Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid. Prediction and Preview. Probable Lineups, Team News, Stats, and more

Borussia Dortmund will meet with Real Madrid CF in the UEFA Champions League final match at the Wembley Stadium. The fixture will take place on Sunday, June 2, beginning at 00:30 IST.

Parimatch News will tell you everything you need to know ahead of the upcoming match.

Borussia Dortmund News & Current Form: 

Here we are, closing the club European season. Two weeks before the start of UEFA EURO 2024, the Champions League final will take place. Incidentally, one of the shocking news concerns Real Madrid player Thibaut Courtois – coach of Belgian national team Domenico Tedesco has not called him up for the national team. He was undoubtedly Madrid’s first-choice goalkeeper, but an injury sidelined him for a long time. Andriy Lunin performed so well that Carlo Ancelotti admitted he couldn’t simply leave the Ukrainian keeper behind. It is quite possible that the biggest match of the season will be entrusted to Lunin.

There are also personal dramas surrounding the final of the main continental competition. Toni Kroos is bidding farewell to club football: the German has decided to retire at his peak, playing his last match for Real, then Euro 2024 for Germany, and then heading into retirement. To add to that, Borussia Dortmund have long announced that they will not extend the contract of Marco Reus. This legend is also saying goodbye to his beloved club in the Champions League final. There is a high probability that Marco will retire in a manner similar to Toni. Currently, there is no news or real contenders for players. His loyalty to Dortmund was remarkable even in the peak years of his career. Mats Hummels might also end his club career. The defender has not yet announced a final decision, but in March there was information that the 35-year-old is inclined to retire at the end of the season, when his contract with Borussia expires.

A year earlier, the German team were a step away from winning the Bundesliga title but lost it by drawing with unmotivated FSV Mainz 05 with a score of 2:2. It seemed such a painful end to the season would break the team of Edin Terzic, but in reality, this failure forced the coach to rethink his approach to football. Now we see a more pragmatic and balanced game from Dortmund.

This year, BVB finished only in fifth place, which in previous years would not have given them the right to expect a place in the UCL in the new campaign. However, in this concluding season, the Black and Yellows have ensured that a top-five finish still allows them to represent Germany in the most prestigious European competition. To achieve this, Borussia had to surpass expectations in the playoffs and reach the final at Wembley.

Notably, this is only the third UCL final for the German team. In 1997, they managed to defeat Juventus FC in Munich (perhaps the fact that the final was held in Germany helped the team), and in 2013, BVB lost an all-German final to FC Bayern Munich at Wembley. Incidentally, Reus played in that decisive match of the premier European tournament and will part with his lifelong club 11 years later in London. Meanwhile, in that same year, Toni Kroos lifted his first Champions League trophy with the Star of the South, although he did not participate in the final match against Borussia due to injury.

Mats Hummels may leave Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season

Winning a very challenging group in the first stage of the main tournament (alongside PSG, AC Milan, and Newcastle United FC), Dortmund then successively eliminated PSV Eindhoven (1:1 away and 2:0 at home), Atletico de Madrid (1:2 away and 4:2 at home), and, for the second time this season, Paris Saint-Germain (twice 1:0).

The team had two weeks to prepare for the decisive match – the final Bundesliga round took place on 18 May, with Dortmund thrashing SV Darmstadt 98 at home (4:0) before transitioning to training mode. One of Edin Terzic’s sessions was held in an unusual format: he invited Borussia’s U23 team for a training session. Then the youth team played in a 4-3-1-2 formation – the same setup Real Madrid use this season. What’s more, they were even wearing white shirts. 

BVB are approaching the decisive match in London with minimal losses. Only forward Sebastien Haller could be considered a significant absence – the Ivorian would have been a valuable asset at Wembley. Meanwhile, Ramy Bensebaini, Julien Duranville, and Mateu Morey, who are also unlikely to be included in the squad for Sunday’s match, are less crucial players this season.

Captain of Borussia Emre Can exudes optimism and determination as he reflects on the team’s journey and prepares for the upcoming Champions League final:

“We had a good week of training with a lot of fun, which is also important before big games. The week before the game is a normal week. We’ll prepare well and will definitely be ready for Wembley. We’ll try to approach the game like any other, even if that’s not 100% possible.”

