As the stage is set for this season’s UEFA Champions League final at Wembley Stadium, anticipation builds for the clash between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid this Saturday.
Before diving into their journeys and current form, let’s examine the odds and suggest a bet on the outcome.
On the outright market, the odds heavily favour Real Madrid, standing as resounding favourites with odds of 1/3 to emerge victorious. Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund is currently priced at 5/2 to lift the coveted trophy.
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BORUSSIA DORTMUND v REAL MADRID– Click here to bet
It’s been 11 years since Borussia Dortmund last graced the Champions League final, emerging triumphant over Bayern Munich in a memorable clash at Wembley Stadium. Coincidentally, that historic final also unfolded at this very stadium, perhaps offering a favourable omen for the German club.
Dortmund’s progression en route to the final came as quite a surprise to many, considering the tough opposition they faced in the ‘group of death.’ Competing against the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan, and Newcastle United, topping Group F demonstrated their seriousness as they quietly went about their business.
Their defensive prowess shone throughout their European campaign, as they managed to keep six clean sheets out of twelve matches en route to the Champions League final. However, their vulnerability surfaced against Spanish giants Atlético de Madrid, conceding four goals across two legs—a concern, especially considering the potentially stronger Spanish opposition they will meet in the final.
On the domestic front, Dortmund managed to secure their place in next season’s UEFA Champions League competition by finishing fifth in the Bundesliga, 27 points adrift of runaway league winners Bayer Leverkusen.
In terms of form, Dortmund could not be in a better place, having won four of their last five encounters in all competitions, including the two semi-final legs against Paris Saint-Germain, where Dortmund triumphed 1-0 on both occasions, securing a 2-0 aggregate victory overall.
Borussia Dortmund has scored an average of 1.41 goals per game in Europe this season, with under 2.5 goals occurring in 75% of their matches (9 out of 12).
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European royalty and 14-time UEFA Champions League winners, Real Madrid, head to Wembley hoping to complete the double, having already secured this season’s La Liga title in convincing fashion.
Real Madrid made light work of the early stages, dominating and topping Group C by winning all six fixtures with an impressive tally of 16 goals. Their group consisted of Napoli, FC Braga, and Union Berlin—some would argue it was a relatively easy passage. However, given the opposition they faced in the knockout stages, their place in this season’s final is certainly warranted.
Real Madrid have been at their ruthless best upfront, equalling and even surpassing the likes of Bayern Munich and Manchester City en route to the final. With an impressive tally of 26 goals from their allotted 12 games in Europe, Los Blancos will be optimistic about their chances, aiming to bring their 15th UEFA Champions League title back to Madrid, despite having managed only 3 clean sheets in this competition to date.
Domestically, Real Madrid extended their record to 36 La Liga titles this campaign, winning by a comfortable 10-point margin over last season’s league winners, Barcelona. Coincidentally, it was the same margin Real Madrid lost by last season against the Blaugrana, exacting their revenge over their biggest domestic rivals.
Form-wise, Real Madrid are on an unbeaten run of 25 matches in all competitions, which includes all six knockout fixtures of this season’s UEFA Champions League campaign. Their most recent victory in Europe came against German opponents Bayern Munich in the semi-final, where they triumphed 3-2 on aggregate over both respective legs.
Real Madrid has scored an average of 2.16 goals per game in Europe this season, with over 2.5 goals occurring in 67% of their matches (8 out of 12).
Head-to-Head:
In their most recent showdown during the 2017/18 UEFA Champions League group stages, Real Madrid emerged victorious on both occasions. They secured a 3-1 triumph away to Dortmund before clinching a 3-2 win at home.
Across their European encounters, these clubs have met 14 times, with Real Madrid notching six wins, Borussia Dortmund securing three victories, and five matches ending in draws. Notably, their recent matchups have been high-scoring affairs, with both teams consistently finding the net. In fact, over 3.5 goals were scored in all four of their last encounters.
Betting
Dortmund 4/1
Draw 16/5
Real Madrid 4/6
Verdict:
Considering their history, where both teams have consistently found the net and goals have featured on a regular basis, we are likely to see a similar trend again. However, given the significance of the occasion as it’s a final, a slightly more conservative approach is taken by opting for both teams to score on the day.
Suggested Bet: Both Teams to score, Yes at 8/10
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change