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Dani Carvajal
74'
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F22%2Fdorrma_3.JPG "Borussia Dortmund 0-2 Real Madrid - as it happened")
Real Madrid became European champions for a record-extending 15th time thanks to a 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final at Wembley.
Los Blancos were second best for the whole of the first half, but Edin Terzic's men failed to take any of the chances presented to them, with Niclas Fullkrug hitting the inside of the post.
Carlo Ancelotti's side took full advantage in the second period, where a deft Dani Carvajal header from a corner gave the Spanish giants the lead, and Dortmund had little in the way of a response.
A horror mistake from Ian Maatsen then proved fatal, and Vinicius Junior wrapped up Real's latest episode of European supremacy before club legend Zinedine Zidane presented the trophy to his former side.
10.02pmDortmund dejection coupled with Blancos bedlam at Wembley. Ancelotti did not celebrate either goal but can afford a smile now!
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us to witness Real Madrid conquer the continent again. You can find our match report here.
Goodnight all!
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us to witness Real Madrid conquer the continent again. You can find our match report here.
Goodnight all!
9.58pmAncelotti and Terzic warmly embrace as Real Madrid pandemonium commences!
Los Blancos are European champions for the 15th time, extending their unassailable record at the top of the continental game.
Dortmund put in an excellent shift, but failing to take their opportunities against Ancelotti's Champions League juggernaut was a fatal mistake.
Los Blancos are European champions for the 15th time, extending their unassailable record at the top of the continental game.
Dortmund put in an excellent shift, but failing to take their opportunities against Ancelotti's Champions League juggernaut was a fatal mistake.
90 + 6 minBORUSSIA DORTMUND 0-2 REAL MADRID
REAL MADRID WIN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE!
REAL MADRID WIN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE!
90 + 4 minREAL MADRID SUB Lucas Vazquez replaces Vinicius for the final few seconds.
90 + 2 minMomentary Dortmund pressure, but Carvajal nonchalantly heads back to Courtois. Nearly there.
90 minREAL MADRID SUB
Militao - who would have surely started had his season not been hampered by an ACL injury - replaces Rodrygo for the five minutes of injury time.
Militao - who would have surely started had his season not been hampered by an ACL injury - replaces Rodrygo for the five minutes of injury time.
90 minI was on the verge of talking up our 1-0 prediction before Vinicius made me eat my words...
Eder Militao about to come on to help Real shut up shop.
Eder Militao about to come on to help Real shut up shop.
89 minAs if Terzic's men were not deflated enough, that may be the final nail in the coffin.
Carvajal now wins a throw-in off of Malen and greets the Real fans with a fist pump and a smile. He knows. We all know.
Carvajal now wins a throw-in off of Malen and greets the Real fans with a fist pump and a smile. He knows. We all know.
87 minThe Dortmund striker sends a bullet header past Courtois from Malen's cross, but he was clearly offside. Dortmund hopes raised and shot down in an instant.
87 minFULLKRUG HAS THE BALL IN THE NET! BUT THE FLAG IS UP!
87 minWhile some Dortmund fans may have revelled in their fantastic start, some may have wondered whether their missed openings would come back to bite them.
In the end, the glass-half-empty ones were proven right.
In the end, the glass-half-empty ones were proven right.
84 minREAL MADRID SUBS
As poor as Ancelotti's men were in the first half, their second-half lead is certainly warranted. Dortmund have been abysmal since going down.
Bellingham skips off for Joselu, while Kroos bids farewell to the Real Madrid crowd, addressing the raucous white wall with a fist pump and roar.
The German gets a warm embrace from Ancelotti as Luka Modric comes on.
Bellingham skips off for Joselu, while Kroos bids farewell to the Real Madrid crowd, addressing the raucous white wall with a fist pump and roar.
The German gets a warm embrace from Ancelotti as Luka Modric comes on.
83 minAnd that is surely that!
Maatsen is the culprit, giving the ball straight to Bellingham, who lays off Vinicius Junior to do the rest with a finish into the ground and into the net. Mesut Ozil-esque.
Champions League number 15 is heading to Madrid!
Maatsen is the culprit, giving the ball straight to Bellingham, who lays off Vinicius Junior to do the rest with a finish into the ground and into the net. Mesut Ozil-esque.
