Borussia Dortmund’s recent 3-0 loss to Mainz has once again highlighted their struggles in the Bundesliga. The embarrassing defeat at the Mewa Arena saw Mainz scoring three goals in the first 23 minutes, with the likes of Leandro Barreiro and Lee Jae-Sung making a significant impact. Mainz, a team battling relegation, managed to secure an important win that lifted them out of the relegation zone. In contrast, Dortmund, who have already secured fifth place in the Bundesliga, failed to make an impact despite bringing on key attacking players in the second half. This loss, coming on the heels of their Champions League success, raises doubts about Dortmund’s ability to gain momentum heading into the final against Real Madrid.
On the other hand, Real Madrid continued their fine form in LaLiga with a convincing 4-0 win over Granada. While the victory had little bearing on the league standings, it showcased Madrid’s depth and quality ahead of the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund. Coach Carlo Ancelotti used the match to provide playing time to key players like Thibaut Courtois and Eduardo Camavinga, who made strong cases for inclusion in the final lineup. Brahim Diaz emerged as the star of the match, scoring two goals and demonstrating his importance to Real Madrid’s attacking prowess. With a title on the line, Madrid’s players have shown their readiness to compete at the highest level.
Meanwhile, American players abroad have been making waves across European leagues. Christian Pulisic’s impressive performance for Milan, where he scored two goals in a 5-1 win over Cagliari, has solidified his place as a key contributor to the team. With 24 goal contributions in his debut season, Pulisic has proven to be a reliable scorer for Milan. On the other hand, defender Chris Richards has been a stalwart for Crystal Palace in the Premier League, showcasing both his defensive skills and his off-field charisma. As the Copa América approaches, the form of Pulisic and Richards bodes well for the USMNT, who will rely on their talents to compete at the international level.
Vincent Kompany’s Burnley saw their Premier League campaign come to an end after a disappointing 2-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur. Despite taking an early lead, Burnley’s struggles continued, leading to their relegation back to the Championship after just one season in the top flight. The relegation of Burnley, along with Sheffield United, highlights the competitive nature of the Premier League and the challenges faced by newly promoted teams. As Burnley prepares for life in the Championship next season, the club’s owners and supporters are left disappointed but hopeful for a strong comeback in the future.