Real Madrid and the Champions League is just inevitable. The Spanish giants claimed their 15th title with a 2-0 win against Borussia Dortmund with goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Jr., but they were made to work for it.
Edin Terzic’s Dortmund took the game to Real Madrid in the first half. After a tense first 15 minutes or so, Dortmund grew into the game and made use of their pace to counter Madrid and it worked with Karim Adeyemi rounding Thibaut Courtois but failing to convert the chance.
Niclas Füllkrug would have the next best chance of the half when he hit the post. Although Madrid dominated possession, Dortmund had the momentum but were unable covert their chances.
In the second half, Madrid began to grow into the game more and more and would be rewarded in the 74th minute when Dani Carvajal of all players scored from a corner to give Madrid the lead.
Dortmund began to chase the game and were punished once again when Jude Bellingham, who had been quiet all game, played through Vinicius Junior who doubled Madrid’s lead.
Ultimately, Dortmund will regret their missed chances. Madrid were there for the taking in the first half but they failed to take advantage of that. Despite Madrid being poor for the majority of the game, their experience shone through.
Sadly, Reus doesn’t get the happy ending that he rightfully deserved.
Dortmund won’t be here again next year, but they should learn from this as they have now thrown away two major trophies in two years. Echte Liebe.
Borussia Dortmund Player Ratings
Gregor Kobel (7), Julian Ryerson (6), Mats Hummels (6), Nico Schlotterbeck (7), Ian Maatsen (6), Emre Can (6), Marcel Sabitzer (6), Jadon Sancho (7), Julian Brandt (6), Karim Adeyemi (6), Niclas Füllkrug (6)
Others: Marco Reus (5), Donyell Malen (-), Sébastien Haller (-)
Real Madrid Player Ratings
Thibaut Courtois (5), Dani Carvajal (6), Antonio Rüdiger (6), Nacho Fernandez (6), Ferland Mendy (5), Federico Valverde (6), Edouardo Camavinga (6), Toni Kroos (6), Jude Bellingham (5), Rodrygo (5), Vinicius Junior (7)
Others: Luka Modric (-), Joselu (-)
