The CL 2024 final promises to be an exciting encounter between two of Europe’s most iconic clubs, Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid. Scheduled for Saturday at London’s iconic Wembley Stadium, this clash promises to be a showcase of the tactical intelligence, individual talent and indomitable spirit of football that the tournament embodies. This is the last final of the competition before the setup moves to an expanded format. These two teams have qualified for next season’s edition.
Borussia Dortmund – What to expect
Borussia Dortmund’s journey to the final has been nothing short of remarkable. Under the able leadership of Edin Terzić, Dortmund have rediscovered the audacity that made them a force in the early 2010s. Their campaign began in a relatively tough group including Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan and Newcastle. Dortmund emerged as group winners, showing resilience and tactical flexibility. They will be looking to win their first piece of silverware since 2021 and their season away from the CL has been unremarkable, finishing the Bundesliga campaign with a fifth-place finish.
In the round of 16, Dortmund faced a series of formidable opponents. They defeated a resilient PSV side in the round of 16, demonstrating their attacking prowess. The quarter-finals pitted them against Spanish team Atletico Madrid, an experienced and tough opponent. Dortmund almost managed to secure victory with an aggregate score of 5-4, setting up a semi-final against PSG. The German team managed to win 1-0 home and away to qualify for this weekend’s final against Real Madrid. This will be Dortmund’s fifth European final and they will have an uphill task here against such an illustrious opponent. They have won two of the previous four, the last time being 27 years ago against Juventus.
Real Madrid – What to expect
Real Madrid have a superb record of reaching the final of Europe’s most prestigious competition. They have won all eight of their CL finals, including one against German opponents Leverkusen, in 2002. Overall, they have an impressive record against German teams, this season alone claiming six victories against three separate opponents, Union Berlin, RB Leipzig and Bayern. Munich. Few will be surprised if they also get the better of Dortmund, given the odds are so heavily in their favor.
During the round of 16, Real Madrid demonstrated their resilience and ability to perform on the big stage. They eliminated RB Leipzig in the round of 16 with a narrow 2-1 aggregate victory. The quarter-finals saw them face defending champions Manchester City, where a vintage display of defensive football saw them prevent their opponents from qualifying as they held on to win on penalties and advance to the semis -finals. Their semi-final triumph over Bayern Munich was another close affair, highlighting their tactical versatility and mental toughness. The first leg in Germany ended 2-2 and Bayern took the lead in the second leg and looked assured of qualifying for the final until a late Real Madrid fightback dashed any hopes of a all-German final.
The final is shaping up to be a tactical battle between Terzić’s dynamic, pressing Dortmund and Ancelotti’s well-drilled, counter-attacking Real Madrid. Dortmund’s strength lies in their aggressive pressing and quick transitions, often taking their opponents by surprise.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, are masters of big occasions. Ancelotti’s team generally lines up in a 4-3-3, relying on the midfield trio of Modrić, Toni Kroos and Eduardo Camavinga to control the game and provide the platform for quick counters . The attacking trident of Bellingham, Vinícius and Rodrygo offers a blend of experience, speed and technical prowess.
Ancelotti’s record against Dortmund is not impressive
This final is not only a clash between two great teams but also a meeting of contrasting footballing philosophies. Dortmund’s youthful exuberance and energetic style contrast with Madrid’s experienced and composed approach. Historically, both clubs have rich European pedigrees. Real Madrid, record 14-time CL winners, bring a wealth of experience and a legacy of success. Borussia Dortmund, after their only CL triumph in 1997, are eager to add to their European honours.
The history between these two clubs in the tournament is rich, with memorable encounters which have often seen Real Madrid win. However, Dortmund’s victories, such as the famous 4-1 win in the first leg of the 2012-13 semi-final, are reminders of their ability to triumph against the Spanish giants.
Interestingly, Carlo Ancelotti doesn’t have a particularly good record against Dortmund, with seven wins and six losses in his previous clashes with them. On the pitch, we will have to keep an eye on Dortmund striker Niclas Füllkrug, an old-fashioned striker who is likely to have quite a battle against Real Madrid’s central defenders. Jadon Sancho gave his best against PSG and will be hoping to play at a high level again and at the back, experienced centre-back Mats Hummels will be tasked with organizing the backline against Real Madrid’s powerful attack. Vinicius Junior has already scored for Real Madrid against two German sides this campaign and Jude Bellingham faces an interesting task against his former team.
Unsurprisingly, the Spanish giants are strong favorites to win, at the current price of 1.65, while the German team can be backed at a price of 5.15. Goals are expected in this final, although they are often cautious, as over 2.5v can be backed at 1.75 while both teams scoring are favored, also at 1.75.
The CL 2024 final between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid promises to be a gripping encounter filled with the tactical intrigue, individual brilliance and unpredictable drama that makes football the world’s most loved sport. With both teams in top form and boasting an array of world-class talent, the stage is set for a memorable evening in London. Fans around the world will be eagerly awaiting this clash, hoping to witness history in the making as either Dortmund or Real Madrid lift the coveted trophy.
The odds may have changed since this article was written and published.
Last updated: 05/31/2024