Champions League number 15 is heading to Madrid!
83 minBORUSSIA DORTMUND 0-2 REAL MADRID (VINICIUS JR)
82 minKOBEL HAS KEPT DORTMUND IN THIS TIE!
Camavinga conjures up a magnificent curler from range, but the Dortmund goalkeeper acrobatically tips it behind before also leaping to swipe Nacho Fernandez's header away!
Camavinga conjures up a magnificent curler from range, but the Dortmund goalkeeper acrobatically tips it behind before also leaping to swipe Nacho Fernandez's header away!
80 minDORTMUND SUBS
Kitchen sink time. Sebastien Haller - back from an ankle injury - and Donyell Malen on for Brandt and Can.
Kitchen sink time. Sebastien Haller - back from an ankle injury - and Donyell Malen on for Brandt and Can.
80 minIt's on target - of course it is - but it's also a good height for Kobel, who gets across to his right and parries.
79 minCamavinga is now taken out by Hummels, who also enters the book.
Real free kick which has Kroos's name written all over it...
Real free kick which has Kroos's name written all over it...
77 minSCHLOTTERBECK TO THE RESCUE!
Camavinga just about manages to keep the ball alive on the right and cuts back for Bellingham, who surely must score, but Schlotterbeck sticks a foot in at the crucial moment. Incredible defending!
Dortmund deal with the resulting corner this time.
Camavinga just about manages to keep the ball alive on the right and cuts back for Bellingham, who surely must score, but Schlotterbeck sticks a foot in at the crucial moment. Incredible defending!
Dortmund deal with the resulting corner this time.
77 minWhatever deal Real Madrid struck with the Champions League gods, it is working magnificently.
How do Dortmund respond now? Each of the last four UCL finals has ended 1-0...
How do Dortmund respond now? Each of the last four UCL finals has ended 1-0...
74 minCarvajal had already missed one near-post header from a corner, but a carbon copy from the right-back ends with the experienced defender glancing a deft header past a flat-footed Kobel and in!
74 minTHAT'S WHAT REAL MADRID DO IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE. THEY FIND A WAY.
74 minBORUSSIA DORTMUND 0-1 REAL MADRID (CARVAJAL)
73 minVinicius has the beating of Ryerson again, but Hummels charges in like a bat out of hell and prods the ball behind for a corner.
Dortmund clear, but Maatsen slices Valverde's speculative attempt wide and back to the quadrant...
Dortmund clear, but Maatsen slices Valverde's speculative attempt wide and back to the quadrant...
72 minDORTMUND SUB: Reus is on for his BVB swansong. Adeyemi off and not happy at all about it.
72 minOkay. Here. We. Go.
Reus is stripped and ready for Borussia Dortmund. The script has been written and all that jazz.
Reus is stripped and ready for Borussia Dortmund. The script has been written and all that jazz.
71 minInto the final 20 at Wembley and still anybody's guess as to how this one will turn out!
Dortmund have wasted their opportunities, but a hitherto ruthless Real side have failed to punish them.
Dortmund have wasted their opportunities, but a hitherto ruthless Real side have failed to punish them.
69 minSO CLOSE FOR REAL!
An exquisite inswinging cross from Vinicius picks out the Englishman's run, but it misses his head and takes a small nick off Kobel before bouncing just wide!
No corner, though.
An exquisite inswinging cross from Vinicius picks out the Englishman's run, but it misses his head and takes a small nick off Kobel before bouncing just wide!
No corner, though.
68 minKroos catches Fullkrug inside the Dortmund half, but the referee isn't interested, and the German striker gets up pretty quickly once he realises.
66 minReal try again from the opposite corner flag, but Kroos's first delivery is cleared by compatriot Hummels, before Vinicius gets his head to the second and loops an aerial effort well wide.
65 minVinicius leaves Ryerson in his wake and manages to win his side a corner, but as has been the theme tonight, another dead-ball situation comes to nothing.
63 minCourtois to the rescue again!
Adeyemi delivers a delightful ball to the arriving Fullkrug, whose bullet header is punched away by the Belgian. More signs of danger for the men in white!
Adeyemi delivers a delightful ball to the arriving Fullkrug, whose bullet header is punched away by the Belgian. More signs of danger for the men in white!
