Real Madrid eyes to claim the Champions League title, as they face Borussia Dortmund, who are considered as underdogs in the contest. These two squads dominated their semi-finals series, both the first and second leg, during their series. Real heads into this match, after overcoming Bayern Munich in a 4-3 aggregate win. This is not surprising though, as Real finished this season, as La Liga’s winners, giving them confidence. On the other hand, Dortmund had a surprising campaign during the semi-finals of the Champions League. In fact, Dortmund had a 2-0 aggregate win against PSG, surprising everyone through that win. The meeting between these two teams is on June 2, 2024, at 3:00 AM (GMT+8).
Real Madrid
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is aiming to steer clear of the chasing pack in the Champions League, as he has already won four European Cups as a head coach. Real Madrid will bid farewell to midfield maestro Toni Kroos on Saturday, who has already experienced one taste of Champions League final stardom over Dortmund from his Bayern heyday. Kroos and his fellow Real performers did not drop a single point in the Champions League group stage versus Portuguese outfit Braga, deposed Italian champions Napoli, and Bundesliga upstarts Union Berlin. However, Ancelotti’s men miraculously prevailed against defending champions Man City, exacting revenge on their 2022-23 semi-final conquerors from 12 yards. Unbeaten in 25 straight matches since January’s Copa del Rey beating at the hands of Atletico. Ancelotti’s men have also found the net in every single fixture away from their Bernabeu.
Real Madrid defender David Alaba is confined to the infirmary due to an ACL injury, affecting his Euro 2024 dreams. Aurelien Tchouameni and Nacho Fernandez are expected to miss the weekend due to foot problems. Goalkeeper Andriy Lunin is recovering from a flu, and Thibaut Courtois is expected to start. Kroos will play alongside Camavinga and Valverde in a Luka Modric-less midfield, but Rodrygo and Junior are expected to play in the Brazilian midfield.
Borussia Dortmund
Dortmund secured a Champions League spot for the third time in a row, thanks to their defensive discipline and the Ligue 1 champions’ wastefulness. Dortmund have not been present in the Champions League since falling to Bayern’s dominance in London over a decade ago. Despite defeating SV Darmstadt 98 4-0, Dortmund managed to finish fifth. However, thanks to Germany’s superior UEFA coefficient, BVB will be at Europe’s top table next year. They are now seeking four consecutive Champions League victories at any stage for the first time in nearly 10 years. Dortmund’s overall trophy drought is not as long as their 27-year wait for Champions League title number two. However, a Champions League winners’ medal would brighten Reus’s neck before he leaves his Dortmund locker.
Dortmund doctors are restoring the health of stars like Ramy Bensebaini, Julien Duranville, and Mateu Morey. Sebastien Haller returns to training, but Niclas Fullkrug is expected to play second fiddle. Reus is the only starter, but Dortmund boss Terzic should reintroduce Brandt.
Prediction:
Real Madrid (2.0)
Odds: -0.85
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