The 2023-24 UEFA Champions League (ULC),which started almost a year ago with the first qualifying matches, concludes today with the final showdown between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium in London.
Real Madrid, with 14 European titles, aims to secure their sixth title in 11 years, a remarkable achievement unmatched by any other club.
Borussia Dortmund, champions in 1997, are back in the final for the first time since 2013 when they lost to Bayern Munich at Wembley.
Thibaut Courtois will be the starting goalkeeper for Real Madrid in tonight’s Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund.
Courtois, who has made a remarkable recovery from a serious knee injury with just four appearances this season, will look to replicate his performance from the 2022 final as Real Madrid seeks their 15th European title at Wembley.
Andriy Lunin, the usual stand-in goalkeeper, missed the flight to London due to the flu but later joined the squad and was named as a substitute despite performing well in Courtois’ absence.
Ancelotti said on Friday: “Lunin has had the flu. He’s going to travel. He is going to be on the bench of course and yes Thibaut Courtois is going to be in goal tomorrow.”
With David Alaba still out from a December injury, Nacho Fernandez will join Antonio Rudiger in central defense.
Eder Militao is not fully prepared due to being sidelined most of the season.
Eduardo Camavinga is chosen over Luka Modric in the midfield lineup alongside Fede Valverde and Toni Kroos.
Jude Bellingham is set to play behind Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo in the attacking lineup.
Sebastien Haller’s potential inclusion in Dortmund’s squad is a concern due to his ankle troubles.
Julien Duranville and Ramy Bensebaini are unavailable for Dortmund.
Marco Reus is likely to be on the bench for his farewell match for Borussia Dortmund.
Julian Brandt and Jadon Sancho have secured their positions in the attack.
Karim Adeyemi and Donyell Malen are viable options for the left flank.
Dortmund’s lineup: Kobel (GK) — Ryerson, Hummels, Schlotterbeck, Maatsen — Can, Sabitzer — Sancho, Brandt, Adeyemi — Fullkrug.
Real Madrid’s lineup: Courtois (GK) — Carvajal, Rudiger, Nacho, Mendy — Camavinga, Valverde, Kroos — Bellingham — Rodrygo, Vini Jr.
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