62 minEvery man behind the ball for Real Madrid, now, as Dortmund huff and puff in and around the box.
However, Maatsen's attempt at trickery fails miserably and the ball rolls out for a goal kick.
However, Maatsen's attempt at trickery fails miserably and the ball rolls out for a goal kick.
60 min
Dortmund are lighting up Wembley on and off the pitch 🔥
📺 @TNTSports & @discoveryplusUK #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/SGVBEPXyUq— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) June 1, 2024
This is how the Dortmund faithful welcomed their troops back out for the second half, though.
Imagine the scenes if their side win? They have plenty of work still to do, though. Real looking a tad better since the break.
57 minCarvajal nearly gets this one right!
The experienced right-back latches onto a looping delivery to the back stick, but Maatsen takes the sting out of his half volley and Kobel can gather.
The experienced right-back latches onto a looping delivery to the back stick, but Maatsen takes the sting out of his half volley and Kobel can gather.
57 minAnother Real player hits the deck, another free kick appeal waved away.
Carvajal runs into Adeyemi and reacts coldly to the German's attempts to help him up.
Carvajal runs into Adeyemi and reacts coldly to the German's attempts to help him up.
55 minCamavinga tries to break, but an Adeyemi-Brandt sandwich thwarts his charge.
No free kick, despite the Frenchman's turf-punching outburst.
No free kick, despite the Frenchman's turf-punching outburst.
53 minHummels gets his noggin to this one, but his header trickles to the byline, and Schlotterbeck cannot prevent the goal kick under pressure.
52 minBrandt and Maatsen link up for the short routine this time. Never been a fan of those.
Camavinga clears the former's eventual delivery away before Mendy gives away another set-piece.
Camavinga clears the former's eventual delivery away before Mendy gives away another set-piece.
51 minMaatsen playing the inverted full-back role for Dortmund and has a crack from 20 yards, which loops off a pair of white socks and out for a corner...
49 minKroos goes for goal from a tight angle, and Kobel at full stretch prevents the German from finding the top corner!
Carvajal gets his head to the corner but heads over the bar. Ancelotti's half-time words going down a treat already!
Carvajal gets his head to the corner but heads over the bar. Ancelotti's half-time words going down a treat already!
48 minWasted.
Real immediately surge down the other end through Vinicius, who holds the ball up and draws the foul from Hummels.
Free kick in a promising position...
Real immediately surge down the other end through Vinicius, who holds the ball up and draws the foul from Hummels.
Free kick in a promising position...
48 minDortmund on the front foot right away, and Bellingham has to charge back to deflect Ryerson's cross behind for a corner...
46 minNo changes for either team, by the way.
46 minTime for hero arcs to be written!
Real get us back up and running.
Real get us back up and running.
9.05pmUnsurprisingly, Real's two shots in the first half was their joint-lowest across all tournaments this season, while the last team to fail to have an attempt on target in the first 45 of a UCL final was Tottenham Hotspur in 2019.
The Lilywhites were already a goal down by this point, though. Real very much still in this.
The Lilywhites were already a goal down by this point, though. Real very much still in this.
9.02pm/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F19%2Fcarlo-ancelotti.jpg)
Unlikely, although Joselu time may not be too far away if things continue in the same vein.
© Reuters
Unlikely, although Joselu time may not be too far away if things continue in the same vein.
8.58pmJust the 0.09 Expected Goals for Real Madrid in that half, compared to 1.68 for Dortmund, despite having just 36% of the ball.
The big question now, does Ancelotti bite the bullet and make any half-time changes?
The big question now, does Ancelotti bite the bullet and make any half-time changes?
8.53pmBefore tonight, Dortmund's opponents had hit the post 12 times against them in the Champions League, but the shoe is on the other foot this time around.
Fullkrug will be having nightmares about that chance if his side lose, but there was little more he could have done on the stretch.
Fullkrug will be having nightmares about that chance if his side lose, but there was little more he could have done on the stretch.
8.52pmNeither delivery comes to anything, and that's the half!
A shortage of goals but no shortage of pulsating action!
Dortmund exploded out of the blocks, but Adeyemi, Fullkrug and Brandt have all missed golden chances, while Courtois has earned his keep too.
