The 2023-2024 Champions League final will finally be played at Wembley, Sunday (02/06) at 12.30 IST. The surprise team, Borussia Dortmund will face the King of Europe, Real Madrid.
Los Blancos is the winningest team and has won 14 Champions League trophies, more than any other team. Meanwhile, Dortmund last won (first trophy) in 1997.
Both teams are also familiar on the European stage because Madrid and Dortmund have met 14 times in European competitions (all in the Champions League ).
However, Dortmund is inferior with three wins from those 14 matches, while Madrid won six times and the remaining five were draws. For Dortmund too, this is the first final since 2013 (also at Wembley).
Team News
Looking at the official UEFA website, two Dortmund players managed by Edin Terzic absent due to injury are Julien Duranville and Ramy Bensebaini.
From Madrid, Aurelien Tchouameni's condition is doubtful and one player is confirmed to be absent due to injury, namely David Alaba.
Comment
Edin Terzic emphasized that Dortmund is aiming for victory in the final, even though he admitted that his team is not the favorite, especially against Madrid's wealth of experience and playing quality.
"You don't play in the final, you win the final – and that's our clear aim. We're happy to be here, but we have to win at Wembley Stadium against Real Madrid to hold the trophy in our hands," stressed Terzic.
"We know they are by far the most successful team in the competition. We have only had two defeats this season, but we also see we are ready to compete at the highest level. If you break it down to one game, then everything is fine, perhaps. "
"They have the role of favorites, but we are also not favorites against Atletico or Paris. If we are brave and not here to see Madrid win the next trophy, then we will have a chance."
Carlo Ancelotti also carried out the same target for Madrid. He also shared plans to play for his team at England's historic stadium, Wembley.
"It's always special to play a match like this. The Champions League final is the most important. Wembley is a very historic stadium and it's interesting. It's a pleasure to be here and I hope my team can show their best," explained Ancelotti.
"My idea is to apply tactics very clearly. The clearer the players are, the happier they are and the better their performance. There will be emotions, but emotions can create fear and can hinder the confidence needed to win."
"Quality is the number one thing, and my players are extraordinary. But the other thing is the collective attitude: working and sacrificing for each other. That is the key: talent and sacrifice," he explained.
Statistics
1. In 14 meetings between Madrid and Dortmund, Madrid has scored 24 goals and Dortmund has scored 19 goals.
2. In three editions of the Champions League since 2021-2022, Vinicius Junior has been directly involved in more goals than any other player (31: 16 goals, 15 assists).
3. Jude Bellingham has created more chances under pressure (19) than any other midfielder in the Champions League.
4. Madrid won six matches, Dortmund won three, and the remaining five were draws from 14 meetings.
Head to Head
Real Madrid 3-2 Borussia Dortmund (2017 Champions League)
Borussia Dortmund 1-3 Real Madrid (2017 Champions League)
Real Madrid 2-2 Borussia Dortmund (2016 Champions League)
Borussia Dortmund 2-2 Real Madrid (2016 Champions League)
Borussia Dortmund 2-0 Real Madrid (2014 Champions League)
Player Lineup Predictions and Forecasts
Borussia Dortmund (4-3-3): Gregor Kobel; Julian Ryerson, Mats Hummels, Nico Schlotterbeck, Ian Maatsen; Marcel Sabitzer, Emre Can; Jadon Sancho, Julian Brandt, Karim Adeyemi; Niclas Fullkrug
Coach: Edin Terzic
Real Madrid (4-4-2): Thibaut Courtois; Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger, Nacho Fernandez, Ferland Mendy; Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Toni Kroos; Jude Bellingham; Rodrygo Goes, Vinicius Junior
Coach: Carlo Ancelotti