Real Madrid withstood a Borussia Dortmund barrage to win the Champions League for the 15th time as Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Junior struck late in a 2-0 win at Wembley on Saturday. Right-back Carvajal headed in from Toni Kroos‘ corner on 74 minutes before Vinicius fired into the far corner to extend the Spanish giants’ record as the most successful club in Champions League history. Madrid have now won their last nine European Cup finals and won the competition six times in the last 11 seasons.

However, not for the first time in that run, they had to rely on some good fortune as underdogs Dortmund were left to bitterly regret not making the most of their first-half chances.

Niclas Fuellkrug hit the post and Karim Adeyemi failed to convert a one-on-one with Thibaut Courtois.

Madrid, though, always seem to find a way in Europe’s elite competition and made more history in the English capital. Carvajal, Kroos, Nacho and Luka Modric joined Real legend Paco Gento as the only players to win the European Cup six times.

Carlo Ancelotti also extended his record as the most successful coach in the competition’s history with his fifth title.

A record number of more than 2,500 stewards were in place at Wembley with the authorities keen to avoid a repeat of the violent scenes that marred the Euro 2020 final three years ago when ticketless fans stormed the turnstiles. But further questions over the security operation will be raised as three pitch invaders were able to enter the field in the opening minutes of the game, with one taking photos alongside Jude Bellingham and Vinicius.

Ancelotti said pre-match he felt “like a lion” after an afternoon siesta, but his side were caught napping for the first 45 minutes as, roared on by the travelling thousands from Germany, Dortmund dominated.

Wasted Dortmund chances

Ancelotti’s decision to recall Courtois for his first Champions League appearance of the season after a serious knee injury paid dividends as the Belgian kept his side in the game.

The best chances fell to Adeyemi as Carvajal could not contain the German international’s pace. A brilliant pass by Mats Hummels put Adeyemi clean through, but he took a heavy touch under pressure from Courtois and ran too wide before his shot was blocked by Carvajal.

Fuellkrug’s barrel-chested physique has made him a fan favourite in his first season at Dortmund.

The German international striker came closest to breaking the deadlock before half-time when his effort from Ian Maatsen’s through ball came back off the inside of the post. Adeyemi was then denied once more by Courtois from a narrow angle and Fuellkrug could not twist his hulking frame to turn in the rebound.

Ancelotti, Nacho and Modric were keen to stress on the eve of the match that Madrid’s habit of finding a way to get over the line in the Champions League was no coincidence.

Having ridden their luck once more in the first half, the Spanish champions found their feet in the second period.

Gregor Kobel was finally forced into a save on 48 minutes from Kroos, who came close to marking the final game of his club career with a spectacular free-kick.

Bellingham was moulded into a world star during three years at Dortmund before leaving for Madrid 12 months ago for more than 100 million euros ($108 million).

The England international was inches away from biting the hand that used to feed him as he just could not get a telling touch on Vinicius’ teasing cross. Madrid landed the decisive blow 16 minutes from time when Carvajal rose highest to head in Kroos’ corner.

Kobel then briefly kept his side alive with fine saves from Eduardo Camavinga and Nacho, while Bellingham’s goalbound effort was deflected behind by Nico Schlotterbeck.

But Bellingham did have a moment to savour on his homecoming as his pass teed up Vinicius to kill of Dortmund despite Kobel getting a hand to the Brazilian’s powerful shot.

Real Madrid vs Dortmund UCL Final Live Streaming: On a night when two legends of the game are set to play their final matches for their respective club, Borussia Dortmund wll look to pull off one of the biggest ever shocks in a Champions League final against the mighty Real Madrid at London’s Wembley stadium on Saturday. For Dortmund, long-serving captain Marco Reus is set to leave the club after his contract expires later this month. On the other hand, fans will get to witness Toni Kroos‘ last dance in a Real Madrid shirt. The 2014 World Cup winner with Germany is set to retire from the start after the Euros in his homeland.

Kroos, a five-time Champions League winner, including four titles with Los Blancos, will have the chance to add another winners medal to his impressive CV.

The star-studded Spanish giants are heavy favourites to be crowned European champions for the 15th time, and a sixth in the last 11 seasons, against a Dortmund team that have beaten the odds just to make it to the final in London.

Dortmund were beaten in the final at the same venue 11 years ago by German rivals Bayern Munich. However, the club does know a thing or two about winning the Champions League, having beaten Juventus 3-1 in the final in Munich.

When will the Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund Champions League Final take place?

The Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund Champions League Final will take place on Sunday, May 2.

Where will the Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund Champions League Final played?

The Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund Champions League Final will be played at the Wembley Stadium in London.

What time will the Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund Champions League Final start?

The Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund Champions League Final will start at 12:30 am IST.

Which TV channels will telecast the Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund Champions League Final?

The Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund Champions League Final will be telecasted on the Sony Sports Network.

Where to follow the live streaming of the Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund Champions League Final?

The Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund Champions League Final will be streamed live on SonyLiv (app and website).

(All the details are as per the information provided by the broadcaster)

Champions League Final Live: Starting XIs Out!