Meanwhile, Real's attacking endeavours have been limited to a couple of shots from range. Ancelotti wake-up call needed!
A shortage of goals but no shortage of pulsating action!
Dortmund exploded out of the blocks, but Adeyemi, Fullkrug and Brandt have all missed golden chances, while Courtois has earned his keep too.
Meanwhile, Real's attacking endeavours have been limited to a couple of shots from range. Ancelotti wake-up call needed!
45 + 4 minBORUSSIA DORTMUND 0-0 REAL MADRID
45 +4 minLate Dortmund corner as Mendy chests the ball out of play...
45 +2 minReal trying to take the sting out of the game in injury time, and who can blame them? They've been second best in almost every department so far.
45 minAnother four minutes to be played here thanks to the earlier pitch invasion.
44 minSabitzer next into the book; the Austrian protested at the linesman too aggressively for the referee's liking.
43 minThe corner comes to nothing, but Dortmund retain possession and continue to probe for the opener just before the break.
The half-time whistle cannot come soon enough for Real. Sancho now delivers a cross which Eduardo Camavinga cuts out.
The half-time whistle cannot come soon enough for Real. Sancho now delivers a cross which Eduardo Camavinga cuts out.
41 minSchlotterbeck was actually booked for dissent, it was Hummels's 'challenge.
Sabitzer now tries one from 20 yards, but Courtois gets down comfortably to parry it away.
Sabitzer now tries one from 20 yards, but Courtois gets down comfortably to parry it away.
40 minYellow for a man in yellow.
Vinicius is... taken down? The contact from Schlotterbeck was minimal if any, but he goes in the book regardless.
Vinicius is... taken down? The contact from Schlotterbeck was minimal if any, but he goes in the book regardless.
39 minRyerson fouls Vinicius on the left and Real want to get on with it quickly, but the referee is having none of it.
Ancelotti's men try to fashion something down the right again, but the ball ricochets off of Carvajal and behind for a goal kick.
Ancelotti's men try to fashion something down the right again, but the ball ricochets off of Carvajal and behind for a goal kick.
37 minMaatsen tries to find Can with a crisp cross-field ball, but it's just above the head of the Dortmund skipper.
35 minFirst booking of the night goes to Real Madrid.
Kobel takes his sweet time playing the ball out and is wiped out by Vinicius for his troubles. Yellow for the Brazilian.
Kobel takes his sweet time playing the ball out and is wiped out by Vinicius for his troubles. Yellow for the Brazilian.
33 min/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F22%2Fdorrma_2.JPG)
Some engrossing action so far at Wembley, and Dortmund really should be ahead, but the scoreline in the top-left corner crucially still reads 0-0.
Sancho tries to flip-flap his way past Mendy and Kroos but fails, fouling the former in the process.
© Reuters
Sancho tries to flip-flap his way past Mendy and Kroos but fails, fouling the former in the process.
31 minKroos's delivery is poor and Dortmund break - it's five on three!
However, Ferland Mendy nudges Adeyemi over - staying on the right side of the law in the process - and the attack fizzles out.
However, Ferland Mendy nudges Adeyemi over - staying on the right side of the law in the process - and the attack fizzles out.
30 minThe Dortmund man did his best with that header, but it was an incredibly difficult chance.
Carvajal is the next to deliver for Real; Schlotterbeck hacks clear, but Los Blancos win a corner...
Carvajal is the next to deliver for Real; Schlotterbeck hacks clear, but Los Blancos win a corner...
28 minCan is fine to continue as Real come forward themselves.
Vinicius bursts past Julian Ryerson but sees his cross cut out.
Dortmund then break, but Adeyemi is denied by Courtois from a tight angle and the rebound is just behind Fullkrug!
Vinicius bursts past Julian Ryerson but sees his cross cut out.
Dortmund then break, but Adeyemi is denied by Courtois from a tight angle and the rebound is just behind Fullkrug!
27 minDortmund's momentum stalls as captain Can goes down and needs treatment from the magic sponge.
BVB's pace and runs in behind are carving Real Madrid open at will, but you feel that those missed chances will be punished at some stage.
BVB's pace and runs in behind are carving Real Madrid open at will, but you feel that those missed chances will be punished at some stage.
