Real Madrid faces the Dortmund heist perpetrator.
The Thrilling Champions League Final: Borussia Dortmund's Brave Struggle Against Real Madrid
Borussia Dortmund showed a valiant effort to compete with Real Madrid in the Champions League final, managing to prove their dominance for around 60 minutes. In fact, it seemed as if the Black and Yellows were the better team. However, Real Madrid surprised everyone with their trademark performance in huge games.
Throughout the Champions League journey, Real Madrid had left the entire Bundesliga competition in the dust: Union Berlin in the group stage, RB Leipzig in the round of 16, and Bayern Munich in the semifinals. It seemed as if the final battle at Wembley Stadium would be a formality. But the taste of victory did not come easily to the Royals. It wasn't until around the 60th minute that they had digested their pre-match meal and developed a serious appetite. With a 2:0 win, Madrid triumphed in the unexpected duel.
Toni Kroos, who is leaving Real Madrid, has experience in this area. He has played in seven finals and has lost only one. That was back in 2012 when he represented Bayern Munich against Chelsea at home. Facing another loss, this time as a club player, seemed likely. But, in the end, it probably wasn't. Real Madrid has a certain mystical power to overcome all obstacles. They have the ability to rise from the ashes and become the fearsome beast everyone expects them to be.
In Wembley, where real competitor BVB surprised everyone after 11 years, it didn't appear that the great shark could fully show its teeth. But, deep down, everyone must have known what was brewing. Especially after the first 45 minutes, during which Dortmund dominated the game. At times, they had even pinned Real against the wall. The missing goal was the only thing lacking. The first half was baffling for the Madridistas, who had not been expected to dominate the game. Real was hanging by a thread. However, if a team can maintain balance while dancing on the edge, it's likely to be Real Madrid.
Missed Opportunities
Mats Hummels passed the ball to Karim Adeyemi, who was left unmarked, but his shot was too far away from the goal (21st). Earlier, Julian Brandt had missed an opportunity from a decent position (14th). Ian Maatsen found Niclas Füllkrug, but his shot missed the post (23rd). Adeyemi then shot but was saved by Thibaut Courtois (28th). Another chance slipped away from Füllkrug as he failed to convert the rebound. There weren't many chances for Real Madrid, with Vinicius Junior's dribbles being the only exception. For example, when Hummels tackled the Brazilian to prevent an unfortunate event and then pushed him angrily. [
This text discusses the Champions League final between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid. The author emphasizes Dortmund's efforts to challenge Real Madrid, but only for 60 minutes. Real Madrid, though, managed to pull through with a victory after being slightly stiff in the first half. Toni Kroos's departure from Real Madrid is also mentioned, and the author denotes the club's legendary performance in recent years. The text also brings up moments when Dortmund almost scored but missed out on goals, while Real Madrid never reacted to those opportunities.
Dortmund's stunning return to Wembley for a final showdown was like a slick, skillful heist. Fans had unfurled a massive banner over their stand, displaying a crown that resembled the Crown Jewels from the Tower of London. Above it was inscribed: "We're back in town to steal the crown." Dorsten's best men arranged an ambush, envisioning the ultimate "arch-enemy" in Real Madrid. Coach Edin Terzic had calmly announced this before the match. And his strategy held water until the break. The BVB had almost touched the untouchable glass cases of the Waterloo Barracks. Real Madrid's boss, Carlo Ancelotti, was scrambling for a solution. He was in permanent communication with his son Davide, one of the co-trainers. They concocted a plan to stop the thief.
The final grasp of the coup was now out of the grasp of the BVB. Real Madrid had heard the alarm and was determined to protect themselves. In the second half, the team of Carlo Ancelotti regained its composure. From the 60th minute onwards, Real was back in the game, and the Dortmund team, who had almost taken Real out of the contest, was starting to feel the burn. The exertion of the first hour had depleted their strength, and they were reaching the end of their rope. And this was the precise moment when the battery went dead. In the 49th minute, Kroos tested Kobel, the Dortmund goalkeeper, with a free kick. The Swiss blocked it strongly.
Young Englishman Jude Bellingham, who once shined at Borussia and then left in the summer, spoke after the match, "We weren't killed by them. We were actually the better team in the first half; they could've led 2-0 or 3-0. They didn't kill us, so we had a chance to come back." Bellingham's emotions were a mix of bravery and sadness throughout the first half of the Champions League final. He had great respect for Borussia and was always grateful for what the club had given him. It was unfortunate that it came down to a direct confrontation, but that's just how football is sometimes."
Hummels complained, "We missed a great chance to score a goal and then we had to face one against us." He mentioned that's how Real had always done it, and that implied a sort of quality they possessed. In truth, Real has a mysterious quality that ensures success. Their last European loss was in 1981 when they lost 0-1 against Vicente del Bosque, a future World Cup, European Cup, and Champions League winner, and Uli Stielike against Liverpool. Alan Kennedy scored the game-winning goal in the 83rd minute.
Real was running out of time to turn things around in Wembley. Jadon Sancho made a critical error, resulting in a corner kick for Madrid. Kroos initiated, and Dani Carvajal leapt over Maatsen, with Füllkrug arriving too late, resulting in a missed perfect header (74%). Real regained control, and Bellingham hastily moved the ball away from the metal. Eduardo Camavinga and Nacho attempted to make the final decision, but they fumbled. Then Vinicus Junior ruthlessly put the ball into Borussia's hearts, making it 2-0 (83%).
Ancelotti leaves the door open for Kroos to reconsider retirement
Two minutes later, it was over: Kroos left, and his journey off the field was likely his last as a club footballer. In a few days, he will be joining the national team, where he will conclude his career. Kroos smiled, feeling supported. This time there were no tears. He had cried last week, during his goodbye to the Bernabeu when his children were at his feet. The strong Kroos became soft. Now David Alaba had his neck, and they joked. A great feat had been accomplished. "Of course, I wanted to end my career with this Champions League trophy," he said in a ZDF interview with Nils Kaben. He admitted there was some tension, like the "You had 90 minutes to think about your answers..." moment. But this time, everything remained positive and calm. "The decisive factor was that we didn't concede a goal in the first half. That would've been more than possible. It took a while for us to be the better team."
And so, the most successful career in German football comes to an end. Although they refused to accept it in Madrid, Coach Ancelotti has left the door open for Kroos to reconsider. "We hope he changes his mind and if he does, we'll be ready." However, Kroos had previously ruled out any flip-flopping, "No, that's set." No more back and forth moves like his return to the German national team in March. "That should be enough," he said, and added, "My children have made up their minds; they want me home more often."
