8 Key moments of Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund ahead of the Champions League Final

May 31, 2024, 11 a.m.

HOW BVB CAN HURT BVB IN LONDON

The Champions League 2024 final presents an exciting showdown, and Borussia Dortmund go into this one with a number of key tactical cues that have been pivotal to their success throughout the season. Here are Dortmund's tactical highlights ahead of this crucial match:

BVB is a team that tends to exploit offensive transitions in a big way.

To this end, they have two full-backs with great finishing, Ryerson and Maatsen, and Adeyemi, who adds both right and left. In this case, they are positioned with great amplitude, and both Sancho and Brandt are close to freeing the outside lane. Fullkrug is fundamental to fix opposing centrebacks, freeing up space in the centre of the attack.

As mentioned, Fullkrug's offensive and aerial power is fundamental to the success of this Dortmund side. 

The attacker arrived from Werder Bremen, generated fear in the opponents and managed not to release him, generating drag and creating spaces, both behind his back and in the centre of the field.

In this case, we can see the presence at the back of another key player: Marcel Sabitzer. 

His versatility means that together with Julian Brandt, they can move both in the defensive midfield and in attack. Here they are both waiting for the second play after the midfielder's fight.

 

The presence of a central marker with good feet makes Nico Schlotterbeck a great playmaker and pass initiator between the lines. 

The aforementioned movements of Adeyemi on the outside, Fullkrug's fixation, Sabitzer's courageous bursts and Brandt's compensation turn these outlets into high-risk moves.

It is worth noting that BVB is a team that prefers to wait and give the ball away and when they see the opportunity, they are usually lethal because of the speed with which they come out and occupy spaces.

The expectations for this final are to arrive as a point and not as a bench, this may mean putting the pressure on Madrid, who has many more chances and is the candidate of all. Even so, they have reached this final beating rivals of great tenor as Atlético Madrid and PSF. 

If they can execute their tactical keys effectively and maintain the resilience they have shown throughout the season, Dortmund at least have their hopes intact of competing, fighting and challenging for the European title.

 

By Santiago Serrizuela - Analyst and UEFA C coach.

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THE MERENGUES' KEYS TO REACH WEMBLEY

 

Real Madrid, a name synonymous with greatness in European soccer, is on the verge of another UEFA Champions League final, this time facing Borussia Dortmund. With a history full of success in the most prestigious club competition, the Madrid-based team is looking to add another trophy to its impressive trophy cabinet.

 In this context, understanding Real Madrid's tactical keys becomes essential to anticipate how they might perform in the most important match of the season.

Here are some of the key moves we could see in the preview

 

Regardless of Kroos' excellent pass into space for Vini, and the Brazilian's “When I come it's because I'm going”, it is worth noting the importance of the fixations.

Both Rodrygo with Kimmich on the left wing of the Madrid attack, but also Bellingham on Dier in the central area. They are also necessary participants in the play, even without having been in contact with the ball.

In this action, despite being away from the ball, Joselu fixes the Bavarian center-backs. This does not allow Deligt (the closest centre-back) to be of help to Kimmich and Mazraoui in case they lose their duels vs Vinicius and Mendy.

 

Kroos approaches the central area of the field, where the play seems to be leaning towards the right flank.

The German is great reading to anticipate where the space will be and then attack it.

He is found in this case, after a filtered pass from Valverde. This allows his team, to move forward in the game.

When Kroos does not find the spaces in between, he drops back to the defensive line to be the one to initiate the play.

Here we can see the 3-5-2 formation with the fullbacks up and on the wing, Tchouameni as the only pivot and Bellingham and Valverde (closed) trying to win the backs of the opposing midfield.

 

If Madrid can capitalise on their strengths and minimise their weaknesses, they have a high chance of lifting the Champions League trophy once again.

However, they must be prepared for a Borussia Dortmund side that, with their own set of skills and determination, will fight until the last minute for European glory. Whatever the outcome, fans around the world are sure to witness a soccer spectacle of the highest quality.

 

By Carlos Serrizuela - CONMEBOL A Coach