25 minOn reflection, a VAR offside review may have saved Real had Fullkrug's strike crept in, but Ancelotti's men need to wise up, and fast.
23 minHOW HAS THE BALL STAYED OUT?!
Firstly, Adeyemi just cannot latch onto Sabitzer's ball into the box, before Fullkrug hits the inside of the post on the stretch. Real living incredibly dangerously!
Firstly, Adeyemi just cannot latch onto Sabitzer's ball into the box, before Fullkrug hits the inside of the post on the stretch. Real living incredibly dangerously!
23 minIn fairness, a young, first-time Champions League finalist can be forgiven for being caught in two minds in that situation, but that was a chance. And a big one.
How many more of those openings will Dortmund get tonight?
How many more of those openings will Dortmund get tonight?
21 minOh Adeyemi
Carvajal fails to play the offside trap and the German is in one-on-one with Courtois, but his touch takes him wide and Carvajal got back to block!
Best chance of the game so far and it goes to the underdogs!
Carvajal fails to play the offside trap and the German is in one-on-one with Courtois, but his touch takes him wide and Carvajal got back to block!
Best chance of the game so far and it goes to the underdogs!
21 minCarvajal whips in a cross from the right, but not even Bellingham's long legs are latching onto that one.
Ancelotti's men are experiencing plenty of joy down that side, though.
Ancelotti's men are experiencing plenty of joy down that side, though.
19 minThis time, Vinicius gets it right with a slick dummy to Bellingham, but Sabitzer catches the Englishman and gives away a free kick.
Real play it short and recycle.
Real play it short and recycle.
17 minSense that the final is starting to open up a bit now. Brilliant news!
Vinicius tries to outwit Hummels, but the German wins this round.
Vinicius tries to outwit Hummels, but the German wins this round.
15 minShots aplenty now!
Real get down the right again and Vinicius has a pop this time, but it is a carbon copy of Valverde's earlier miss.
Real get down the right again and Vinicius has a pop this time, but it is a carbon copy of Valverde's earlier miss.
14 minBrandt should do better!
Fullkrug stays onside... maybe... from a long ball over the top and cuts back to his arriving colleague, who cannot sort his feet out on the sprint and can only scuff wide from a promising position.
Fullkrug stays onside... maybe... from a long ball over the top and cuts back to his arriving colleague, who cannot sort his feet out on the sprint and can only scuff wide from a promising position.
14 minEduardo Camavinga escapes a yellow card for a tackle from behind on Sancho, who just linked up with another unwanted Manchester United man in Sabitzer just now.
A penny for Erik ten Hag's thoughts?
A penny for Erik ten Hag's thoughts?
12 minFederico Valverde feels that he is body-checked by Nico Schlotterbeck just outside the area. The referee sees differently.
Real Madrid keep the pressure on and Valverde shoots from range, but the Uruguayan's effort is high and not at all handsome.
Real Madrid keep the pressure on and Valverde shoots from range, but the Uruguayan's effort is high and not at all handsome.
10 minNeither goalkeeper has really had to work yet, but it's been a good start from Dortmund.
Real still feeling their way into this final.
Real still feeling their way into this final.
8 minSlightly nervy moment for Gregor Kobel as Rodrygo charges down his clearance, but Bellingham cannot control the ricochet some distance from goal and Dortmund survive.
7 minJulian Brandt whips it in and Niclas Fullkrug heads it on, but Toni Kroos does enough before another Fullkrug header rolls through to Courtois.
6 minSabitzer takes a break from rugby-tackling pitch invaders and whips in an inviting ball from the right, which Antonio Rudiger clears.
Dortmund force a corner, though...
Dortmund force a corner, though...
5 minTo think those 'fans' paid for a ticket just to potentially earn a lifetime ban from stadiums? Absolute idiocy.
No idiocy between these two sides, though. Real settling into possession straight away.
No idiocy between these two sides, though. Real settling into possession straight away.
4 minMake that three stupid people who entered the field. One of whom was tackled by Marcel Sabitzer. Respect.
Anyways, after that farce, we're back underway.
Anyways, after that farce, we're back underway.
2 minOh for goodness sake.
A pitch invader makes his way onto the pitch straight away and approaches Bellingham for a selfie.