“The circus off the pitch is bigger and you realise it’s something special. But that’s how it can and must be. We’re back in the final after eleven years. The anticipation is huge. The worst thing is always waiting until the final.”

“That highlight of the campaign happened after the PSV game. That’s when the team realized that something is possible in the Champions League this year. That’s when I felt it personally. Then you play a quarter-final against Atletico and think: If you win that game, you’re in the semi-finals and anything is possible. And that’s what happened.”

“We played so well in the semi-final. When you look at how we started – defeat in Paris, draw against Milan – nobody thought that much was possible this year. But the team always believed. That’s why we are where we are – and we absolutely deserve it.”

“Real Madrid are favorites, everyone knows that. But we’re not going to go there and say: Okay, it could happen. We’ll do everything we can, push hard and work for each other. And then we’ll see what comes out of it. To be successful, you have to go there with confidence and a broad chest. We definitely will.”

“I’m looking forward to seeing Jude again – off the pitch and on it. We will definitely greet each other in a very friendly way and hopefully, there will be some nice battles.”

“Wembley is a special stadium, a beautiful stadium. BVB had a disappointing night there eleven years ago. We want to make amends for that and win there. We want to go there full of confidence and do everything we can to bring it home to Dortmund.”

Real Madrid News & Current Form: 

For Borussia Dortmund, the 2023/24 campaign was filled with both highs and lows, but for Real Madrid, the season has been largely a cause for celebration. The Whites have confidently secured the La Liga title, finishing 10 points ahead of their main rival, FC Barcelona. They also triumphed in the Spanish Super Cup, where they defeated Atlético and Barca in spectacular fashion – 5:3 and 4:1, respectively. Their only setback came in the Copa del Rey, where they were knocked out in the Round of 16 by Los Colchoneros with a 2:4 defeat, but this did not dampen their spirits for long.

The journey of Carlo Ancelotti’s men through the Champions League has been nothing short of heroic. Real Madrid have overcome very strong opponents and deservedly approach the final as the favorites. In the Round of 16, Madrid overcame a strong RB Leipzig side (1:0 away and 1:1 at the Bernabéu), before moving on to battles against some of European football’s heavyweights.

In the quarter-finals, the capital club defeated the initial main contenders to win the UCL. First, Manchester City lost in a penalty shootout after two draws (3:3 in Madrid and 1:1 in England). Then they defeated Bayern Munich in the semi-finals. The Munich team were close to success but faltered in the closing stages of both matches – 2:2 at home and 1:2 in the Spanish capital. Although the Bavarians led in both matches, the heroics of Joselu and his teammates were overshadowed by a refereeing controversy involving Szymon Marciniak, though few would argue that Madrid did not deserve their place in the final.

As everybody knows, the Champions League is Real Madrid’s tournament. While Sevilla FC, another Spanish club, dominates the UEFA Europa League in terms of trophies, Madrid’s dominance in the UCL is logical. The Whites have been strong across almost all eras, with three major periods of dominance: the late 1950s to early 1960s with Alfredo Di Stéfano and Ferenc Puskás, the turn of the millennium including the Galácticos era, and from the mid-2010s under Zinedine Zidane and now Ancelotti.

Real Madrid currently have 14 victories in the Champions League, with six of those coming in the 21st century (if we consider 2000 as part of the 20th century). The second-most successful club, Milan, has seven wins in the competition’s history, underscoring Madrid’s unmatched dominance.

The Whites face two significant absences – David Alaba and Aurélien Tchouaméni. The Austrian has been unavailable for five months due to a cruciate ligament tear, so Ancelotti has learned to cope without him. However, the Frenchman injured his knee recently in the second leg against Bayern, and his absence as the main defensive midfielder will be felt in the final. 

On the positive side, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has recovered from an injury that cost him nearly the entire season, and the Belgian might take his place in goal for the Champions League final at Wembley. Although the head coach insists that he has not yet made a final decision, choosing between Courtois and the Ukrainian Lunin.

