Real Madrid clinched their 15th Champions League title by defeating Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at Wembley Stadium. This much-anticipated match showcased several controversial refereeing decisions, particularly not awarding a penalty to Dortmund in the first half. Despite this, goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Jr. secured the victory.
Former Egyptian referee Nasser Sadiq critiqued the performance of Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic, mentioning that some decisions, including the ignored penalty and a yellow card for Vinicius Jr., impacted the match's outcome. In the 30th minute, a potential penalty for Dortmund after Ferland Mendy's push on Karim Adeyemi was overlooked, changing the course of the game when the score was still 0-0.
Vinicius Jr. was later cautioned erroneously, according to Sadiq, when the Real Madrid forward tried to play the ball without recklessness. The referee's decision appeared influenced by the goalkeeper's acting, arguing that goalkeepers do not receive special treatment when playing the ball with their foot.
Real Madrid's lineup included key players like Toni Kroos, who played his last match for the club, and Eduardo Camavinga, who replaced the injured Aurélien Tchouaméni. Carlo Ancelotti's strategic decisions played a significant role, including the introduction of Jude Bellingham, which solidified their mid-field.
Dortmund's journey to the final was remarkable, having surpassed teams like Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. Their Swiss goalkeeper, Gregor Kobel, proved instrumental throughout the tournament with significant saves, highlighting the formidable nature of Dortmund's defense.
Despite Dortmund's efforts, including key players like Emre Can and Niklas Füllkrug, they couldn't overcome Real Madrid's dominance. Vinicius Jr.'s goal, following a defensive error by Ian Maatsen, sealed Dortmund's fate.
- Real Madrid's victory further solidified their status as the most successful team in Champions League history. The tactical prowess of Carlo Ancelotti, who has now won this prestigious title multiple times with different teams, was evident throughout their journey.
- For Borussia Dortmund, reaching the final was a significant achievement, considering their underdog status and the challenges they faced throughout the tournament. The leadership of Edin Terzić and the performances of players like Gregor Kobel and Marco Reus provided hope and resilience to the squad.
- Carlo Ancelotti highlighted the team's preparation and resilience, noting that their history in the competition provided them with the necessary focus and confidence. Real Madrid’s defensive strategies, with contributions from Thibaut Courtois and Antonio Rüdiger, were pivotal in maintaining their clean sheet in the final.
- The final also marked significant milestones for individual players. Luka Modric and Dani Carvajal both aimed to secure their sixth Champions League title, equating them with legendary figures in the sport’s history.
- The contrasting fates of Toni Kroos and Marco Reus added an emotional layer to the match, as both players were playing their final club matches. While Kroos ended on a high note, Reus's efforts weren't enough to secure victory for Dortmund.
- Dortmund's spirit and determination were notable, and their performance throughout the Champions League season has set a strong foundation for the future. The strategies employed and the experiences gained will be valuable for their upcoming campaigns.
