The upcoming 2024 Champions League final will see 14-time winners Real Madrid take on 1997 champions Borussia Dortmund at Wembley on June 1. Madrid enters the final as overwhelming favorites, having recently clinched their 36th LaLiga title. On the other hand, Dortmund sits in fifth position in the Bundesliga, significantly behind unbeaten champions Bayer Leverkusen. Despite their underwhelming domestic campaign, Dortmund has defied the odds to reach the final at Wembley. Madrid will be looking to extend their lead as the most successful club in Champions League history by claiming their 15th title, while Dortmund seeks redemption after their loss in the 2013 final against Bayern Munich.
Madrid cruised through the group stages by winning all six games in Group C, scoring 16 goals and conceding seven. On the other hand, Dortmund finished on top of Group F, scoring just seven goals but conceding only four. Both teams faced challenging knockout rounds, with Madrid narrowly edging past RB Leipzig and holders Man City before defeating Bayern in a dramatic semifinal. On the other hand, Dortmund navigated through the rounds with victories over PSV Eindhoven, Atlético Madrid, and PSG.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Real Madrid boasts a squad with tournament pedigree and superstar players like Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior. On the other hand, Dortmund relies on a collective team effort, with notable performances from players like Julian Brandt and Mats Hummels. Madrid’s attacking prowess is evident with their goal-scoring record, led by the likes of Vinicius and Rodrygo. However, their defense has shown vulnerability, conceding eight goals in the knockout stages. In contrast, Dortmund is known for their work rate and team ethic, leading in stats like tackles made and balls recovered.
Madrid’s midfield trio of Kroos, Camavinga, and Valverde has the ability to control games, while Rudiger provides stability in defense. In contrast, Dortmund’s Brandt and Sabitzer offer creativity and reliability in midfield, with Füllkrug posing a threat upfront. The matchup between Vinicius and Brandt could be crucial, as both players have been instrumental for their respective teams throughout the competition. Hummels’ battle against Rudiger at the back will also be an intriguing sub-plot to watch.
Real Madrid enters the final as clear favorites, given their historical success in the competition and star-studded lineup. In contrast, Borussia Dortmund’s underdog status adds an element of unpredictability to the final showdown. Dortmund will look to defy the odds and draw inspiration from past underdog stories in football, while Madrid aims to maintain their dominance and add to their impressive Champions League trophy cabinet.
The 2024 Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund promises to be a thrilling encounter between two contrasting teams with unique strengths and weaknesses. Both sides have earned their place in the final through hard-fought victories and standout performances from key players. As the date for the final draws near, football fans around the world eagerly anticipate an exciting clash at Wembley to determine the next champions of Europe.