As the Champions League reaches its conclusion with the final at Wembley, here are our final predictions, as Real Madrid seek a 15th European Cup against Borussia Dortmund.
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Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid – 21:00 CEST – Wembley Stadium
Feargal Brennan: I’m predicting a Wembley chess match between Carlo Ancelotti and Edin Terzic. Dortmund showed both patience and resilience to gain and retain 1-0 leads against Paris Saint-Germain. However, Los Blancos are the polar opposite to PSG in terms of big game self destruction, and they will have no issue playing a waiting game and edging the contest late on.
Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo have been Real Madrid’s clutchmen in the Champions League this season with five goals each. Jadon Sancho and Karim Adeyemi will be vital in helping out defensively against them but Rodrygo’s ability to drift centrallly could prove vital.
Scoreline: Borussia Dortmund 0-1 Real Madrid
Prediction: Rodrygo Goes will grow his European myth by grabbing the winner.
John Menzies: The showpiece of the European season is upon us, and it should be a tantalising occasion. Real Madrid start as favourites, but Dortmund have been outstanding in the UCL this season, and I expect them to keep Los Blancos honest. However, I think the quality of Real Madrid will be too much in the end.
I can see Vinicius Junior replicating his exploits from the 2022 final against Liverpool, and with Thibaut Courtois looking good in goals, I do not expect Real Madrid to concede.
Scoreline: Borussia Dortmund 0-2 Real Madrid
Prediction: Vinicius Junior was the match winner in 2022, and he will be again – man of the match on the way for the Brazilian.
Ruairidh Barlow: If you rewind through Real Madrid’s run to the Champions League final, both Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig had the chance to take those games, and caused Los Blancos significant issues. Equally, both are more proactive that Borussia Dortmund are likely to be, and if you look at the one side that have beaten Real Madrid this season, Dortmund have more ingredients to play like Atletico Madrid.
Real Madrid have the advantage of Vinicius coming into this final in his best form of the season, the emotional factor of Toni Kroos, while Ferland Mendy, Dani Carvajal, Nacho Fernandez and Thibaut Courtois look inspired. Los Blancos are at their best when other sides leave space behind them, so if they can get ahead, they probably win. If Dortmund can nick a lead, then they are better equipped than Barcelona, Bayern and Manchester City to protect a lead.
Scoreline: Borussia Dortmund 0-1 Real Madrid AET
Prediction: Luka Modric or Toni Kroos to assist the winning goal. The narrative basically trumps all other considerations with Real Madrid, and there’s plenty surrounding their two veterans.
