BVB vs. Real Madrid team analysis: A recognized weakness leaves the Spaniards open to attack.

The UEFA Champions League final is approaching. - Comparing teams: BVB vs. Real Madrid - A weak point may expose the Spaniards.

A statistic that may worry Borussia Dortmund before their Champions League final against Real Madrid: Since the Champions League renamed from European Cup of Champions League in 1992/93, the Spanish club has been in the final eight times, and won eight times. This is a remarkable record that demonstrates: Real Madrid is the dominant force in the biggest club competition in the world unlike any other club. Since the 1954/55 season when the European Cup was first played, they've won the European title 14 times, as much as no other team.

Borussia Dortmund can brag about one title. Under coach Ottmar Hitzfeld, the Black and Yellows won the DFB Cup in 1997. In 2013, they reached the final again. They lost there, of course, to FC Bayern Munich. Now, the BVB has a third opportunity to become the best club in Europe. However, how big is the probability, and what are Real's weak spots? A comparison of the teams.

Real Madrid and BVB by Numbers

| | Real Madrid | Borussia Dortmund || --- | --- | --- || Champions League titles | 14 | 1 || Champions League finals | 16 | 3 || Champions League semi-finals | 27 | 11 || Champions League quarter-finals | 35 | 17 || Champions League group stage appearances | 60 | 35 || Champions League goals scored | 473 | 251 || Champions League goals conceded | 231 | 181 || Champions League clean sheets | 124 | 77 || Champions League appearances | 156 | 103 || Champions League wins | 95 | 58 || Champions League losses | 42 | 39 || Champions League draws | 19 | 16 |

Coaches

It's a battle between generations. Edin Terzic, 41 years old, has been Borussia Dortmund's head coach since December 2020, with a brief interruption. So, seen, he's virtually still a rookie, because Dortmund is his initial professional job. In the 2020/21 season, he won the DFB Cup. Then he stepped down temporarily to take over again for the 2022/23 season. In the previous season, he finished second as an outsider in the Champions League final.

His competitor Carlo Ancelotti, 64 years old, has been a head coach for 29 years and has made himself the most successful coach worldwide. He's won four Champions League titles (two with AC Milan, two with Real Madrid) and has won the title in each of the four major leagues (Spain, England, Germany, Italy). His signature moves are chewing gum and raising his right eyebrow.

Tactics

The problem for BVB coach Edin Terzic is that his competitor Carlo Ancelotti is highly adaptable in tactics. Real Madrid's fundamental formation is a 4-4-2 system. That doesn't reveal anything about whether they play with a diamond midfield or two sixes. And it doesn't reveal anything about how often Real employs aggressive pressing or if they prefer to let it go. Pressing isn't one of Real's specialties, at least not recently. They have played it more often lately. This presents Dortmund the opportunity for fast counterattacks if they manage to penetrate the pressing chain, either by skilled play or through a long ball into the striker. With the speedy wingers Karim Adeyemi or Donyell Malen, Dortmund has a real weapon. In the attack, Ancelotti allows his team plenty of freedom. Here, players like Jude Bellingham or Vinicius Jr. enjoy deceive central defenders out of position, creating space for a pass into the depth. This worked well for Real in the semi-final against Bayern, with Min-Jae Kim advancing to midfield to free up space for Toni Kroos' pass.

Verdict

The Champions League final between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid is a conflict between two teams with significantly different histories. While Real Madrid has dominated European football for decades, Borussia Dortmund has only won the competition once. However, the BVB has the potential to cause an unlikely upset with their speedy wingers and a coach not scared to take risks. Real Madrid, on the other hand, has a wealth of experience and a coach who knows how to win. Eventually, it'll be a battle of strategies, persistence, and talent.

For Borussia Dortmund, they'll need to prioritize defense in their 4-3-3 formation. The wingers have to put in extra effort, similar to Karim Adeyemi's recent performance. This will transform Dortmund's four-defender lineup into a five-defender one. Their offensive squad should assist in doubling up on Real Madrid's attackers at best. If Dortmund uses press tactics, their typical setup changes to a 4-1-4-1, primarily to secure the center. It's crucial that the defense maintains its footing. If Real manages to break through Dortmund's pressing tactics, they'll have ample room for swift counterattacks. This could prove troublesome for Mats Hummels. Offensively, Terzic's squad has demonstrated proficiency in combination play, even when facing a deep Real Madrid team. With players like Jadon Sancho, Adeyemi, and Julian Brandt, this team boasts tech-savvy and speedy talents capable of outmaneuvering Real's defense featuring Antonio Rüdiger. Transition plays are another strategy.

Squad Availability

Despite the stark difference in market values, Borussia Dortmund has an advantage - Aurélien Tchouaméni won't be playing for Real Madrid. The French midfielder is renowned for his defensive midfield prowess, making him one of the best in the world at his position. Real Madrid's goalkeeping conundrum persists as Thibaut Courtois returned from injury, but there are doubts about his fitness for a Champions League final. Lunin stepped in and contributed greatly in his absence, but he's currently battling a cold and might only travel while possibly sitting on the sidelines. This could pave the way for Kepa. David Alaba is back in action after a cruciate ligament tear that sidelined him for half a year, but he's unlikely to play. Despite his absence, notable players from Real include Rüdiger, Kroos, Bellingham, Rodrygo, and Vinicius Jr.

Real Madrid: Courtois - Carvajal, Rüdiger, Nacho, Mendy - Camavinga, Valverde, Kroos, Bellingham - Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo.

At Borussia Dortmund, Terzic has all players available, save for Ramy Bensebaini and Julien Duranville. His key players include Kobel (goalkeeper), Hummels, Brandt, Sancho, and several others, with Füllkrug being the highlight. The former Bremen player assumes a central role in the offense as both a striker and ball-winner.

BVB: Kobel - Maatsen, Schlotterbeck, Hummels, Ryerson - Can - Brandt, Sabitzer - Adeyemi, Sancho, Füllkrug.