Champions League Final

What is the Date and timing of UEFA Champions League Final Real Madrid vs. Borussia Dortmund?

Date and Time: The final will take place on Saturday, June 1, at 3 p.m. ET.

Where to Watch Champions League UEFA Final Real Madrid vs. Borussia Dortmund?

Broadcast Information: CBS will broadcast the final and stream the match on Paramount+. Pre-game coverage on CBS Sports starts at 1:30 p.m. ET. For Spanish-language viewers, Univision will provide coverage, and the match will also be available for streaming on fubo.

Where is UEFA Champions League Final Real Madrid vs. Borussia Dortmund?

Venue: Wembley Stadium in London will host this year’s final. This iconic stadium has been the venue for the UEFA Champions League final seven times previously, with the most recent being in 2013.

Betting Odds UEFA Champions League Final: According to BetMGM, Real Madrid is favored to win, with moneyline odds at -155. Borussia Dortmund’s odds are +380, with a 90-minute draw listed at +310.

Borussia Dortmund: Season Recap and Key Players

2023-24 Season Review: Borussia Dortmund’s season was a roller-coaster. They ended the Bundesliga campaign in fifth place, far from their title aspirations and a long way behind the undefeated Bayer Leverkusen. Their performance in the DFB Pokal was also underwhelming, as they were eliminated in the Round of 16 by VfB Stuttgart.

Manager: Edin Terzić, who has been with the club since 2018 and took over as full-time manager in 2022, leads the team. Terzić previously guided Dortmund to a DFB Pokal title as an interim manager in 2021.

Top Scorers: Niclas Füllkrug and Donyell Malen were the joint top scorers for Dortmund this season, each netting 15 goals in all competitions. Malen was particularly prolific in the Bundesliga, scoring 13 goals.

Notable Players: Key players include goalkeeper Gregor Kobel (Switzerland), forward Jadon Sancho (England), forward Julian Brandt (Germany), forward Marco Reus (Germany), midfielder Emre Can (Germany), and defenders Mats Hummels (Germany) and Nico Schlotterbeck (Germany).

UEFA Champions League Journey: Dortmund topped Group F, which included strong teams like Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan, and Newcastle United. They advanced past PSV Eindhoven in the Round of 16, defeated Atlético Madrid in the quarterfinals, and overcame Paris Saint-Germain in the semifinals to reach the final.

Real Madrid: Season Recap and Key Players

2023-24 Season Review: Real Madrid continued their dominance in Spain, winning the La Liga title comfortably, finishing 10 points ahead of arch-rivals FC Barcelona. However, they missed out on a domestic double after being knocked out of the Copa del Rey in the Round of 16 by Atlético Madrid.

Manager: Carlo Ancelotti, in his third season of his second stint with the club, is at the helm. Ancelotti’s managerial career is illustrious, with successful spells at clubs like Juventus, AC Milan, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and Everton. He has won the UEFA Champions League four times, twice with AC Milan (2003, 2007) and twice with Real Madrid (2014, 2022).

Top Scorers: Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior were the standout scorers, each with 23 goals in all competitions. Bellingham was particularly impressive in La Liga, where he netted 19 times.

Notable Players: The squad features talents like goalkeeper Andriy Lunin (Ukraine), forward Rodrygo (Brazil), midfielders Toni Kroos (Germany), Luka Modrić (Croatia), and Federico Valverde (Uruguay), as well as defenders Antonio Rüdiger (Germany), Dani Carvajal (Spain), and Nacho (Spain).

UEFA Champions League Journey: Real Madrid won Group C, which included Napoli, Braga, and Union Berlin. They then defeated RB Leipzig in the Round of 16, Manchester City in the quarterfinals, and Bayern Munich in the semifinals to secure their place in the final.

Historical Context and Team Comparison Real Madrid vs. Borussia Dortmund

How Many Champions League Final Won by Borussia Dortmund?

Borussia Dortmund’s Champions League History: Dortmund’s solitary Champions League triumph came in 1997. They reached the final once more in 2013 but lost to Bayern Munich.

How Many Champions League Final Won by Real Madrid?

Real Madrid’s Champions League Legacy: Real Madrid’s 14 titles are a testament to their dominance in European football. Their latest triumph was in 2022, and they have won the Champions League five times in the last decade.

Head-to-Head Analysis: The history and form of these two teams set the stage for a fascinating final. Real Madrid’s wealth of experience and success in the competition contrasts sharply with Dortmund’s underdog status. However, Dortmund’s journey to the final shows they are not to be underestimated.

