Real Madrid vs Dortmund: Clash of Titans
3 min read
The Champions League final between Real Madrid vs Dortmund is looming, promising much anticipation as two football giants of the season collide.
Dortmund’s solid defense poses a challenge for Real Madrid
Despite facing a PSG team featuring Kylian Mbappe, Dortmund’s defense performed significantly better than expected. They completely shut down PSG’s attacking threats and left no room for the French side to exploit. Across both legs, Dortmund did not concede a single goal against PSG.
Goalkeeper Kobel has been in excellent form this Champions League season, with veteran defenders Mats Hummels and Nico Schlotterbeck also excelling. They form a rock-solid defensive trio that safeguarded Kobel’s goal with absolute certainty in the recent semifinal. If they maintain this stability, Real Madrid could face difficulties in breaking through, similar to their disappointing quarterfinal against Atletico Madrid.
Real Madrid boasts a potent attacking lineup
Vinicius, Rodrygo, and Bellingham have all been prolific in terms of goals and assists this season, especially Bellingham and Vinicius. Both are strong contenders for the Ballon d’Or this year. Vinicius, in particular, reinforced his stature with a brace against Bayern Munich, proving his capability in big matches. This is exactly what Real Madrid needs to dominate in Europe.
On the other side, Sancho and Adeyemi will confront one of the most stable wing duos this season in Carvajal and Mendy. These two defenders have posed significant challenges to both Manchester City and Bayern Munich. Dortmund has had 12 different players scoring this season, compared to Real Madrid’s 8. This goal-scoring diversity provides Dortmund with added confidence heading into this clash.
Motivation for the Champions League final for both teams
While Real Madrid aims to secure their 15th Champions League title as a farewell gift to Toni Kroos, Dortmund seeks to honor Marco Reus and end their long-standing thirst for continental glory. For Real Madrid, this final marks their second Champions League final in three years. A victory over Dortmund would extend their unparalleled record of 14 Champions League titles.
Injury situation ahead of the Champions League final
Real Madrid: Apart from David Alaba and Tchouameni who are still recovering from injuries, Real Madrid is expected to field their strongest lineup for the upcoming final. There might be minor adjustments in their diamond 4-1-2-1-2 formation, with Camavinga likely to replace Tchouameni in the pivotal position.
Projected lineup: Courtois – Carvajal – Rudiger – Nacho – Mendy – Camavinga – Kroos – Valverde – Bellingham – Vinicius – Rodrygo
Dortmund: The German side will have a full squad available to prepare for the most important match of the season at Wembley. Coach Edin Terzic’s team enters the final on a high note after a 4-0 win to conclude their Bundesliga campaign.
Projected lineup: Kobel – Ryerson – Hummels – Schlotterbeck – Maatsen – E. Can – Sabitzer – Adeyemi – Brandt – Sancho – Fullkrug
Real Madrid’s goalkeeping situation
Andriy Lunin and Thibaut Courtois remain a pleasant dilemma for Carlo Ancelotti. While Lunin has performed admirably, notably saving two penalties against Manchester City, Courtois has shown signs of returning to his best form recently. Two days ago, Lunin was sidelined due to illness during training, making it likely that Courtois will start in goal against Dortmund to provide absolute reassurance.
