01.06.2024, 20:00

Prediction: 0-1

It’s the final showdown for the UEFA Champions League (UCL) as Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid collide in the last championship match before the tournament transitions to its controversial new format, which includes an expanded league phase next season. Both teams have already secured their spots in next season’s competition, and now they aim to conclude this current campaign by lifting European club football’s greatest prize at Wembley Stadium.

Dortmund is vying for their first piece of silverware since 2021, while Real Madrid is seeking their third trophy of the season, having already clinched the Supercopa de España and La Liga titles. For the Black and Yellows, a fifth-placed finish in the Bundesliga – their worst since 2014/15 – has made their run to the UCL final a season-saving achievement.

To succeed, they’ll need the big-game mentality that propelled them past PSG in a thrilling semi-final. Although they haven’t won in their last four meetings with Los Blancos, their last victory over Madrid came in a UCL knockout fixture, with a 2-0 win at home in 2013/14. Despite preparing for their seventh European final, their conversion rate in finals is underwhelming, with only two victories, the last of which came 27 years ago in 1997 against Juventus.

In contrast, Real Madrid has been dominant in Champions League finals, winning all eight of their appearances, including a victory against German opponents (Leverkusen in 2002). Their unbeaten run against three German sides en route to the final this season bodes well for Carlo Ancelotti’s team of serial winners (W4, D2).

Additionally, Toni Kroos, another former Bayern player, prepares for his final match in a Madrid shirt, aiming to match club legend Paco Gento’s joint-record of winning a sixth European Cup/Champions League title.

Form Guide

Borussia Dortmund LWWWLW

Borussia Dortmund will aim to build on their momentum from their recent 4-0 victory in the Bundesliga 1 against Darmstadt.

Borussia Dortmund’s matches have been characterized by high-scoring encounters lately, with goals being a common occurrence. Over their last six games, a total of 20 goals have been scored by both teams combined, averaging 3.33 goals per game, with Borussia Dortmund contributing 12 of those goals.

Real Madrid WWWWDD

In their most recent match, Real Madrid played to a 0-0 draw against Real Betis in La Liga.

During the game, Real Madrid had 59% possession and attempted 13 shots on goal, with 5 of them on target. On the other hand, Real Betis managed 11 shots on goal, with 3 of them being on target.

In 5 out of their last 6 games, Real Madrid have been involved in matches with at least three goals scored. The average number of goals per game in these matches is 3.83, with Real Madrid scoring an average of 3 goals per game.

Injured and suspended

Borussia Dortmund: (Abdoulaye Kamara, Julien Duranville, Mateu Morey, Ramy Bensebaini, Sebastien Haller).

Real Madrid: (Aurélien Tchouaméni, David Alaba)

Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid Predicted XI

Borussia Dortmund Predicted XI: Gregor Kobel, Julian Ryerson, Mats Hummels, Emre Can, Marcel Sabitzer, Nico Schlotterbeck, Julian Brandt, Ian Maatsen, Jadon Sancho, Karim Adeyemi and Niclas Füllkrug.

Real Madrid Predicted XI: Thibaut Courtois, Antonio Rüdiger, Ferland Mendy, Daniel Carvajal, Éder Militão, Toni Kroos, Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Rodrygo and Vinícius Júnior.

Prediction

In our view, Borussia Dortmund might struggle to score against this Real Madrid team, who are expected to have a slight advantage.

We anticipate a closely contested match, with Real Madrid securing a narrow 0-1 victory at the end of the 90 minutes.