Brief break in play.
A pitch invader makes his way onto the pitch straight away and approaches Bellingham for a selfie.
Brief break in play.
1 minWe're underway! Dortmund kick us off.
8.00pmVincic leads the two sets of players out past the iconic trophy and onto the pitch.
A Dortmund logo-emblazoned crown tifo makes its way up the BVB crowd as the theme booms across Wembley.
Never gets old.
A Dortmund logo-emblazoned crown tifo makes its way up the BVB crowd as the theme booms across Wembley.
Never gets old.
7.58pmStoic faces aplenty in the tunnel just now. Expressions as stone cold as Steve Austin.
Tonight's referee is Slovenia's Slavko Vincic, by the way. Once wrongly arrested as part of a probe into a drugs and prostitution ring in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
One to tell the grandkids! Or perhaps not.
Tonight's referee is Slovenia's Slavko Vincic, by the way. Once wrongly arrested as part of a probe into a drugs and prostitution ring in Bosnia-Herzegovina.
One to tell the grandkids! Or perhaps not.
7.56pmNevertheless, both sets of supporters only need to wait a few more minutes before the 2023-24 final gets underway!
Will Dortmund defy the odds or is Real's name about to be etched onto the trophy for the 15th time?
Will Dortmund defy the odds or is Real's name about to be etched onto the trophy for the 15th time?
7.54pmSticking with the musical theme, Wembley has just been treated to a pre-match performance from Lenny Kravitz.
However, the Dortmund faithful do not appear to be fans of his work...
However, the Dortmund faithful do not appear to be fans of his work...
7.52pmFor those of a musical persuasion, Jay-Z is also in attendance.
The American rapper is the founder of agency Roc Nation Sports, who have Real's Vinicius among their clientele.
The American rapper is the founder of agency Roc Nation Sports, who have Real's Vinicius among their clientele.
7.50pmSpeaking of Klopp, he's one of a few iconic figures already spotted at Wembley.
Arsene Wenger, Sir Alex Ferguson, Zinedine Zidane and the aforementioned Figo have also been caught on celebrity watch.
Arsene Wenger, Sir Alex Ferguson, Zinedine Zidane and the aforementioned Figo have also been caught on celebrity watch.
7.48pmOf course, Klopp was at the Dortmund helm when BVB defeated Real Madrid in the 2012-13 semi-finals, when Lewandowski produced one of the finest individual Champions League displays in recent memory.
Sixty-seven minutes. Four goals. And he's now haunting Blancos nightmares in Barcelona colours.
Sixty-seven minutes. Four goals. And he's now haunting Blancos nightmares in Barcelona colours.
7.46pmWith a beaming Jurgen Klopp singing along, the Yellow Wall have just broken into a spine-tingling rendition of You'll Never Walk Alone.
Think we know who the Liverpool fans will be cheering on tonight!
Think we know who the Liverpool fans will be cheering on tonight!
7.44pmIn fact, BVB's win rate of 21% is their second-worst against a single opponent in the Champions League.
Only against Manchester City (17%) have they fared worse against in Europe's top competition. They also lost both of their most recent meetings in the 2017-18 group stage.
Only against Manchester City (17%) have they fared worse against in Europe's top competition. They also lost both of their most recent meetings in the 2017-18 group stage.
7.42pmWith kickoff now less than 20 minutes away, let's bring up the quintessential head-to-head statistics.
From 14 previous matches, Real unsurprisingly lead the way with six wins, while Dortmund have only prevailed on three occasions.
From 14 previous matches, Real unsurprisingly lead the way with six wins, while Dortmund have only prevailed on three occasions.
7.40pmTerzic's side warmed up for this encounter in perfect fashion, by smashing SV Darmstadt 98 4-0 in their final Bundesliga game.
Of course, Reus was on target in his Signal Iduna Park farewell. He'll have the neutrals' backing tonight for sure.
Of course, Reus was on target in his Signal Iduna Park farewell. He'll have the neutrals' backing tonight for sure.
7.38pmWhile Real conquered La Liga this season, Dortmund could not capitalise on Bayern Munich's Bundesliga capitulation, only finishing fifth in the table.
However, thanks to Germany's terrific UEFA coefficient, they will play in the revamped 2024-25 Champions League no matter what happens tonight.
