Will Real Madrid secure their 15th UEFA Champions League title? Let’s preview and predict the Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid match ahead of Saturday’s final at Wembley Stadium.
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Dortmund vs Real Madrid: Match Preview
Real Madrid aims to further solidify their unmatched status in the UEFA Champions League as they face Borussia Dortmund in the upcoming final on Saturday.
Real Madrid has clinched the prestigious European title 14 times, a remarkable feat that sets them apart with a lead of seven victories over any other club in history with the coveted La Decima or the The Tenth and the 14th under Carlo Ancelotti’s guidance. However, their quest for another triumph faces a challenge from Dortmund, who are entering their third final appearance in this competition.
Dortmund secured their sole Champions League title in the 1996-97 season by defeating Juventus 3-1 in the final, marking a significant achievement in their history. Their journey to glory was temporarily halted in the 2012-13 final against Bayern Munich at Wembley.
This season, the possibility of an all-German final loomed large until Real Madrid thwarted Thomas Tuchel’s Bayern side with a 4-3 aggregate victory, clinched by Joselu’s late brace securing a 2-1 win in the second leg. However, controversy surrounded their semi-final triumph, as Matthijs de Ligt’s crucial equalizer was disallowed due to an overly zealous offside decision.
The champions of La Liga remain unfazed by the contentious officiating error, as they gear up for their 18th appearance in UEFA’s premier club tournament final. Their remarkable track record of 17 previous showpiece appearances already stands as the most in the history of the competition.
While Tuchel may express frustration over the late-game decision in the Spanish capital, Madrid asserts their rightful claim to their place in one of Europe’s grandest stages. Ancelotti’s squad has trailed for only 7.5% of their total game time in this season’s Champions League (90 minutes out of 1,200), the lowest among all competing teams.
Moreover, Madrid has showcased resilience by mounting comebacks to secure victory in four matches during this campaign. Only Barcelona in 1999-2000 and Real Madrid themselves in 2016-17 have achieved more comeback wins in a single Champions League season (five each).
In a sharp contrast, Dortmund may perceive their journey to this stage as somewhat fortuitous, especially considering the numerous times their opponents hit the woodwork in the Champions League this season. This includes six instances during the two-legged semi-final encounter with Paris Saint-Germain, totaling 12 times overall—a record for the most woodwork hits by a team in a single campaign since 2003-04.
Under Edin Terzić’s guidance, Dortmund advanced to the brink of European glory following a 2-0 aggregate triumph over PSG. Their victory included a 1-0 win in the second leg, where Mats Hummels’ decisive header at Parc des Princes made the pivotal difference.
Notably, Hummels, Dortmund’s hero in the second leg, has not missed a single minute of action in the Champions League this season. Should he maintain this feat, he could become the first outfield player since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2017-18 to play every minute of a winning season, while the last central defender to achieve this was Sami Hyypiä in 2004-05 with Liverpool.
Putting individual records aside, Hummels and the rest of the defense will be hoping they can contain Vinícius Júnior effectively. The Brazilian forward has contributed significantly with five goals and four assists in the Champions League this season, building on his impressive tally of seven goals and five assists in the previous 2022-23 campaign.
It’s worth noting that only one player in the history of the competition has achieved the feat of registering 5+ goals and 5+ assists in consecutive seasons. Luís Figo accomplished this remarkable feat in 1999-00 for Barcelona (5 goals, 9 assists) and then in 2000-01 for Real Madrid (5 goals, 7 assists).
Over the last three UEFA Champions League campaigns, Vinícius has emerged as the most prolific player in terms of direct goal involvement, contributing to a total of 31 goals (16 goals, 15 assists). Particularly concerning for Dortmund, 17 of these contributions have occurred during the knockout stages (eight goals, nine assists), surpassing any other player in this timeframe.
Regarding team updates, Dortmund will have to contend with the absences of Sébastien Haller, Ramy Bensebaïni, and Julien Duranville. Haller’s unavailability likely means Niclas Füllkrug will lead the attacking line, supported by Jadon Sancho, Karim Adeyemi, and Julian Brandt.
Meanwhile, Ancelotti faces a decision between the fit-again Thibaut Courtois and Andriy Lunin for the goalkeeper position. With David Alaba and Aurélien Tchouaméni sidelined due to injury, Toni Kroos is confirmed to start in midfield, marking his final appearance for the club in a distinguished career.
In a contrasting scenario to Kroos, 20-year-old Jude Bellingham will confront his former team Dortmund on familiar ground at England’s national stadium. Bellingham aims to secure his first Champions League triumph as he faces his former club.
Dortmund vs Real Madrid: Head-to-head
In the upcoming encounter between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid, it will mark the 15th meeting between these two European giants, all of which have taken place in the Champions League. Dortmund has faced Madrid more times in the competition than any other opponent (14), with only Bayern Munich (22) and Juventus (16) featuring more frequently in Madrid’s European encounters.
Dortmund has secured victory in only three of their previous meetings with Madrid (with five draws and six losses). Among opponents faced at least five times in the competition, Dortmund’s win percentage against Madrid stands at 21%, which is only marginally higher than their win percentage against Manchester City (17%).
Despite Madrid’s victories of 3-1 away and 3-2 at home during their last encounter in the 2017-18 group stage, Dortmund can hold onto hope. Neither team has managed to achieve three consecutive wins in this fixture in European competition prior to this encounter.
