The wait is almost over. Real Madrid will take on Borussia Dortmund in the final of the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League at Wembley on Sunday. Real Madrid, one of the European heavyweights, will go into the final as favourites as they eye a record 15th European Cup title.
It won’t be easy, especially against a Dortmund side who have beaten teams like Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain along the way.
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No matter the result, it’s set to be an emotional farewell for Real Madrid’s Toni Kroos and Dortmund’s Marco Reus, both of whom are set to play their final game for their respective clubs. Yet, the focus will be largely on those key player battles which will add context and excitement to the title clash.
We now take a look at some of those player battles:
Vinicius Junior vs Julian Ryerson
Vinicius Junior vs Julian Ryerson is going to be one of the most interesting player battles come the Champions League final. Vinicius has scored five goals in the Champions League so far, the same amount of goals as Joselu and Rodrygo, but the Brazilian has been impactful nevertheless. The youngster did miss the first half of this season through injury, but has only got stronger and stronger.
Afterall, he has contributed 31 times in the Champions League over the last three seasons, that is the most by any player during this phase. This includes both goals and assists combined.
Vinicius is likely to come against Dortmund defender Julian Ryerson, who was impressive against Kylian Mbappe when Dortmund faced PSG in the semi-finals. Ryerson has shown that he can deliver in pressure situations with his passing and dribbles, and will be a force to be reckoned with in the final.
Jude Bellingham vs Emre Can
Jude Bellingham and Emre Can know each other quite well since the former’s Dortmund days. This time around, both will be in opposing sides with Bellingham plying trade for Real Madrid.
Bellingham has been a lethal force when it comes to the final third for the Los Blancos. And t is in that final third where Emre Can could make interceptions and deny the England international those goal-scoring opportunities.
Antonio Rudiger vs Niclas Fullkrug
Antonio Rudiger has been a wall in Real Madrid’s defence. Rudiger was integral in Real Madrid reaching the final, seeing off the Erling Haaland threat against Manchester City in the quarter-finals whereas he did the same against Bayern Munich in the semi-finals after he saw off a Harry Kane scare.
Meanwhile, Niclas Fullkrug has been lethal up front for Dortmund in terms of both goals and assists, with a combined tally of six this season in the Champions League. That may not be a big number but the German has it in him to see Rudiger off the picture and create gaps and chances for Dortmund to score.
Jadon Sancho vs Ferland Mendy
Ever since returning to Dortmund on loan from Manchester United, Jadon Sancho has rediscovered confidence and has stepped up when it mattered. He adds depth to Dortmund’s attack with fellow winger Karim Adeyemi.
Sancho could very well be up against Ferland Mendy, the Real Madrid defender. Sancho is known for his high-speed attacking capabilities and immense creativity, and with Sancho in top form, Mendy will clearly have his task cut out.