The UEFA Champions League final returns to Wembley Stadium on Saturday night, with a clash between European giants Real Madrid and German underdogs Borussia Dortmund at 12:45 AM Nepal Time on June 2.
Real Madrid, seeking a record-extending 15th Champions League title, are heavy favorites. Their experience and history in the competition are unmatched. Los Blancos have a knack for pulling off comebacks, as evidenced by their victories over Manchester City and Bayern Munich en route to the final.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men are in dominant form, boasting only two losses in 54 games across all competitions this season. They’ve already secured the La Liga title and Spanish Super Cup. Midfielder Jude Bellingham, who departed Dortmund last year for Madrid, highlighted the team’s confidence: “I came here to win, and I hope so… You have to be confident when you’re playing with so many great players.”
Borussia Dortmund, on the other hand, have embarked on a dream Champions League run, reaching their third final in the club’s history. Despite struggling domestically, Edin Terzic’s side defied expectations, topping a tough group and overcoming strong opponents like PSV Eindhoven, Atletico Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain.
Dortmund’s last appearance at Wembley was an agonizing defeat to Bayern Munich in the 2013 final. This time, they’re determined to rewrite history. Terzic stated: “Our goal is not to reach the final, our goal is to win the Champions League… If you want to win the Champions League, you have to beat the champions.”
Beyond the team narratives, personal milestones are also on the line. Ancelotti has a chance to become the first manager with four European Cup victories. Dani Carvajal, Luka Modrić, and Toni Kroos (potentially playing his final club match) could etch their names further into Real Madrid lore by equaling Paco Gento’s record of six Champions League titles.
The stage is set for a compelling matchup. Will Real Madrid’s experience reign supreme, or can Dortmund cap off their magical run with a historic victory? The answer will unfold under the Wembley lights on Saturday night.