Dortmund vs Real Madrid: Recent Form
In their recent league fixtures, Ancelotti’s team has encountered a slight dip in form, failing to secure victories in their last two outings. They settled for a goalless draw against Real Betis following a thrilling 4-4 draw with Villarreal. However, this downturn in performance could be attributed to Madrid’s unwavering focus on the impending final.
The heightened emphasis on European success is evident, as Madrid stands on the brink of completing a historic unbeaten European Cup/Champions League season, currently boasting a record of played 12, won 8, and drawn 4. Achieving this milestone on Saturday would mark the first time in their history.
Should they maintain their unbeaten streak, Madrid would join Barcelona as the only Spanish teams to lift the trophy without suffering a single defeat throughout the campaign. Barcelona achieved this feat in the 2005-06 season, having played 13 matches, won 9, and drawn 4.
On the other hand, Dortmund enters this significant European fixture after a disappointing league campaign marked by typical inconsistency. They suffered a 3-0 defeat against Mainz before bouncing back with a convincing 4-0 victory against Darmstadt at Signal Iduna Park.
Terzić’s side concluded the Bundesliga season in fifth place, positioning them as the second-lowest ranked German team to reach a European Cup/Champions League final, following in the footsteps of Bayern Munich in the 1974-75 season, where they finished 10th in the league.
Dortmund vs Real Madrid: Team News and Predicted Line-up
In team news for the upcoming clash between Dortmund and Real Madrid, there are some notable updates.
Dortmund: Team News
Sebastien Haller remains the primary concern for Dortmund, casting doubt over his availability for the upcoming match. However, it is anticipated that Niclas Fullkrug will assume the striker role, supported by Jadon Sancho and Julian Brandt in the attacking lineup.
In addition to Sebastien Haller’s uncertainty, Dortmund will be without the services of Ramy Bensebaini and Julien Duranville due to injury.
Furthermore, Marco Reus is eager to contribute in any capacity, even if it means coming off the bench, in what could be his farewell appearance for the club.
Dortmund Predicted Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: Gregor Kobel
- Defenders: Ryerson, Mats Hummels, Niklas Schlotterbeck, Ian Maatsen
- Midfielders: Marcel Sabitzer, Julian Brandt, Emre Can (C)
- Forwards: Jadon Sancho, Karim Adeyemi, Niclas Füllkrug
Injuries/Doubts: Duranville, Bensebaini, Sebastien Haller
Real Madrid: Team News
Real Madrid manager Ancelotti faces a crucial decision regarding the starting goalkeeper, with Thibaut Courtois and Andriy Lunin both contenders for the role. Courtois, who recently returned from an extended injury layoff, and Lunin, who battled flu symptoms in the lead-up to the final, are vying for the position.
In unfortunate news, David Alaba and Aurelien Tchouameni are confirmed absentees due to injury. Tchouameni’s unavailability guarantees a starting spot for Toni Kroos in what will be his final club match, marking the end of a remarkable career in club football.
Real Madrid Predicted Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
- Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger, Nacho, Ferland Mendy
- Midfielders: Toni Kroos, Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham
- Forwards: Rodrygo, Vinícius Júnior
Injuries/Doubts: David Alaba, Aurelien Tchouameni, Andriy Lunin
Dortmund vs Real Madrid: Match Prediction
Predicting outcomes in the Champions League this season has been particularly challenging, given the remarkable drama witnessed in the knockout stages.
Dortmund’s journey to the final has been impressive, overcoming strong opponents such as Atletico Madrid and PSG. However, their quest for victory in London might end in disappointment.
Real Madrid’s formidable presence in this competition makes them formidable opponents, often proving difficult to defeat despite their performance level. All signs suggest another European triumph is on the horizon for them.
Prediction: Real Madrid to emerge victorious with a 3-1 win.
Dortmund vs Real Madrid: UCL Squads For The Final
Dortmund UEFA Champions League Squad
- Goalkeepers: Gregor Kobel, Alexander Meyer, Marcel Lotka
- Defenders: Nico Schlotterback, Mats Hummels, Marius Wolf, Ian Maatsen, Niklas Süle, Julian Ryerson
- Midfielders: Salih Özcan, Felix Nmecha, Marco Reus, Julian Brandt, Emre Can, Marcel Sabitzer, Wätjen
- Forwards: Jadon Sancho, Karim Adeyemi, Niclas Füllkrug, Sebastien Haller, Youssoufa Moukoko, Donyell Malen, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens
Real Madrid UEFA Champions League Squad
- Goalkeepers: Thibaut Courtois, Kepa, Andriy Lunin, Fran
- Defenders: Nacho, Dani Carvajal, Lucas Vázquez, Antonio Rüdiger, Ferland Mendy, Éder Militão, Fran García, David Alaba
- Midfielders: Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Dani Ceballos, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Güler, Mario Martin
- Forwards: Brahim Díaz, Joselu, Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo
Where to Watch the Match LIVE in India? Streaming Details
The UEFA Champions League 2023-24 final between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid will be available for live streaming on SonyLiv. In India, viewers can catch the live telecast of the Dortmund vs Real UCL final on the Sony Ten 2 and Sony Ten 2 HD TV channels.