Starting line-ups in the UEFA Champions League final between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid at Wembley Stadium (kick-off 1900 GMT):

Borussia Dortmund (4-2-3-1)

Gregor Kobel; Julian Ryerson, Mats Hummels, Nico Schlotterbeck, Ian Maatsen; Emre Can (capt), Marcel Sabitzer; Jadon Sancho, Julian Brandt, Karim Adeyemi; Niclas Fuellkrug

Coach: Edin Terzic (GER)

Real Madrid (4-4-2)

Thibaut Courtois; Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger, Nacho (capt), Ferland Mendy; Eduardo Camavinga, Toni Kroos, Fede Valverde, Jude Bellingham; Rodrygo Goes, Vinicius Junior

Coach: Carlo Ancelotti (ITA)

Referee: Slavko Vincic (SVN)

Borussia Dortmund coach Edin Terzic believes “anything is possible” as his side aim to shock Real Madrid in Saturday’s Champions League final at London’s Wembley stadium. The star-studded Spanish giants are heavy favourites to be crowned European champions for the 15th time, and a sixth in the last 11 seasons, against a Dortmund team that have beaten the odds just to make it to the English capital. Madrid have lost just twice in 54 games in all competitions this season, storming to the title in La Liga by 10 points and thrashing Barcelona 4-1 to lift the Spanish Super Cup along the way.

However, they have had to once again dig deep to reach what coach Carlo Ancelotti described as the “biggest game of any season” in the Champions League.

Ancelotti’s men withstood a barrage from defending champions Manchester City to win their quarter-final tie on penalties before another legendary late fightback at the Santiago Bernabeu to beat Bayern Munich in the last four.

“We never stop believing, no matter how the circumstances are,” said Luka Modric, who along with Nacho, Dani Carvajal and Toni Kroos, in the final match of his club career, can win the European Cup for a record-equalling sixth time as a player.

“We always believe, keep believing, keep pushing, fighting until the end. In the end, we manage to find a way to beat opponents.

“Many people say there is luck, but when it happens so many times, I think it’s not just luck.”

Madrid’s Bellingham moulded by Dortmund

The career path of Jude Bellingham exemplifies the scale of the task facing Dortmund.

Plucked from English Championship side Birmingham as a teenager, he was moulded and developed by the German giants before being picked off by Madrid for a transfer fee in excess of 100 million euros ($109 million) 12 months ago.

Without him, Dortmund struggled domestically this season, finishing fifth in the Bundesliga, 27 points adrift of Bayer Leverkusen.

Yet, Terzic’s men have saved their best for the Champions League stage to reach the final for the third time in the club’s history and first since they lost at Wembley to Bayern Munich 11 years ago.

Dortmund topped the group of death featuring Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan and Newcastle.

PSV Eindhoven and Atletico Madrid were then seen off before a heroic defensive display kept out PSG over two legs in the semi-finals.

“They are the favourites but we don’t care, we haven’t been the favourites against Atletico or against PSG,” said Terzic.

“But if we are brave and not here to watch Real Madrid lift the trophy, if we are here to give them a game, then we have a chance.”

In stark contrast to Madrid’s moniker as the kings of the competition, Dortmund’s only previous Champions League success came back in 1997.

Over 100,000 fans of the German giants are estimated to have made the trip to London despite the club being allocated just 30,000 tickets.

Marco Reus is one of only two Dortmund players who were in the side that lost to Bayern at Wembley 11 years ago and is dreaming of the perfect end to his time at the club.

Saturday will be the 429th and final game of Reus’ Dortmund career that could have a fairytale ending.

“I would say there is nothing better than playing your last game in a Champions League final and winning it,” said Reus, who turned 35 on Friday.

“Now the objective is to win the trophy because we cannot imagine how things could be the very next day in Dortmund.”

UEFA will be hoping the focus is on the protagonists on the field come full-time to ensure their decision to return to Wembley for a major final is not questioned.

Three years ago, the final of Euro 2020 was marred by violence as ticketless fans stormed the stadium doors to gain entry.

The English Football Association have invested 5 million pounds ($6 million) into improving safety and infrastructure at Wembley, which is also set to host the Euro 2028 final.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti warned his players the Champions League final is the most “dangerous” game in football on the eve of their clash with Borussia Dortmund at Wembley. The Italian, who has won the competition as a coach a record four times, said Los Blancos were afraid the trophy could escape them. Madrid, record 14-time winners, are firm favourites for the clash against the Bundesliga side. “A Champions League final is the most important game but also the most dangerous,” Ancelotti told a news conference Friday.

“We have to enjoy being here, but knowing it can go wrong because we are close to the most important thing in football — winning a Champions League — but having the fear this can escape us.

“Things have to go very well, you need to be lucky too, success is very close and so the worry begins tomorrow morning, tomorrow afternoon.”

Real Madrid captain Nacho said he was feeling confident but nervous.

“We’ve got more nerves than in any other moment of the season,” admitted Madrid captain Nacho.

“We’re humans, it’s a calm week for (some people) but for the players it’s not. It’s special, and that makes it not calm.”

