A lot has changed since the last time German soccer team Borussia Dortmund was in a Champions League final in 2013. Their then-manager Jürgen Klopp is now more widely known for bringing his “Gegenpressing” style to Liverpool, where he’d reignite one of England’s strongest sides. Dortmund’s lethal marksman Robert Lewandowski would also switch allegiances, joining arch-rival Bayern Munich before testing his trade in La Liga with FC Barcelona. In 2013, both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi were still at their peaks, and Kylian Mbappé was entering high school. In the same year, Dortmund’s fellow 2024 finalists, Real Madrid, or “Los Blancos,” had yet to win La Décima, referring to their iconic 10th Champions League title; however, this time around the Spanish team is aiming for their 15th. The only constants are Dortmund’s Mats Hummels and Marco Reus, German legends who will face off against the Champions League’s most feared team on June 1. This final will be Reus’ last game for Dortmund.
This fixture is glittering with storylines like never before. From player reunions to emotional retirements, London’s Wembley Stadium awaits a historic night, especially since both teams weren’t favorites to make it this far. Dortmund had to battle one of Europe’s most challenging teams in Atlético Madrid before containing an electric Paris Saint-Germain side in the semi-finals. They stopped Mbappé in Paris, a feat very few teams can say they’ve achieved. Furthermore, Madrid’s road to the final has been drama-packed as usual. Without Karim Benzema, Madrid’s identity has shifted towards a young core spearheaded by Jude Bellingham. The Englishman, ironically bought from Dortmund last summer, has held the spotlight in the Spanish capital. Madrid had to endure Pep Guardiola and Manchester City in the quarterfinals as the English champions dominated possession for 120 minutes of nerve-racking defending. This discipline paid off, as Madrid prevailed on penalties through the heroics of backup goalkeeper Andriy Lunin. Both sides boast talent and experience and should feel confident heading to London.
For Madrid, this is familiar territory. In the last decade, they’ve been the most dominant side in Europe, winning five titles and evolving constantly. Despite the veteran midfield duo of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos — the latter is set to retire this summer — still playing at the club, the attack and defense are new. The speed and flair of Brazilians Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo fuel Madrid’s attack. Their experienced midfield has been energized by new blood, with Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni providing dynamic support to Kroos. Uruguayan Federico Valverde is also crucial to the setup, as his versatility and physicality rattle oppositions regularly. Fans liken his mentality to former captain Sergio Ramos. Surprisingly, Madrid’s bench has also contributed to their success. Benzema’s short-term replacement Joselu has turned out to be a big-game player, scoring the crucial winner against Bayern Munich in the semi-finals. Manager Carlo Ancelloti will be expecting to win against Dortmund, but he should be cautious of their wingers and counter-attacking ability.
For the majority of Dortmund’s players, these are uncharted waters. However, their defensive leader Mats Hummels has won the World Cup with Germany and was a part of Dortmund’s memorable 2013 side that defeated Madrid in the semi-finals. These experiences are key, and he will hope to end the season on a high after being excluded from Germany’s Euro 2024 side. Then there’s Jadon Sancho on loan from Manchester United where he didn't impress manager Erik ten Hag. Since returning to Dortmund, Sancho has lit the competition on fire. Against PSG, he completed an astonishing 12 dribbles, the most by any player in a Champions League semi-final since Lionel Messi in 2008. Sancho will be rearing to charge at Madrid’s defense and will be supported by the speed and dynamism of his opposite winger Karim Adeyemi. In midfield, Julian Brandt will play slightly ahead of Emre Can and Marcel Sabitzer. Brandt’s magic lies in his ball-carrying ability and aerial dominance. His awareness allows him to steal extra seconds in tight spaces and ride strong challenges across the field. Brandt’s defensive role should limit Madrid’s ball movement in central areas, but his attacking link to the wingers will be more important if Dortmund hopes to break the deadlock early.
The stage is set. As commentators and journalists around the globe prepare their scripts for this sporting classic, two teams brace themselves to make history. The odds lie with Madrid, but if any team knows the power of an underdog, it’s them. Dortmund are already in heaven, but only 90 minutes separate them from glory. This is it.