Champions League final will be the last game for Toni Kroos, who will quit football afterwards

It is worth noting that the future opponents have faced each other 14 times, all in the Champions League. Madrid have the upper hand with six victories compared to Dortmund’s three, with five matches ending in draws. Their last official encounter was in 2017, when Real Madrid twice defeated Dortmund, scoring a total of six goals: 3:1 at Signal Iduna Park and 3:2 at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The most legendary encounters between the teams occurred in 2013. Those were the famous 4:1 and 0:2 matches where Robert Lewandowski scored four goals. After overcoming Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund lost in the final to Bayern Munich coached by Jupp Heynckes.

Borussia Dortmund form guide: L-W-W-W-L-W

Real Madrid form guide: W-W-W-W-D-D

Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid Head-To-Head Record:

• December 7, 2016: Real Madrid 2 – 2 Borussia Dortmund (UEFA Champions League);
• September 26, 2017: Borussia Dortmund 1 – 3 Real Madrid (UEFA Champions League);
• December 6, 2017: Real Madrid 3 – 2 Borussia Dortmund (UEFA Champions League).

Don`t miss out 👉: All You Need to Know about 2024 T20 World Cup: Dates, Venues, and Format

Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid Predicted XI:

Borussia Dortmund’s possible starting lineup (4-2-3-1): Kobel; Ryerson, Hummels, Schlotterbeck, Maatsen; Sabitzer, Can; Sancho, Brandt, Adeyemi; Fullkrug.

Real Madrid’s possible starting lineup (4-3-1-2): Courtois; Carvajal, Rudiger, Nacho, Mendy; Valverde, Camavinga, Kroos; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior.

Statistical preview of the match Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid:

• Dortmund’s First XI average age is 27.5 years, Madrid’s First XI average age is 28.1 years.
• The total value of the German squad is 463 mln euros, while the total of the Spanish squad comes up to 1.04 bln euros.
• Slavko Vincic has been appointed as the center referee. The match official has already served 9 games this season, showing an average of 4 yellow cards and also whistles 24 fouls per game. 
• Borussia will play in the Champions League final for the 3rd time. In 1997, Dortmund beat Juventus in the battle for the trophy, and in 2013 they lost to Bayern Munich.
• For Real Madrid, this will be their 18th Champions League final. They have won on 14 occasions and lost only three. 
• Borussia have lost only one of their last 11 Champions League matches (7 wins, 3 draws). 
• Real have not lost in their last 12 Champions League matches (9 wins, 3 draws). 
• Borussia conceded an average of 0.80 goals per game in their last 5 games and scored an average of 2.20 goals per game.
• In their last 5 games, Real Madrid conceded an average of 1.00 goals per game and scored an average of 3.00 goals per game.

What has been said before the match:

Coach Edin Terzic emphasizes the team’s resilience and determination ahead of the Champions League final, highlighting the unwavering spirit and collective drive that have defined Borussia Dortmund’s journey this season:

“We have a good energy in the team and the belief that we can achieve great things. It doesn’t matter what comes at us from the outside. What has made us so strong, especially in the Champions League, is what we can influence. We want to show that on Saturday so that it’s very successful.”

“It’s not about the situation and not about what awaits us off the pitch. It’s about the match. We’re there to play the match. The route to winning the Champions League title is via the final. We want to invest everything in order to bring the cup to Dortmund. It has been far too long. We haven’t gotten as close as we are now for a long time.” 

“Our objective is to win the Champions League and to do that you have to beat the champions. Now the absolute champion historically and in particular in this competition awaits us. The amount of Real’s titles doesn’t count. I’m firmly convinced that anything is possible in one match. If anyone has shown that you can achieve a lot in one game, it has been us, especially this season and especially in this competition. They haven’t lost in eight Champions League finals in a row. What’s important is what happens in the next one and we’re responsible for that.”

Carlo Ancelotti, the experienced Real Madrid coach, expresses excitement and cautious optimism as he prepares his team for the Champions League final:

“We are very excited, despite how demanding a final is. We want to get the week off to a good start, training, relaxed and confident. It’s a week we want to enjoy taking into account how difficult our opponents are. To reach a final is an achievement for the season and we have the feeling that we’ve done well. day of the final, confident and we’ll be at our best.”

