Three key battles that could decide Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid
By Brook Genene
The Champions League final is upon us, with Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid set to face off at Wembley Stadium in a quest to write their own history. The Black and Yellows are aiming to lift the Champions League trophy for the first time in 27 years. Marco Reus will also be eager to win the biggest title of his career in his final game for BVB. While Real Madrid are gearing towards a record 15th Champions League triumph.
The game is expected to be a hotly-contested one, with Edin Terzic and Carlo Ancelotti both usually preferring a pragmatic style of play. Here we take a look at three key battles that could determine the outcome of the game.
Vinicius Jr. vs Julian Ryerson
The Brazilian has become a crucial player for Real Madrid, and came up with a number of decisive moments in the semifinals against Bayern Munich. He has played a key role in Real Madrid’s run towards the final, and will be a handful for the Borussia Dortmund defenders on Saturday.
Vinicius usually lines up in Real Madrid's front two, but often drifts wide to allow Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo to take the central spaces. It certainly won’t be an easy task for Julian Ryerson coming up against the talented winger despite his exception performances in the Champions League this season.
The Norwegian full-back came up against Kylian Mbappe in the last round and delivered at the highest level. He has been solid on the right side of the BVB defence, and people are starting to take not of his excellent defensive performances. On Saturday, whoever comes out on top in this battle could determine the outcome of the final.