Real Madrid Defeats Dortmund and Wins Champions League For the 15th Time

Real Madrid once again showcased their dominance in European football by clinching their 15th European Cup, La Decimoquinta, with a remarkable second-half performance that saw them overcome Borussia Dortmund at Wembley. Goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinícius Júnior sealed the victory, reaffirming the club’s hegemony in the European Cup and etching a new chapter in the annals of football history.

The match began tentatively, with both sides testing each other without creating significant chances until the 15th minute. Vinícius Júnior attempted a left-footed shot from inside the area, which sailed high. Borussia Dortmund responded with a series of opportunities, the first coming in the 21st minute when Adeyemi found himself one-on-one with Courtois. The Real Madrid goalkeeper, with a quick reaction, forced Adeyemi’s shot away, with Carvajal clearing the danger.

Two minutes later, Füllkrug received the ball inside the area, but his powerful left-footed strike hit the post. Dortmund continued to threaten on the counter-attack, and Courtois was again called into action in the 28th minute to deny Adeyemi’s angled drive. The last significant chance of the first half came in the 41st minute when Courtois expertly saved Sabitzer’s long-range effort.

The second half saw a transformed Real Madrid side. Ancelotti’s tactical adjustments paid off as Madrid improved both offensively and defensively. In the 49th minute, Kroos nearly scored with a free-kick, only to be thwarted by Kobel’s impressive save. Carvajal then came close with a near-post header from a Kroos corner.

Carvajal continued to be a pivotal figure, narrowly missing with a drilled volley in the 57th minute following a Vini Jr. cross. Dortmund, however, responded with a powerful header from Füllkrug in the 63rd minute, which Courtois once again saved.

Real Madrid’s pressure eventually paid off in the 74th minute. A corner from Kroos found Carvajal, who rose above the defense to head the ball into the net, breaking the deadlock and tilting the match in Madrid’s favor. This goal ignited a dominant period for Madrid. Bellingham’s shot was blocked, and subsequent efforts from Kroos and Camavinga tested Kobel, who made several crucial saves.

However, Kobel could not prevent Madrid’s second goal in the 83rd minute. After winning the ball back in Dortmund’s half, Bellingham set up Vini Jr., who coolly finished to secure the victory. The final whistle confirmed Real Madrid’s status as the kings of Europe once more.

This match was also notable as Toni Kroos’s farewell game for Real Madrid. Kroos leaves the club having won six European Cups, joining the elite ranks of Gento, Nacho, Carvajal, and Modrić.