The kings of Champions League will look to be crowned as title holders for a record 15th time at
Wembley Stadium. Real Madrid advanced to the championship match after an incredible
comeback win against Bayern Munich, denying an all-German final. Borussia Dortmund got by
PSG and surprised many to reach their third final as the German club looks for its second UCL
title in club history.
Borussia Dortmund
When the quarterfinals began in mid-April, Borussia Dortmund was the longest shot to win it all
at +2200. At the semifinal stage, +800. And against all those long odds, they have reached the
championship game. Exactly how did they get here? Well, they did it with defense, and with a
bit of luck.
Dortmund conceded one or zero goals in four of its six knockout-round games, defeating PSV
Eindhoven, Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. And in the semis, PSG hit the post a
handful of times, giving Dortmund the victory on aggregate.
A big part of the defensive coverage is centered around Mats Hummels. He actually played for
Dortmund’s last UCL final in 2013 and now the 35-year old will be key piece to slow down the
likes of Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior and the rest of the Real Madrid attack.
You’d have to think Dortmund’s path to victory will be a low-scoring match, with the potential to
go to penalties. The offense may only have a couple of quality chances, likely coming from set
pieces, like it did on Hummels goal in the semis, off a corner kick.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid has lifted this trophy a record 14 times and is the only club to win multiple
Champions League titles since 2015. To reach the final they had to go through some of the
worlds best teams in RB Leipzig, Manchester City and Bayern Munich.
Madrid can score goals, 26 in the competition, second to only Manchester City (28). Vinicius,
Rodrygo and Joselu have all scored five goals and have the ability to control the game from
midfield and Antonio Rüdiger has been one of the best defenders during this tournament.
Despite having those strengths, Madrid gave up eight goals in six games during the knockout
stage. The defense could be a bit leaky and give Dortmund some opportunities. Another big
question will be who starts in goal. Could Madrid go with Thibaut Courtois after injuries or stick
with Andriy Lunin, who was the hero against Man City in penalties.
Prediction
The Cinderella run for Dortmund likely comes to an end at Wembley as all signs point to Madrid
lifting its 15th European Champions League title.
UEFA Champions League Odds
Borussia Dortmund +415 Tie +315 Real Madrid -160
To lift the trophy - Borussia Dortmund +280 To lift the trophy - Real Madrid -350
Head to Head Results
Real Madrid is unbeaten in the last four meetings, and Dortmund’s last victory coming a decade
again in the quarterfinals.
Real Madrid: 6 Wins
Borussia Dortmund: 3 Wins
Draws: 5