With the Champions League coming to an end with the final at Wembley, here are our final predictions, as Real Madrid bid to win their 15th European Champions Cup against Borussia Dortmund.
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Borussia Dortmund – Real Madrid – 21:00 CET – Wembley Stadium
Fergal Brennan: I expect a Wembley chess match between Carlo Ancelotti and Edin Terzic. Dortmund showed patience and resilience to take the lead and maintain a 1-0 lead against Paris Saint-Germain. However, Los Blancos are the complete opposite of PSG in terms of being self-destructive in big games, and they will have no problem playing a waiting game and outscoring the competition late on.
Vinicius Junior and Rodrigo have been Real Madrid's goalkeepers in the Champions League this season with five goals each. Jadon Sancho and Karim Adeyemi will be vital in helping defensively against them, but Rodrygo's ability to drift centrally could be vital.
Grading line: Borussia Dortmund 0-1 Real Madrid
prediction: Rodrigo Goes will grow his European legend by clinching the winner.
John Menzies: We are approaching the peak of the European season, and it should be an exciting occasion. Real Madrid start as favourites, but Dortmund have been outstanding in the Champions League this season, and I expect them to uphold the integrity of Los Blancos. However, I think the quality of Real Madrid will be very great in the end.
I can see Vinicius Junior repeating his exploits from the 2022 final against Liverpool, and with Thibaut Courtois looking good in goals, I don't expect Real Madrid to concede.
Grading line: Borussia Dortmund 0-2 Real Madrid
prediction: Vinicius Junior was the match-winner in 2022, and will once again be man of the match on the road for the Brazilian.
Ruairidh Barlow: If you go back to Real Madrid's trip to the Champions League final, both Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig had the opportunity to play those matches, causing huge problems for Los Blancos. Likewise, they are both more active than Borussia Dortmund, and if you look at the only team to beat Real Madrid this season, you will find that Dortmund has more ingredients to play like Atletico Madrid.
Real Madrid have the advantage of Vinicius reaching this final in his best form this season, and the emotional factor of Toni Kroos, while Ferland Mendy, Dani Carvajal, Nacho Fernandes and Thibaut Courtois look inspiring. Los Blancos are at their best when other sides leave space behind them, so if they can advance, they will likely win. If Dortmund can get ahead, they are better equipped than Barcelona, Bayern and Manchester City to protect the lead.
Grading line: Borussia Dortmund 0-1 Real Madrid It
prediction: Luka Modric or Toni Kroos to help score the winning goal. Narrative essentially trumps all other considerations with Real Madrid, and there's a lot going on surrounding the veteran players.