However, thanks to Germany's terrific UEFA coefficient, they will play in the revamped 2024-25 Champions League no matter what happens tonight.
7.36pmQuick ode to Jose Mourinho - on punditry duties tonight - there.
Anyway, want another slice of encouragement, Blancos fans?
Ancelotti's men have scored in every single one of their matches away from the Bernabeu this season. Apologies in advance for jinxing it.
Anyway, want another slice of encouragement, Blancos fans?
Ancelotti's men have scored in every single one of their matches away from the Bernabeu this season. Apologies in advance for jinxing it.
7.34pmSpeaking of unbeaten runs, Real have never navigated a Champions League campaign without suffering a single defeat, but that could all change tonight.
The last Spanish side to achieve that were the 2005-06 Barcelona crop, but as an Arsenal fan, I prefer not to speak.
The last Spanish side to achieve that were the 2005-06 Barcelona crop, but as an Arsenal fan, I prefer not to speak.
7.32pmShould Carlo Ancelotti's side come up trumps tonight, they will seal a 2023-24 treble, having also achieved La Liga and Supercopa de Espana stardom this season.
Only the Copa del Rey has eluded Real so far, and they are unbeaten in 25 since losing to city rivals Atletico Madrid in that competition in January.
Only the Copa del Rey has eluded Real so far, and they are unbeaten in 25 since losing to city rivals Atletico Madrid in that competition in January.
7.30pmAs well as his pursuit of that individual achievement, Vinicius will undoubtedly be pivotal to Real's chances of a 15th - yes, 15th - Champions League/European Cup title.
Furthermore, not since losing the 1981 final to Liverpool have Los Blancos come up short in the showpiece match, winning their last eight in a row. Omens.
Furthermore, not since losing the 1981 final to Liverpool have Los Blancos come up short in the showpiece match, winning their last eight in a row. Omens.
7.28pmThe Brazilian has already come up with five goals and four assists in Champions League action this term, after registering five and seven in 2022-23.
Only one man has ever contributed at least five goals and five assists in back-to-back Champions League campaigns - Luis Figo.
Only one man has ever contributed at least five goals and five assists in back-to-back Champions League campaigns - Luis Figo.
7.26pmDown the other end of the pitch, Joselu's incredible semi-final exploits versus Bayern Munich are not enough to earn him a start over Rodrygo or Vinicius Junior.
The latter is also out to equal a record set by a former Real Madrid (and Barcelona!) player tonight...
The latter is also out to equal a record set by a former Real Madrid (and Barcelona!) player tonight...
7.24pmA thought or two will also be spared for knockout hero Andriy Lunin, who caught flu at the most inopportune time and is demoted to the bench for Thibaut Courtois.
Then again, that performance in the 2022 final...
Then again, that performance in the 2022 final...
7.22pmLet's take a deeper dive into that Real Madrid squad - a couple of surprises on the bench!
Both Aurelien Tchouameni and David Alaba are included despite being ruled out through injury - post-game celebrations (if Real win) probably a factor in that!
Both Aurelien Tchouameni and David Alaba are included despite being ruled out through injury - post-game celebrations (if Real win) probably a factor in that!
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The ex-Dortmund man will be aiming to build on an incredible tally of 23 goals and 12 assists for Real in his debut season.
The man for the big occasion? One would assume so.
© Reuters
The ex-Dortmund man will be aiming to build on an incredible tally of 23 goals and 12 assists for Real in his debut season.
The man for the big occasion? One would assume so.
7.18pmAnother stat? Why not.
With Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham both in their respective XIs, this will be the first time in Champions League final history that two Englishman line up against each other for non-English teams.
Interested to see what sort of reception Bellingham gets from the Yellow Wall!
With Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham both in their respective XIs, this will be the first time in Champions League final history that two Englishman line up against each other for non-English teams.
Interested to see what sort of reception Bellingham gets from the Yellow Wall!
7.16pmAs well as Champions League glory, an individual feat is also on the line for Hummels, who has played every minute of Dortmund's UCL campaign so far.
The last triumphant player to do so was Ronaldo in 2017-18, while a defender has not completed every minute of a winning Champions League season since Liverpool's Sami Hyypia in 2004-05.
