It's finally here. The 2023-234 European season reaches its conclusion on Saturday when Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund meet in the Champions League final at London's Wembley Stadium. Los Blancos are going for their 15th title, Dortmund want their second.
Real Madrid start as big favourites, but Dortmund are runners-up on merit, and have had a very difficult run at the showpiece event. Of course, it will not be easy for Carlo Ancelotti's team, and the Italian manager is planning to surprise his starting line-up, according to both AS Diary and Brand.
Thibaut Courtois begins, as confirmed by Ancelotti on Friday, while the general consensus is that Nacho Fernandez will play in front of Eder Militao. The rest of the defense is the same as it has been all season, and the same for the midfield and the attack – except for Eduardo Camavinga who starts in place of the injured Aurelien Tchouameni. Toni Kroos will take to the field in his last club match as a professional footballer.
Dortmund are expected to call the same line-up from their Champions League semi-final win over Paris Saint-Germain, with Mats Hummels and Nico Schlotterbeck partnering in the center of defence. Emre Can and Marcel Sabitzer play in midfield, just behind Julian Brandt. Niklas Fullkrug will be joined by Karim Adeyemi and Jadon Sancho.
The wait is almost over. Thousands of Real Madrid the supporters have made the journey, and will be desperate to see their team lift their 15th Champions League title, but Dortmund are standing in their way.
