Champions League final predictions: Borussia Dortmund struggle for goals, Brazilians in form for Real Madrid
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
Brennan's anger: I pray for a Wembley chess match between Carlo Ancelotti and Edin Terzic. Dortmund showed both patience and resilience to gain and maintain a 1-0 lead against Paris Saint-Germain. However, Los Blancos are the polar opposite of PSG in terms of big game self-destruction, and have no problem playing a waiting game and getting into the contest late.
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 to help the defense against them, but Rodrygo's ability to move into the center could be vital.
Scoreline: Borussia Dortmund 0-1 Real Madrid
Forecast: Rodrygo Goes will grow his European myth by capturing the winner.
John Menzies: The showpiece of the European season is upon us, and it should be a tantalizing occasion. Real Madrid start as favorites, but Dortmund they have been outstanding in the UCL this season, and I expect them to keep the 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 don't expect Real Madrid to concede.
Scoreline: Borussia Dortmund 0-2 Real Madrid
Forecast: Vinicius Junior was the winner of the match in 2022, and will be again – man of the match on the road for the Brazilian.
Roderick Barlow: If you go back through Real Madrid's run to the Champions League final, both Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig had opportunities to take those games, and it caused the Los Blancos significant problems. Equally, both are more proactive than Borussia Dortmund is likely to be, and if you look at who beat Real Madrid this season, Dortmund has 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 looked inspired. Los Blancos are at their best when other sides leave space behind them, so if they can get forward, they will probably win. If Dortmund can grab 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
Forecast: Luka Modric or Toni Kroos to assist the winning goal. The narrative basically outweighs all other considerations with Real Madrid, and there are many surrounding their two veterans.