The last triumphant player to do so was Ronaldo in 2017-18, while a defender has not completed every minute of a winning Champions League season since Liverpool's Sami Hyypia in 2004-05.
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This man.
Scorer of the only goal in the second leg of their semi-final with Paris Saint-Germain, Mats Hummels also experienced Wembley heartbreak on that day but has been one of the competition's best players this season. Just 35 years young!
© Reuters
This man.
Scorer of the only goal in the second leg of their semi-final with Paris Saint-Germain, Mats Hummels also experienced Wembley heartbreak on that day but has been one of the competition's best players this season. Just 35 years young!
7.12pmI still remember Arjen Robben's scuffed winner trickling over the line and Robert Lewandowski's crestfallen expression like it was yesterday.
Reus is just one of two players from that 2012-13 Dortmund side still donning the yellow strip today, alongside one of the heroes of their run to today's final.
Reus is just one of two players from that 2012-13 Dortmund side still donning the yellow strip today, alongside one of the heroes of their run to today's final.
7.10pmSticking with the Black and Yellow theme, this will be just the third Champions League final for BVB.
Their first ended in glory - a 3-1 win over Juventus in 1997 - but back in 2013, they were bested by Der Klassiker foes Bayern Munich. At Wembley.
Time to put things right?
Their first ended in glory - a 3-1 win over Juventus in 1997 - but back in 2013, they were bested by Der Klassiker foes Bayern Munich. At Wembley.
Time to put things right?
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One would not put it past him to make an impact off the bench, though; he has scored four goals against Real Madrid in the past, although Cristiano Ronaldo's seven in this head-to-head is unmatched.
© Reuters
One would not put it past him to make an impact off the bench, though; he has scored four goals against Real Madrid in the past, although Cristiano Ronaldo's seven in this head-to-head is unmatched.
7.06pmThe elevens for both sides are, well, pretty much what was expected.
No start for Marco Reus in his 429th final game for Borussia Dortmund, but departing Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos is in.
No start for Marco Reus in his 429th final game for Borussia Dortmund, but departing Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos is in.
7.04pmBORUSSIA DORTMUND STARTING XI: Kobel; Ryerson, Hummels, Schlotterbeck, Maatsen; Can, Sabitzer; Sancho, Brandt, Adeyemi; Fullkrug
SUBS: Meyer, Lotka, Ozcan, Reus, Haller, Nmecha, Wolf, Malen, Sule, Moukoko, Watjen, Bynoe-Gittens
SUBS: Meyer, Lotka, Ozcan, Reus, Haller, Nmecha, Wolf, Malen, Sule, Moukoko, Watjen, Bynoe-Gittens
7.02pmREAL MADRID STARTING XI: Courtois; Carvajal, Rudiger, Nacho, Mendy; Valverde, Camavinga, Kroos; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius Junior
SUBS: Lunin, Kepa, Militao, Alaba, Modric, Joselu, Vazquez, Tchouameni, Ceballos, Guler, Diaz, Garcia
SUBS: Lunin, Kepa, Militao, Alaba, Modric, Joselu, Vazquez, Tchouameni, Ceballos, Guler, Diaz, Garcia
7.00pmGood evening one and all! Thank you very much for joining us for one of the most anticipated events on the 2023-24 football calendar, the UEFA Champions League final.
Under the bright lights of Wembley Stadium, one-time winners Borussia Dortmund and 14-time winners Real Madrid are preparing to scrap it out for the biggest European bragging rights of them all.
While Edin Terzic's side put two past Paris Saint-Germain without reply in their semi-final ties, Los Blancos required one of their famous Champions League turnarounds to eliminate Bayern Munich and set up a date with Dortmund.
As kickoff approaches, time for a peek at the team news...
Under the bright lights of Wembley Stadium, one-time winners Borussia Dortmund and 14-time winners Real Madrid are preparing to scrap it out for the biggest European bragging rights of them all.
While Edin Terzic's side put two past Paris Saint-Germain without reply in their semi-final ties, Los Blancos required one of their famous Champions League turnarounds to eliminate Bayern Munich and set up a date with Dortmund.
As kickoff approaches, time for a peek at the team news...
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Borussia Dortmund
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Real Madrid
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