Champions League: Real Madrid and Dortmund Vie for the Biggest Prize

Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid

All roads lead to Wembley Stadium in London on Saturday, when Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund meet in the 2024 Champions League final.

Carlo Ancelotti’s Madrid are aiming for a record 15^th European crown as well as a La Liga and Champion League double, while Edin Terzic’s Dortmund are on a mission to upset the odds.

It all adds up to a fascinating battle.

BVB stunned Paris Saint Germain to reach the final and they controlled much of the tie, and this is a chance for them to put a gloss on a dull season win which they finished fifth in the Bundesliga, though they have clearly shone more brightly in Europe.

The Champions League 2024 betting odds are prediction this to be another night of celebration for Spaniards, priced at 1.32 to win the tournament with Die Schwarzgelben out at 3.12.

Talking Points

Los Blancos aim for a Bundesliga treble

The Spanish champions have put together a near-perfect set of Champions League 2024 results from the get go, winning all their group games and then beating Red Bull Leipzig and Bayern Munich, with a stellar victory over Manchester City sandwiched in between. And having beaten the Bundesliga champions and the fourth-placed finisher the Bavarians must fancy making it three from three. 

But Ancelotti’s men have had to dig deep in each round and that will give BVB some hope. Against Leipzig Los Blancos battled hard for an aggregate 2-1 win, and in the quarter-final against Manchester City Madrid fought a rearguard action to keep the Sky Blues at bay, eventually edging out the favourites on penalties. Ancelotti said, after the game, “You see, there is no Ancelotti style, because I change. Against Manchester City we play a low block, strong defence. We don’t play like that, we are more attacking. But I saw that as a way to compete.”

Against Bayern Munich they looked like they were gong out again, behind with just two minutes on the clock, but Real rallied with a late, late brace from substitute Joselu. And they won’t want to leave it so late against Dortmund. With the box-to-box energy of Jude Bellingham and the speed up front of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Los Blancos are an exciting team to watch.

And this will be a huge night for midfield maestro Toni Kroos, who is playing his last game for Los Blancos.           

Madrid must beat Hummels to beat BVB

For all Los Blancos’ attacking flair they won’t find it easy against a pumped up BVB defence, marshalled by the imperious Mats Hummels. The 35-year-old German star is a superb centre back, comfortable on the ball, strong in the tackle and powerful in the air, which makes him a threat at set pieces. For a senior member of the team he’s still deceptively quick and Hummels will be a key man for the underdogs.

At the other end of the pitch Niclas Fullkrug is expected to lead the line, with Sebastien Haller doubtful; and, in our SBOTOP review of the key battles in this clash, we picked out the duel winger Jadon Sancho can expect from Madrid fullback Dani Carvajal and if the Manchester loanee can win that tussle we could easily see another upset.

BVB have feared no-one on their journey to Wembley, topping a group containing PSG, AC Milan and Newcastle United, before beating PSV Eindhoven, Atletico Madrid and PSG in the knockout phase.

And while Spanish eyes may shed a tear for their departing hero Kroos, Dortmund too will be saying goodbye to a club legend as forward Marco Reus will hope to play some part in what will be his last match for Die Schwarzgelben.      

History

Real Madrid are undisputed Kings of Europe, certainly in terms of historical numbers. They are the record holders, winning 14 Champions Leagues, with AC Milan next in line with seven. Manager Ancelotti is a record holder too, with four Champions League triumphs as a coach, two with Milan and two with Madrid. 

BVB’s only Champions League success came back in 1997 when they beat Juventus 3-1 in the final, another showcase they started as underdogs.      

In terms of head-to-head Los Blancos are on top; with six wins and four draws and Dortmund have won three of the 13 meetings.  

Recent form is equal as both teams have won four of their last six games… but Los Blancos are unbeaten in 25.  

Betting Tip

Real Madrid are clear favourites at odds of 1.64 to win in 90 minutes with BVB at 4.38 and the draw is at 3.58. But this promises to be a cracker of a game and, as Los Blancos have not found it easy in their matches against Leipzig and Bayern; I have a sneaky feeling they might get a surprise on Saturday.  

 

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