“We’re not thinking about being the favorites. We’re focused on playing against an opponent who has earned the right to reach the final after knocking out top quality. teams like PSG and Atletico. Borussia are a side with quality, commitment and attitude. We’re convinced that we’re going to have to dig deep, fight and battle as we do in every final.”

“The cold sweat will be there on Sunday, I’m ready for that and it’s normal. It comes in every game and I’m experienced. I’m very confident and excited about my team because I can see them in Champions League mode.”

“Borussia’s attitude, commitment and the quality they have up front are what makes them stand out. They’ve got quality players, they’re young, experienced and quick in transitions. What really stands out for me is their attitude and the fight to reach the final, as they showed in both games against PSG. The fight and desire is what worries me the most.”

“It’s Kroos’ last game and I hope he can finish his career by winning a Champions League, he deserves it on an individual level. But winning another Champions League doesn’t add to his career. He’s been a fantastic player During these 10 years, he’s become part of the Real Madrid legend and it would be fantastic to finish by winning a Champions League. Although he is already part of football history, not just Real Madrid’s.”

Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid Prediction:

Borussia Dortmund have dramatically evolved over the last year, which allowed them to scrape a sensational run to the Champions League final. But success in the decisive game of the tournament will be extremely questionable. The main reason is the opponent of the Bumblebees. They are going to play against Real Madrid, who are well familiar with winning the continent’s premier club competition. The most successful club in the history of this tournament suffered their last defeat in the UCL final in 1981. 

The opponents will meet for the 15th time in the Champions League, but for the first time they will play each other in the decisive match. The advantage in this clash is on the side of the Madrid team: Real Madrid have not lost in 11 of their 14 previous matches (6 wins, 5 draws), and have won their last two duels. 

In the current campaign, the Galacticos are to play with all four German clubs: at the group stage they met with Union (1:0, 3:2), and in the play-offs – with Leipzig (1:0, 1:1) and Bayern (2:2, 2:1). Each of the fights turned out to be incredibly hard-fought – Madrid never once won by a huge margin or at least by two goals. 

The final with Dortmund will be no exception. The Black and Yellows impressed with their defensive reliability in the group stage: they conceded only four goals in six games and were ranked top-three most reliable teams along with Arsenal (4) and Real Sociedad (2). And they were able to hold off a formidable PSG attack in the semi-final – Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and their partners didn’t score once in 180 minutes. 

But Real Madrid is a totally different level of opposition, capable of achieving results despite any difficulties. Carlo Ancelotti’s team went through the tournament without defeat, and in the quarter-finals stopped the main favourite – Manchester City. This season, the Blancos have lost to only one club and only at one stadium – Atletico at the Metropolitano. The unbeaten streak in all competitions totals 25 matches, in the Primera – 32. 

The Bumblebees have scored in 42 out of 49 games during the season (85.7%), and if we take a selection of the Champions League matches – in 10 out of 12 matches, Edin Terzic’s side possess a perfectly potent attack. However, Real Madrid are even more fierce in the offence, in 96% of the games played, they have certainly found the back of the opponents’ net at least once. The Royal club has scored in each of the 12 European Cup games. For that matter, Real are not distinguished by a reliable defence in this campaign: in 9 out of 12 matches, they conceded at least 1 goal. 

The German team is very cautious and will play carefully, it is hardly worth expecting goals from them, but Real Madrid, despite their good form, can get bogged down in the German defence. In 11 of the 12 matches of the current Champions League Borussia held a +1.5 goal handicap. Real, in turn, won with a difference of more than one goal in only 17% of meetings. Granted, the Spaniards have been showing phenomenal form, but they are far from always crushing their opponents. Carlo Ancelotti’s team often snatch victories narrowly demonstrating incredible character and resilience. In this case, there is no question of an easy walk. Edin Terzic’s men will give the favourite a tough life, but Madrid are one of the most tactically flexible clubs in Europe and can adapt to almost any challenge. In the final, the Los Blancos will prove it once again.

Parimatch News staff prediction:

We say: Real Madrid will not lose in regular time and the match total will be under 3.5 – Yes.

Don`t miss out 👉: French Open 2024: All You Need to Know – Dates, Venues, and More