Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti acknowledges the fear that comes with playing in the Champions League final. Despite being the overwhelming favorites against Borussia Dortmund, Ancelotti knows that anything can happen in a final. He emphasizes the need for luck and the importance of not letting your guard down. Real Madrid has had a challenging journey to the final, beating Manchester City on penalties and scoring late goals against Bayern Munich. Ancelotti recognizes that the fear of failure can be both motivating and nerve-wracking.
On the other hand, Dortmund midfielder Julian Brandt understands the magnitude of the challenge they face against Real Madrid. He acknowledges that Real Madrid is the ultimate opponent in the Champions League, given their success and history. However, Brandt maintains belief in his team and states that if they didn’t believe, they could just stay in Dortmund.
Real Madrid enters the final with the presence of Thibaut Courtois in goal, replacing the ill Andriy Lunin. If Real Madrid wins, Courtois and three other players – Luka Modric, Dani Carvajal, Toni Kroos, and Nacho – would become record-equalling six-time winners. Only Francisco Gento achieved this feat between 1956 and 1966. Modric believes that despite being labeled as favorites, the match is a 50-50 contest. He acknowledges Dortmund’s strong performance in the Champions League and expects a difficult game.
Both teams have English players who have played significant roles in their journey to the final. Jude Bellingham, who left Dortmund for Real Madrid last summer, has exceeded expectations and emerged as Real’s top scorer with 23 goals. He has been named La Liga’s player of the season and won the 2024 Laureus World Sports Breakthrough of the Year award. Jadon Sancho, on loan from Manchester United, has also had a remarkable season, especially in the Champions League. He excelled in the first leg of the semi-final against Paris St-Germain, recording 12 successful dribbles – the most by any player in the competition this season. Another English winger, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, has also made an impact, scoring against AC Milan in the group stage.
The final will also mark an emotional farewell for several players. Marco Reus, a Dortmund legend, will play his final game for the club after 12 years of service. He has confirmed his departure from the club and has only won two German Cups during his tenure. Mats Hummels, a center-back who has played for both Bayern Munich and Dortmund, will also be playing his last game for Dortmund. He will decide his future after the final. Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has announced that he will retire after Euro 2024, making this his last club game. Luka Modric and Nacho are both out of contract and have uncertain futures at Real Madrid.
Overall, the Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund promises to be an intense and emotional match. Both teams have their own motivations and challenges to overcome. The fear of failure adds an extra layer of pressure, but it also serves as a driving force for success. The presence of key players and the significance of farewells adds further intrigue to the final. Only time will tell who will come out on top and claim the prestigious Champions League title.