In the lead-up to the game, Dortmund head coach Edin Terzić issued a stirring rallying cry to his players, emphasizing the importance of bravery. “If we are brave, then we’re going to have a chance,” he declared. This statement set the tone for what was to come as Dortmund faced off against the formidable 14-time champions, Real Madrid. The team responded to Terzić’s call with an admirable display of fearlessness in the first half, creating a host of chances that should have resulted in a half-time lead.

Dortmund’s Early Dominance

The early stages of the match saw attempts from Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde and the otherwise well-marshalled Vinícius Júnior, but these were as effective as Los Blancos could manage. Dortmund, on the other hand, showcased a far greater cutting edge, even though they fell short in the final finish. The German side’s offensive threat was significantly driven by winger Karim Adeyemi. He was central to their attacking play, only being denied by a last-ditch tackle from Dani Carvajal after rounding Madrid’s goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois. Adeyemi continued to test Courtois, receiving a pinpoint through ball from Julian Brandt, but Niclas Füllkrug was unable to nod the rebound back towards goal.

Between these efforts, Füllkrug himself had a close encounter when he prodded the ball against the post following a pass from Ian Maatsen. The first half concluded with Courtois being called into action once more, this time pushing wide a powerful drive from Marcel Sabitzer. Dortmund’s performance was characterized by their relentless pressure and creation of opportunities, leaving the 14-time champions looking unsettled.

Madrid’s Response

As the teams emerged from the dressing rooms for the second half, a stern-faced Carlo Ancelotti was seen deep in discussions with Jude Bellingham and Toni Kroos. The German midfielder, playing his final game for the club, took on added responsibility. Kroos’ experience and leadership were crucial as he stepped up, calling Gregor Kobel into action with a well-placed free-kick. Despite Madrid regaining a foothold in the game, Dortmund remained focused and positive, continuing to create more presentable openings.

One of the most notable moments came just after the hour mark, when Courtois had to stand tall to keep out a stinging header from Füllkrug. The Belgian goalkeeper’s performance was pivotal in maintaining Real Madrid’s clean sheet during this period of intense pressure from Dortmund.

Carvajal’s Crucial Moment

Real Madrid, known for their resilience and ability to find a way to win, did not disappoint. The breakthrough came from an unexpected source: Dani Carvajal. Determined to make history by playing in a joint-record sixth-winning team in the final, Carvajal rose to head in Kroos’s perfectly delivered corner. This goal was a turning point in the match, lifting the spirits of the Madrid players and fans alike.

With the fear and pressure now alleviated, Real Madrid began to play with more confidence. Jude Bellingham and Nacho both came close to adding a second goal before Vinícius Júnior finally did, receiving a pass from Bellingham and sweeping his finish across Kobel to secure Real Madrid’s 15th European crown. This goal underscored the Spanish side’s clinical finishing and composure in crucial moments.

Reactions and Analysis

UEFA Technical Observer Panel

The UEFA Technical Observer panel praised Dani Carvajal’s performance, describing it as “a very dynamic, disciplined, and committed display.” They highlighted his solid defensive efforts and his ability to provide width for the team. The panel noted that Carvajal’s goal came from his belief and anticipation, which were key to his approach throughout the match.

Matthias Rötters, Dortmund Reporter

Matthias Rötters, reporting for Dortmund, observed that after a strong first half, Madrid slowly regained control of the contest. Despite Dortmund’s efforts and their ability to put the most successful side in this competition on the back foot at times, they were unable to find an answer to Madrid’s second-half breakthrough. Rötters remarked that once again, it is the La Liga side that is celebrating.

Graham Hunter, Real Madrid Reporter

Graham Hunter, covering Real Madrid, drew attention to the remarkable ‘Made in Germany’ feel to Madrid’s victory. In the semi-final against Bayern, it was German-born Joselu who made the difference. In the final, it was the brilliant Mannschaft international Toni Kroos, in his last match for Los Blancos, who crossed for Carvajal, a player who developed at Leverkusen, to break the deadlock. The decisive second goal was set up by former Dortmund player Jude Bellingham, further emphasizing the German influence on Madrid’s triumph.

Coaches and Players Speak

Carlo Ancelotti, Madrid Coach: “You never get accustomed to this feeling. It was a very difficult match, much more so than we anticipated. In the first half, we had to suffer; in the second half, we played better and lost the ball less. But those are all trifling details now. We won. The dream continues.”

Dani Carvajal, Madrid Defender and Player of the Match: “We sure know how to suffer, but believe me, I’d love to win these matches more easily. I’ve been coming up for corners most of the season. Determination is key to my approach; I headed one over earlier, and I just knew I had to score the second one!”

Toni Kroos, Madrid midfielder: “The decisive thing was that we didn’t concede in the first half. Our performance wasn’t great initially, but we improved as the game went on. We were fully there in the second half and ultimately, we were the better team. It took a while, but we proved our quality.”

Jude Bellingham, Madrid midfielder: “I’ve always dreamed of playing in these games. I can’t put it into words. It’s the best night of my life. This season has been like a dream. I’m so grateful to my teammates, my family, and everyone behind the scenes: the physios, the staff. This victory is a massive group effort.”

Edin Terzić, Dortmund Head Coach: “We put in a great display, and I think we deserved more than a 2-0 loss. From the first second, we showed the whole world that we weren’t just here to play a final, but to win it. We did so many things right, but they were ice-cold at the right moment, which is what we lacked today.”

Mats Hummels, Dortmund Defender: “We had a great match. I’m super proud of the team for how we presented ourselves here. We played bravely, with heart, and showed quality football. We just missed out on scoring a goal. Real Madrid then struck, as they have done many times before.”

Line-Ups

Dortmund: Kobel; Ryerson, Hummels, Schlotterbeck, Maatsen; Emre Can (Malen 80), Sabitzer; Adeyemi (Reus 72), Brandt (Haller 80), Sancho (Bynoe-Gittens 87); Füllkrug.

Real Madrid: Courtois; Carvajal, Nacho, Rüdiger, Mendy; Valverde, Kroos (Modrić 85), Camavinga; Bellingham (Joselu 85); Rodrygo (Éder Militão 90+1), Vinícius Júnior (Lucas Vázquez 90+4).

The match, characterized by Dortmund’s early dominance and Madrid’s resilience, ultimately highlighted the importance of experience and clinical finishing in high-stakes games. The triumph secured Real Madrid’s 15th European crown, further cementing their legacy as one of the greatest football clubs in history.

The Information is Collected from UEFA and Sky Sports.