Saturday evening, Wembley will be the stage for the Champions League final. Borussia Dortmund will face Real Madrid. These are the probable lineups according to Spanish and German media.
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Due to Andriy Lunin not traveling with the team because of illness, Thibaut Courtois will once again be in goal, as he was during the last league match against Real Betis.
Courtois' presence is a significant boost for the team, providing stability and experience between the posts. With Aurélien Tchouaméni still out due to injury, Nacho is also expected to start, according to Madrid-based media. Nacho's versatility and defensive prowess will be crucial in filling the gaps left by injured players.
The midfield will include Toni Kroos, who will be playing his final match for Los Blancos. Kroos has been a pivotal figure for Real Madrid, contributing to numerous successes over his tenure. His leadership and passing accuracy will be vital in orchestrating the midfield play. Alongside him, Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga will add dynamism and youthful energy. Jude Bellingham, who has quickly become a fan favorite, is expected to start in a more advanced midfield role, linking up play between the midfield and attack.
Up front, Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo are expected to start, providing pace and flair on the wings. Their ability to take on defenders and create scoring opportunities will be crucial for breaking down Dortmund's defense. Super-sub Joselu, who saved his team against Bayern Munich, will have to watch from the bench but remains a valuable option for impact later in the game.
Bellingham and Vinícius feature on the cover of AS, which hopes Real will go "from Wembley to heaven." Marca focuses mainly on the fact that Real could win their fifteenth Champions League title, highlighting the club's storied history and relentless pursuit of European glory.
Borussia Dortmund
In Germany, one big question dominates: Will Marco Reus get the chance to finish his last match for Dortmund with a starting position? Edin Terzic mentioned in the press conference that the veteran will play in any case, but he did not specify whether it would be as a starter or a substitute. Kicker expects that Julian Brandt will be preferred over Reus, with Brandt's recent form making him a strong candidate for the starting XI.
Among the Dutch players, Ian Maatsen is expected to start, but Donyell Malen is not. Maatsen's defensive skills and ability to support attacks make him a valuable asset for Dortmund. As in the semifinals against Paris Saint-Germain, it appears that Karim Adeyemi and Jadon Sancho will be in the lineup. Adeyemi's speed and Sancho's creativity will be key components of Dortmund's offensive strategy.
In addition, Dortmund's lineup will feature experienced defenders like Mats Hummels and Nico Schlotterbeck, providing a solid backbone to the team. Emre Can and Marcel Sabitzer are expected to control the midfield, offering both defensive cover and the ability to push forward. Up front, Niclas Füllkrug will lead the line, bringing physicality and goal-scoring prowess to Dortmund's attack.
Real Madrid: Courtois; Carvajal, Rüdiger, Nacho, Mendy; Camavinga, Kroos, Valverde, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius.
Borussia Dortmund: Kobel; Ryerson, Hummels, Schlotterbeck, Maatsen; Can, Sabitzer, Brandt; Sancho, Füllkrug, Adeyemi
