UEFA Champions League final, Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid preview: The stage is set for a blockbuster finale of the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League on Saturday, as Borussia Dortmund lock horns against Real Madrid. Real Madrid, 14-time European Cup champions, will be looking to clinch a record 15th title and assert their dominance.
However, standing between them and the title are Borussia Dortmund. Borussia Dortmund have had a remarkable season in the Champions League this time around. They topped Group F with 11 points. That was a group that had Paris Saint-Germain, Newcastle United and AC Milan.
After beating PSV Eindhoven 3-1 in the round of 16 stage, Dortmund were up for tougher challenges, and against Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals, the German outfit came from 1-2 behind to beat the Spanish side 5-4 on aggregate after two legs.
In the semi-finals, Dortmund met PSG once again and eventually progressed to the final with a 2-0 aggregate scoreline.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, ended the group stage with a 100 per cent record. And after overcoming RB Leipzig in the last 16, Los Blancos beat Manchester City 4-3 on penalties to advance to the semi-finals.
Real Madrid faced a real challenge against Bayern Munich in the semi-finals, but a brace from their attacker Joselu, who came in as a substitute in the second leg, helped them battle past the Germans with a 4-3 aggregate scoreline and qualify for the final.
This title clash will be an emotional farewell of sorts for two club legends —Real Madrid’s Toni Kroos and Dortmund’s Marco Reus. It’s also worthy to note that life comes full circle for Jude Bellingham, who faces his former club for the first time since completing a move to Spain in June 2023.
As far as Dortmund are concerned, Jadon Sancho could be their X-factor. The England international has somewhat revived his career ever since arriving at the Signal Iduna Park on loan from Manchester United, and will be hoping to make a statement with Dortmund. Niclas Fullkrug will be another key player to watch out for Dortmund whereas Marcel Sabitzer’s versatility will also be tested.