The long journey of the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League season culminates today, Saturday, with the final showdown between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium in London. Real Madrid, with an impressive record of 14 European titles, is aiming for their sixth in 11 years, a remarkable feat unmatched by any other club.
Borussia Dortmund, whose sole Champions League victory came in 1997, makes a significant return to the final stage, marking their first appearance since 2013 when they were defeated by Bayern Munich at Wembley.
In tonight’s final, Thibaut Courtois secures the starting position in goal for Real Madrid. The Belgian goalkeeper, recovering from a serious knee injury with limited appearances this season, seeks to replicate his stellar performance from the 2022 final as Real Madrid strives for their 15th European title at Wembley.
Despite battling the flu throughout the week, Andriy Lunin, Real Madrid’s regular stand-in, managed to join the squad later and was named as a substitute, emphasizing Courtois’ crucial role in the match.
Real Madrid’s lineup sees Nacho Fernandez partnering with Antonio Rudiger in central defense in the absence of David Alaba. Eduardo Camavinga gets the nod over Luka Modric in midfield, alongside Fede Valverde and Toni Kroos, who announces his retirement.
Jude Bellingham supports Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo in the attacking lineup for Real Madrid.
Dortmund faces concerns over Sebastien Haller’s potential inclusion due to ankle troubles, with Julien Duranville and Ramy Bensebaini unavailable. Marco Reus may find himself on the bench in his farewell match for Borussia, while Edin Terzic maintains the lineup that triumphed over Paris Saint-Germain in the last round.
Julian Brandt and Jadon Sancho secure their spots in the attack, with Karim Adeyemi and Donyell Malen offering options for the left flank. Loan signings Ian Maatsen from Chelsea and Sancho from Manchester United bring hope for a significant impact, particularly with Niclas Fullkrug leading the attack.
Projected lineups:
Borussia Dortmund (4-2-3-1, right to left): Kobel (GK) — Ryerson, Hummels, Schlotterbeck, Maatsen — Can, Sabitzer — Sancho, Brandt, Adeyemi — Fullkrug.
Real Madrid (4-3-1-2, right to left): Courtois (GK) — Carvajal, Rudiger, Nacho, Mendy — Camavinga, Valverde, Kroos — Bellingham — Rodrygo, Vini Jr.