Tactical Overview:

• Real Madrid: Ancelotti’s side is known for their tactical flexibility and ability to adapt to different opponents. Key to their success has been their midfield trio of Kroos, Modrić, and Valverde, who control the game with their passing and movement. Bellingham and Vinícius provide the attacking flair and goal-scoring threat.
• Borussia Dortmund: Terzić’s Dortmund relies on a high-pressing, fast-paced style of play. The combination of Füllkrug’s physical presence and Malen’s speed and finishing ability makes their attack formidable. The defensive organization, led by Hummels and Schlotterbeck, will be crucial in handling Real Madrid’s attacking prowess.

Match Preview and Key Battles

Midfield Battle: The midfield battle will be critical. Real Madrid’s experienced trio will face a tough challenge against Dortmund’s dynamic midfield, likely to be led by Emre Can. The ability of Dortmund’s midfield to disrupt Real Madrid’s play and launch quick counter-attacks will be a key factor.

Attacking Threats: Both teams have potent attacking options. Real Madrid’s Bellingham and Vinícius have been in scintillating form, while Dortmund will rely on the creativity and finishing of Sancho, Brandt, and Reus to unlock Real Madrid’s defense.

Defensive Strategies: Real Madrid’s defense, marshaled by Rüdiger, will need to be at their best to contain Dortmund’s quick transitions. Similarly, Dortmund’s defense must be well-organized to withstand the pressure from Real Madrid’s attack.

Final Thoughts

The 2024 UEFA Champions League final at Wembley Stadium is set to be a memorable occasion. Real Madrid’s quest for a 15th title pits them against a determined Borussia Dortmund side aiming for their second. The clash of styles, the star players on both sides, and the stakes involved make this a match not to be missed.

Regardless of the outcome, fans around the world can expect a thrilling contest that encapsulates the drama and excitement of the Champions League. As the football world watches, two giants of the game will battle it out for the ultimate prize in European club football.

Real Madrid Triumphs Over Borussia Dortmund in 2024 UEFA Champions League Final

The 2024 UEFA Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund took place on Saturday at London’s iconic Wembley Stadium, marking another thrilling chapter in the history of European club football. Real Madrid, boasting a record 14 Champions League titles, faced off against Borussia Dortmund, who were seeking their second title after their 1997 triumph over Juventus.

The Match Unfolds

The final, held at Wembley Stadium for the eighth time and the third in the UEFA Champions League era, saw both teams creating several scoring opportunities in the first half. Despite Borussia Dortmund’s persistent efforts, they were unable to break the deadlock, and the match remained goalless at halftime.

As the second half progressed, the tension mounted. Real Madrid finally found their breakthrough in the 74th minute when right-back Dani Carvajal netted a crucial goal, putting them ahead. This goal shifted the momentum firmly in Real Madrid’s favor.

Sealing the Victory

With Borussia Dortmund pushing for an equalizer, Real Madrid capitalized on a counter-attack. In the 83rd minute, Vinicius Junior scored the decisive second goal, effectively sealing the victory for Los Blancos. The match ended with a 2-0 scoreline, securing Real Madrid their 15th Champions League title.

Dominance and Statistics in UEFA Champions League

Real Madrid dominated the match with 58% possession and demonstrated clinical efficiency. They managed to get six shots on target out of their 13 attempts, showcasing their readiness and precision.

This victory marks Real Madrid’s sixth Champions League title in the last 11 years, underscoring their dominance in European football over the past decade. Their previous triumph came in 2022 when they edged out Liverpool 1-0.

Looking Ahead

Real Madrid’s remarkable run continues to solidify their status as the most successful club in European football history. Rumors of acquiring star player Kylian Mbappé add to the excitement, potentially bolstering their already formidable squad.

Legacy and Rivalry

This latest triumph not only reinforces Real Madrid’s supremacy in Europe but also strengthens their position as Spain’s top club. Their arch-rivals, Barcelona, have not lifted the Champions League trophy since the 2014-15 season, further highlighting Real Madrid’s sustained excellence.

In conclusion, Real Madrid’s 15th Champions League title is a testament to their enduring strength and strategic prowess on the European stage. Their ability to perform under pressure and seize crucial moments exemplifies why they remain a powerhouse in world football.

Also Read: Heartbreak for Ronaldo: Al Nassr Falls in King’s Cup Final