After a night of intense effort and strategy, Real Madrid emerged victorious once again in the Champions League final, with their fans creating a wall of white and serenading their unbeatable team.
The victory at Wembley Stadium marked Real Madrid’s record-extending 15th Champions League title, cementing their status as Europe’s most successful football club.
The Road to Victory
Real Madrid’s manager, Carlo Ancelotti, described the 2023-2024 season as a “10 out of 10” after their 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund.
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“This season has been 10/10. My players have been spectacular,” Ancelotti said, reflecting on a campaign that also saw Real clinch the La Liga title in Spain.
The final itself was a tense affair, with both goals coming late in the second half from Dani Carvajal and Vinícius Júnior. The success marked Ancelotti’s fifth Champions League win as a manager, another record, and placed players like Toni Kroos, Carvajal, Luka Modric, and Nacho alongside club legend Paco Gento with six Champions League wins each.
Dortmund’s Missed Opportunities
Borussia Dortmund, under the guidance of Edin Terzic, dominated the first half of the match but were unable to capitalize on their chances. Julian Brandt, Niclas Füllkrug, and Karim Adeyemi all missed clear opportunities to put Dortmund ahead.
“They [Dortmund] played better than us and had more chances than us, but they let us get away with 0-0 at half-time,” Ancelotti admitted.
Füllkrug came closest to scoring for Dortmund when he hit the post in the 24th minute. Real Madrid struggled to get into the game initially, with former Dortmund star Jude Bellingham effectively neutralized by his old teammates. However, after weathering the first-half storm, Real Madrid found their rhythm in the second half, leading to their decisive goals.
Real Madrid’s Unyielding Spirit
Reflecting on the season, Ancelotti highlighted the resilience and determination of his squad. “In the second half we had more balance, played better and managed to win the game. This win makes me very satisfied because we never give up and always fight until the end,” he said.
Ancelotti also noted the team’s ability to overcome numerous challenges, including the loss of key players, which they compensated for with commitment and teamwork.
Having secured their 15th Champions League title, Ancelotti emphasized that Real Madrid’s focus would quickly shift to next season.
“In this club, there is a continuous demand and we are never satisfied. After the Euros and Copa America, the players will come back with the same hunger and ambition as before,” he said.
Tribute to Toni Kroos
The final also marked the last club game for midfielder Toni Kroos, who plans to retire after Euro 2024. Ancelotti paid tribute to Kroos, praising his professionalism and impact on the team.
“I’m really grateful to Kroos. He finished at the very top, there is no way to finish higher than this. He is a legend at this club,” Ancelotti said, adding that the club would welcome him back if he ever changed his mind about retiring.
Real Madrid’s Historic Dominance in Europe
Real Madrid’s dominance in the Champions League is unparalleled. The Spanish giants won the first edition of the tournament, then known as the European Cup, in 1955 and retained the trophy for the next four editions—a record for the longest consecutive wins in the competition’s history.
With 15 titles, Real Madrid has more than doubled the tally of the second-most successful club, AC Milan, which has seven titles. German powerhouse Bayern Munich and English club Liverpool have each won the Champions League six times. Other notable multi-time winners include Barcelona (5), Ajax (4), Manchester United (3), Inter Milan (3), Juventus (2), Benfica (2), Nottingham Forest (2), Porto (2), and Chelsea (2).
Since their last European Cup final loss to Liverpool in 1981, Real Madrid has won nine consecutive finals over 43 years, showcasing their enduring prowess in European football.
The Decisive Moments
The final’s turning points came in the latter stages of the match. Dani Carvajal broke the deadlock with a header from a corner, and shortly after, Vinícius Júnior capitalized on a defensive error to secure the second goal. The match was particularly harsh on Dortmund defender Ian Maatsen, who was involved in the mistakes that led to both goals.
“It was a very difficult game,” Carvajal told Movistar. “In the first half we came out alive, they were quite a lot better. We knew our moment would come … We knew how to suffer. That’s football.”
This Champions League victory adds to Real Madrid’s storied legacy and highlights their ability to triumph under pressure. The club’s journey through the season, marked by strategic brilliance and unyielding determination, underlines why they are considered the best club in the world.