Five Things to Watch in the Champions League Final

Real Madrid vs. Borussia Dortmund

Real Madrid, the serial Champions League winners, aim to thwart Borussia Dortmund’s aspirations in the upcoming final at Wembley Stadium, London. Madrid is vying for their 15th European title and sixth in the last 11 years, while Dortmund seeks their second title ever.

1. Jude Bellingham: A Symbol of the Challenge

Jude Bellingham represents the stark contrast between the two clubs and the daunting task Dortmund faces. Bellingham, who began as a teenage sensation at Birmingham, developed into a world-class player at Dortmund before being sold to Madrid for over 100 million euros a year ago. At just 20, he has excelled at Madrid, scoring 23 goals and being named La Liga’s Player of the Season. Winning the Champions League could make him the first Englishman to win the Ballon d’Or since 2001.

2. Sancho’s Homecoming

Jadon Sancho returns to his hometown but will be playing for Dortmund. After struggling at Manchester United, Sancho rediscovered his form at Dortmund, significantly contributing to their semi-final victory over PSG. A win in the final would mark a dramatic turnaround in his season and mitigate the memory of his missed penalty in the Euro 2020 final.

3. Reus’ Dream Farewell

Marco Reus, alongside Mats Hummels, is one of the few players left from Dortmund’s 2013 final loss. Despite numerous injuries, Reus has been a consistent star for Dortmund, scoring 170 goals. Now 35, the final will be his 429th and last game for Dortmund, potentially ending his career with a fairytale victory.

4. Fuellkrug vs. Rudiger

The battle between Niclas Fuellkrug and Antonio Rudiger could be pivotal. Fuellkrug, who was in Germany’s second tier just two seasons ago, has become a key player for Dortmund, scoring 16 goals this season. Rudiger, already a Champions League winner with Chelsea, has been crucial in Madrid’s run to the final, effectively neutralizing top strikers.

5. Ancelotti: The Champions League Maestro

Carlo Ancelotti, Madrid’s coach, stands alone with four European Cup wins and aims to further his record at Wembley. He has led Madrid to victory in 2014 and 2022 and his blend of man-management and tactical skill is now widely recognized. Bellingham praises Ancelotti for allowing the team to play with freedom and confidence, a key strength in their success.