Sadiq Khan Predicts Real Madrid's Triumph in the Champions League Final
Sadiq Khan, the recently re-elected Mayor of London, shares his predictions and aspirations for London's sporting future. Speaking exclusively to EL PAÍS, Khan forecasts that Real Madrid will defeat Borussia Dortmund 3-1 in the highly anticipated Champions League final this Saturday. Khan, a keen sports enthusiast, assures that Jude Bellingham will score at least one goal and celebrate with his trademark gesture.
Having navigated a turbulent year marked by weekly demonstrations in London against Israel's actions in Gaza, Khan has maintained order in the capital. London’s first Muslim mayor aims to position the city as the global sports capital, offering a rich mix of sporting events including cricket, tennis at Wimbledon, athletics with the Diamond League, and American football. His vision goes beyond football, reflecting London's diverse community, which Khan proudly highlights.
Reflecting on the Euros 2021 final, Khan emphasizes the lessons learned from the security failings that marred the event. He reassures that all necessary measures have been taken to ensure the Champions League final proceeds smoothly. Investments have been made in security improvements, additional assistants, and volunteers, along with a proactive police presence.
Khan’s commitment to democracy is evident as he acknowledges the right to peaceful protest. However, he hopes that the fervor of the Champions League final will overshadow potential political demonstrations, focusing instead on the celebration of football.
In contrast, Borussia Dortmund approaches the final with cautious optimism. Having overcome strong opponents such as Atlético Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain in earlier stages, Dortmund’s head coach Edin Terzić and managing director Hans-Joachim Watzke recognize Real Madrid as the 'absolute final opponent.' Despite this, Watzke draws inspiration from recent underdog victories in football, believing in the possibility of triumph through sheer determination and execution on the pitch.
Dortmund's historical performance against Real Madrid is notable, with a respectable record of three wins and five draws out of 14 matches. Watzke acknowledges Real Madrid's deep connection with the Champions League but remains optimistic, encouraging his team to embrace the challenge with confidence.
- Sadiq Khan, of Pakistani origin, continues to solidify his reputation as a unifying figure in the face of adversity, from accusations by political opponents to maintaining peace during protests.
- The enhancements in security for the Champions League final include state-of-the-art turnstiles and significant police presence to prevent any disorderly conduct reminiscent of past events.
- Hans-Joachim Watzke's optimism is fueled by Borussia Dortmund's consistent record of exceeding expectations against formidable teams in the Champions League.
