Why BORUSSIA DORTMUND CAN BEAT REAL MADRID in UCL FINAL!
Dortmund have their BEASTS!
Since Roman Weidenfeller's retirement, the goalkeeping position has been an issue at Borussia Dortmund. Roman Burki was not up to the job, and the club was constantly looking for a replacement. Unexpectedly enough, the Swiss Gregor Kobel, who had previously represented Stuttgart, Hoffenheim, and Augsburg, became the team's first-choice keeper. Just look at his stats this season in the Champions League: 6 clean sheets, 42 saves, 6.10 goals prevented, 84% save percentage, 7.60 average Sofascore rating. Now that's a real wall, not just a player!
Although, things would have been much harder for Kobel if not for the legendary Mats Hummels. The 35-year-old centre-back was selected as Player of the Match in both semi-finals. Mats, whose threat during set pieces is always on top, was the one responsible for slotting the decisive header in Paris.
Moreover, Hummels acts as the roster's 'wise old man' who motivates the youngsters: “Since the second match of the group stage, we've believed that we could prevail in every game - and I don't see why we shouldn't win at Wembley now.”
The winter transfer window can be defined as a turning point in the season for the German giants. Only two signings were made, but both hit the bull's eye. Ian Maatsen joined on loan from Chelsea and covered the left-back position, which had been particularly problematic, as the summer newcomer Ramy Bensebaini failed to meet expectations. Maatsen works incredibly hard on the attack, and while defending, he skillfully neutralizes any danger from his flank...
The second signing saw the return of Jadon Sancho, who managed to revive his career in a span of a few months. During the first leg against PSG, the Englishman simply demolished Nuno Mendes, making 12 successful dribbling attempts throughout the game. Only Lionel Messi had more at the semi-final stage - 16 against Man United in 2008. On the whole, Sancho provided the uncontrollable chaos and sharpness on flanks which were sorely lacking in the first half of the season.
On both attacking wings, the explosive Karim Adeyemi literally rips through the opposition's defence at breakneck speed. He had a poor start to the season, then was a bit hampered by injuries, but since February the guy has emerged as a key player for the squad. His runs against PSG stunned all football fans - Karim proved himself as a competitive monster who does not recognize authority!
In the midfield, the Yellow-Blacks' game is superbly coordinated by the experienced Marcel Sabitzer and Julian Brandt. Not only do they possess excellent passing skills, they also boast a classy long-range shooting ability. It was Sabitzer's goal from outside the box that made the difference against Atletico Madrid.
Niclas Füllkrug deserves special mention. Back in 2022, the 31-year-old striker used to play in the Second Bundesliga for Werder Bremen, and here he is, scoring goals against Atletico Madrid and PSG right on his debut Champions League season. Aside from his strikes, Niclas allows Dortmund to win the ball back in the opponent's half with his physique. This man can surely be a threat to Madrid's defense in the final!
Marco Reus factor
“We had to suffer a lot. But at the end of the day, no one will ask how we got to the final. We are going to Wembley. We just need to lift the cup too,” stated a happy Marco Reus in the post-match interview.
Marco has been suffering for 12 years. The club's true legend, the only one from 'that' Klopp's squad who never left Dortmund. Marco Reus's impact on Borussia Dortmund can be compared to that of Lionel Messi. All the Hornets players want Marco to finally win at least one major silverware!
A few days before the second semi-final leg, Reus officially announced this season at Dortmund will be his last. Think of it as a great motivation for both Marco and all his teammates. It's either now at Wembley or never! Reus deserves to win the whole thing more than anyone else in this roster!
Right, Marco is no longer a regular at Borussia. However, his contribution to the club simply cannot be denied! Friends, press the like button if you will be supporting the Hornets in the final because of the Marco Reus factor!
Real Madrid - a huge favourites. But Borussia can still win it!
Sure, Real Madrid will be tipped as the favourites for any Champions League final. It's the tournament, where their magic works best. The match against Bayern Munich proved this point once again. And yet, Borussia has something to offer!
First of all, every Borussia Dortmund player will find this one to be a “performance of a lifetime”. Real Madrid have already had many finals like this, while the German side may never have such a chance in the future. Their concentration will be at the highest level!