Real Madrid look to win a 15th European Cup on Saturday evening, as they face Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium in the UEFA Champions League final.
A first final in London since 2013, the finale also sees BVB make their way to the Home of Football, 11 years on from their last visit against Bayern Munich.
Repeatedly confounding the bookies this term, Marco Rose’s men look for their first trophy since the 2021 DFB-Pokal and their second European Cup since that famous Munich night in 1997, beating Juventus 3-1.
Can Dortmund once again defy the odds and claim a second Champions League trophy, or will Real Madrid continue their grip on ‘Ol Big Ears’?
Real Madrid dominance
For Real Madrid, though a first final in London it may be, Saturday will be the 19th time Los Blancos have played in a European finale.
Holding a win-loss tally of 14-5, Madrid boast a stunning percentage win of just under 74% of finals.
Having surrendered their crown to Manchester City last season, Madrid look to get back what has been almost their own since 2014 – it would be their sixth European Cup in a decade.
The story of their campaign has been the remarkable form of Jude Bellingham, linking up with Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr to form a potent offense.
THE SCENESSSS! 🤯
Joselu comes off the bench to turn the game around ⚽️⚽️
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/7w0BDseh7y
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) May 8, 2024
Yet it took a late, late brace from substitute Joselu to stun Bayern Munich in the semi-finals and book their final spot.
For Bellingham, just days before he heads off to the England camp ahead of Euro 2024, this will be a special night on home soil.
And for certain, the Birmingham boy will be a central figure on Saturday night.
Surprise package
Their opponents Dortmund have been produced something of a turn up this season, not least reaching this year’s finale.
Punters would have fetched a tidy price placing their faith in the Germans, after being in the same side of the draw as Inter, Atletico Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain.
However, despite facing tall odds, BVB eliminated them all.
Knocking out the reigning Italians champions on penalties, a narrow aggregate victory over Los Rojiblancos followed.
Then in the last four, PSG stood before them, but courtesy of Niclas Fullkrug and Mats Hummels goals, Dortmund progressed, impressively without conceding.
Having proved they can mix it both in attack and defense when needed, Marco Rose’s men have been a revelation.
Alas, they now face the sternest task of all, against the greatest Club side in the history of European football.
Betting
Unsurprisingly, Real Madrid are pretty hot favourites to come out on top, at a best price of 13/20 with William Hill, with Dortmund 5/2 with 888sport to lift the trophy.
In terms of value punts, Dortmund’s defence has shone in Europe this term and after shutting PSG out, can they do the same to Los Blancos?
Therefore, we might ponder a small punt on UNDER 2.5 goals at a better-than-evens 59/50, whilst the braver bettors can go for an unlikely UNDER 1.5 goals at 17/5 both with Unibet.
On the flip side, and to cover the goal angle, William Hill’s price boost of 5s from 4/1 for Bellingham to score in 90 mins, Real Madrid to win and both teams to score, looks pretty inviting.
Borussia Dortmund face Real Madrid in the 2024 UEFA Champions League final at Wembley Stadium, London on Saturday evening, kick-off 8pm UK time.