Veteran midfielder Luka Modric said despite Madrid’s strength in contrast to Dortmund, he was approaching the match as if it were an even battle.

“Everyone thinks we are big favourites, but we don’t think about it like that,” said the Croatian.

“It’s 50-50, we’re playing a big team that has had a magnificent season in the Champions League.”

Nacho and Modric, along with Toni Kroos and Dani Carvajal, would reach six career Champions League wins with a victory over Dortmund, levelling all-time leader and former Madrid great Paco Gento.

“It was hard to imagine we’d get to this moment but we are here, very happy and enjoying this moment,” said Modric.

“I hope tomorrow we can take this step further, as a team and have six European Cups would be something big.”

‘Something special’

Madrid came from behind to beat Bayern Munich in the semi-finals and have a remarkable ability to turn games around in Europe when it seems like they are defeated.

“We prefer to take the lead if it’s possible,” said Modric. 

“But we’ve shown many times this year and before, that when things don’t go well we fight until the end.

“We always find a way, we’re capable of turning the game around. We keep having this mentality, this commitment and fight, but like I said, we’d prefer to take the lead.”

Ancelotti said Madrid’s ability to come back from the dead “has happened so many times it’s not chance”.

“It’s something special… it could be the history, the quality, the tradition, the character,” he mused.

The coach confirmed goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois would start the final ahead of Andriy Lunin, resolving the main selection query ahead of the game.

“Lunin had the flu and hasn’t travelled with the team, tomorrow he will travel and will be on the bench — Courtois will play tomorrow,” said Ancelotti.

Belgian stopper Courtois returned from a long-term knee injury earlier in May and has kept four clean sheets in four appearances since.

The campaign for Vinicius Junior to land his first Ballon d’Or is well under way, but the Real Madrid forward has his priorities straight. Before worrying about individual accolades, the Brazilian attacker is aiming to claim a second Champions League triumph on Saturday when Los Blancos face Borussia Dortmund at Wembley. Vinicius was the man who brought Real Madrid their record 14th European Cup in 2022, stealing into the area from the left and pouncing from close range in the 1-0 win over Liverpool.

It was a simple finish but one he had failed to make before, multiple times, in what proved a tricky start to life at Madrid.

Thrown into the void left by departed all-time top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo in 2018, Vinicius started off as a laughing stock, given his profligacy.

After coach Carlo Ancelotti returned for a second stint at the helm in 2021, the Brazilian proved the main beneficiary.

After 14 goals in three seasons before the Italian’s arrival, Vinicius netted 22 under Ancelotti’s guidance.

The 22nd was in Paris against Jurgen Klopp’s Reds, just reward for Vinicius’ transformation.

It was no fluke, with the forward adding 23 goals the following year and he has 23 again ahead of the final against Bundesliga side Dortmund. 

Vinicius has also profited from Ancelotti changing the system this season to accommodate Jude Bellingham‘s arrival and plug defensive deficiencies.

Ancelotti has largely deployed Vinicius as a central striker, a role which the winger took time to adapt to.

“Now I can play in more positions and that’s how I’ve made my game a lot better than when I arrived here,” Vinicius told reporters ahead of the final.

“I keep evolving, and I want to keep evolving until the last day of my career, as Toni Kroos is doing.”

German midfield metronome Kroos has been one of several good influences keeping the 23-year-old calm amid the focus and pressure.

Ancelotti’s guidance is crucial though and one of his greatest feats has been to turn Vinicius from a rough diamond into an elite star.

“I feel comfortable with whatever the coach tells me, because he has changed me as a player,” continued Vinicius.

“He gave me the confidence that I need and where he tells me to go, I have to be.

“At first I was not convinced about playing inside, now I am very happy to be play there — he always told me that I would score goals, and I didn’t believe it. And in the end, things have gone well.”

Time to improve

After three goals in his first 11 games of the season and new arrival Bellingham taking the limelight, Vinicius did not sulk.

A thigh muscle tear in November appeared a further setback, keeping him out of action until January.

However those weeks out proved time well spent, as Vinicius worked to understand his role better and came back with a bang.

“I had time to work on what I normally don’t work on, to think about my game and everything I could do to evolve it… and arrive at the most important phase of the season with a better level,” he explained.

Vinicius has 17 goals in his last 23 games, including a brace against Bayern Munich in the semi-final when he ran Joshua Kimmich ragged.

No longer able to laugh at Vinicius, some opposition fans have turned instead to hate. The past two seasons have seen a spate of ugly racial abuse cases aimed at him when playing on the road in Spain.

“(Racism) is something I cannot control, but I always try to keep calm,” said Vinicius.

Fortunately in recent weeks the abuse has died away and Vinicius has been able to focus on football. 

Asked if he would take a 1-0 win over Dortmund like two years ago against Liverpool, with him scoring the winner, Vinicius replied “for sure”.

“With a goal from anyone,” he continued, aiming for the Champions League above any individual considerations.

“I’ve never thought about (winning the Ballon d’Or),” said Vinicius. 

“The best thing that can happen this season is winning the Champions League.”