The Champion’s League final of 2024 is set in stone – Germany’s Borussia Dortmund, who last won the prestigious trophy in 1997, do battle with 14-time successors of the competition Real Madrid on June 1, inside the historic Wembley Arena, London.
With a recently secured 36th domestic La Liga title, it’s no surprise that the top-rated sportsbooks have placed Real Madrid as the UCL final betting favorites. Oppositely, Borussia Dortmund has scrapped by in the Bundesliga this term, currently in fifth place and 17 points behind league leaders Bayer Leverkusen.
Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid will clash in a European Cup final for the first time, and as we look ahead to this monumental meeting, here’s our in-depth team analysis and first look at the expectations we anticipate when these Spanish and German giants collide, including insights into the UCL betting odds.
UCL Final Information
- Date: June 01, 2024
- Kick-Off Time: 03:00 PM ET
- Location: Wembley Stadium, London, England
- Where to Watch: Paramount+/CBS Sports
- Referee: Slavko Vincic
- Betting Odds: Real Madrid ML -152 at Heritage Sports – Borussia Dortmund ML +425 at BetOnline
Borussia Dortmund vs. Real Madrid
Borussia Dortmund En Route to the UCL Final 2024
Dortmund's run to the Champions League final this season is a testament to their tenacity and tactical growth. Overcoming important fixtures against some of Europe's best teams, Dortmund's advancement after they topped Group F with three victories and two draws is a story of determination and resilience.
Their achievements in the knockout stage were particularly noteworthy. They defeated PSV 3-1 on aggregate and Atlético Madrid 5-4 (also on agg) in a thrilling battle across two legs. Then, a 2-0 aggregate victory over PSG in the semifinals demonstrated their maturation into a formidable squad and further cemented their status as a worthy contender for this year's trophy.
Dortmund’s UCL Stars
With his defensive skills and surprising efforts as a 35-year-old, Mats Hummels has been an important player in this squad during their UCL tenure this term. His guidance and expertise have been priceless, particularly in games that have doubted Dortmund's expectations.
However, he hasn’t done it alone.
In assistance, Julian Brandt has been an integral part of the midfield above Hummels. His ingenuity has ignited Dortmund's offense, allowing him to turn defensive plays into scoring chances. At 28 years old, Brandt has become an increasingly important player on the field because of his reliable play and knack for scoring game-winning goals.
Real Madrid: 15-Times a Charm
At the other end of the pitch, Los Blancos have done it again and gave onlookers no doubt about why they’re perennial favorites in European competition, year in and year out. They started this year’s tournament with an unblemished group record (6 wins), thus proving from the get-go that they would once again be the team to beat.
However, the knockout stages of this year’s UCL tournament did pose some serious threats, starting with a close call against Leipzig in the Round of 16. Then, a drama-filled quarter-final with current holders Manchester City saw them squeak by a penalty shootout. This was followed by another dramatic encounter. Bayern Munich surrendered to an 88th and 91st-minute scoring effort from Joselu.
While quarter and semi-final opponents City and Munich could’ve arguably been the overall greater teams on the night, this is why Los Blancos have collected 14 UCL trophies to date. They deliver when it’s most important, and the
Madrid’s UCL Stars
Jude Bellingham, a former Dortmund man, has been a standout player in Madrid’s starting XI. His versatility, switching from defensive to attacking roles in Ancelotti’s tactical formation, has been a key factor in his team's success. With a heap of assists and goals, he's proven himself as one of the world’s greatest midfielders.
A former Dortmund man, Bellingham might see some familiar faces and a nostalgic feeling might be present. However, make no mistakes: he’s been crucial in Real’s path to the final and will show no remorse against his old club in pursuit of collecting his first-ever Champions League trophy.
Did we forget to mention Antonio Rudiger, Toni Kroos, and Vinicius Junior? Yes, Los Blancos are brimming with world-class talent; on paper, this squad could be favored over any club on the planet.
2024 Champions League Final Insights & Expectations
Everyone loves an underdog story, which is why most soccer fans outside of Madrid will be cheering on Dortmund come June 1.
Despite this, all signs point towards Real collecting their 15th European trophy. It would take Dortmund to deliver a perfect performance for 90 straight minutes to overcome the odds, and while they undoubtedly have a fighting chance, Los Blancos, through their tactical prowess, ability to control possession and experience, should create more goal-scoring opportunities and make history once again.
Predicted Score: Real Madrid 3, Borussia Dortmund 1
*The line and/or odds in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
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