Real Madrid’s Lineup Announced for Champions League Final Against Dortmund
The anticipation surrounding the UEFA Champions League final has reached fever pitch, with Real Madrid lineup Champions League final set to face Borussia Dortmund tonight at 19:00UTC. The stakes couldn’t be higher as fans across Europe prepare for what promises to be a thrilling contest. Real Madrid has revealed their starting XI, a full 2 hours and 40 minutes before the opening whistle, confirming the inclusion of key players and making some strategic decisions that have already sparked discussions among fans and pundits alike.
Real Madrid’s Starting XI
Real Madrid has confirmed the following lineup for the much-anticipated final:
- Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
- Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger, Nacho, Ferland Mendy
- Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga, Toni Kroos, Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham
- Attackers: Rodrygo, Vinícius Jr.
The inclusion of Vinícius Jr. comes as a pleasant surprise. The Brazilian star had been under the weather for the past two days, suffering from a high temperature, but has made a remarkable recovery to start in this crucial match. Vinícius Jr. has been instrumental for Real Madrid this season, showcasing his dribbling prowess and goal-scoring abilities.
Key Players to Watch
Thibaut Courtois: The Belgian goalkeeper has been a rock at the back for Real Madrid. With an impressive list of achievements, including multiple La Liga and UEFA Champions League titles, Courtois will be crucial in keeping Dortmund’s potent attack at bay. His stats this season, with a rating of 8.05 in La Liga, underline his importance to the team.
Jude Bellingham: The young English midfielder has been a revelation since joining Real Madrid. Bellingham’s performances have been stellar, with 19 goals and 6 assists in La Liga this season, earning him a rating of 8.03. His ability to control the midfield and contribute both defensively and offensively will be vital in this high-stakes match.
Toni Kroos: The German veteran is set to start his last game for Real Madrid. Kroos has had a decorated career, winning numerous trophies, including the FIFA World Cup in 2014 and multiple Champions League titles. His experience and vision will be invaluable in orchestrating Real Madrid’s play from the midfield.
Real Madrid’s Recent Form
The team comes into this final on the back of a mixed bag of results but has shown resilience and quality in crucial moments. Their recent La Liga form includes victories against Granada CF (4-0) and Alaves (5-0). In the Champions League, they showcased their mettle with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich in the semi-final.
Borussia Dortmund’s Challenge
Borussia Dortmund, on the other hand, has also been in fine form. Key players like Donyell Malen and Julian Brandt have been instrumental in their run to the final. Malen, with 13 goals in the Bundesliga, and Brandt, with 11 assists, will be the ones to watch from the German side. Dortmund’s journey to the final included a dramatic 1-0 victory over Paris Saint Germain, demonstrating their defensive solidity and ability to score crucial goals.
The Final Showdown
As the clock ticks down to the opening whistle, fans from both camps are filled with a mix of excitement and anxiety. Real Madrid, with their rich history in the Champions League, will be hoping to add another trophy to their illustrious cabinet. Borussia Dortmund will be looking to upset the odds and claim European glory.
For 90 minutes, and perhaps more, the football world will come to a standstill, glued to their screens, witnessing the drama unfold. Will it be Real Madrid’s seasoned campaigners or Dortmund’s youthful exuberance that prevails? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: this Champions League final is set to be a classic.
