Dortmund In Champions League Final: Terzic Vows Victory Over Real Madrid
Borussia Dortmund are determined not to be mere spectators as Real Madrid aim for their 15th Champions League title, coach Edin Terzic asserted on Friday. "You don't play a final, you win a final, and that is our clear goal," Terzic stated before a training session at Wembley Stadium. "We're happy to be here, but we have to win at Wembley against Real Madrid to hold that trophy in our hands."
Dortmund finished fifth in the Bundesliga this season, making their journey to the Champions League final even more surprising. Their last appearance in the final was in 2013, also at Wembley, where they lost to Bayern Munich. Terzic's team shocked Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals and then tactically outclassed Paris Saint-Germain with 1-0 victories in both semi-final legs.
"Madrid are the favourites, but we weren't favourites against Atletico or Paris either," Terzic added. "If we are brave and not just here to see Madrid win their next trophy, then we have a chance. We are the team with the most clean sheets in the competition. You need to keep the opposition as far away from goal as possible."
Terzic emphasised that Dortmund have evolved since conceding goals in September. "We weren't at our highest level then, but we are a totally different team now and have shown we are ready to compete for the trophy," he said.
One of Dortmund's significant challenges will be facing Jude Bellingham, who left the club for Madrid last year and has excelled in LaLiga. "Few players have had contact with Jude. Everyone is in the zone and concentrating on their task," Dortmund midfielder Julian Brandt noted.
Saturday's final will be Dortmund's 300th major European game and the last match for Marco Reus in the iconic yellow shirt. Similarly, Madrid's Germany midfielder Toni Kroos is preparing for his final club game before retirement.
"I was able to play with both of them. Toni is an absolute icon and a sensational guy who has won everything," Brandt said. "Marco is also one of the reasons why I play for BVB. He was an idol for me as a child and teenager. It's still a lot of fun to train and play with him."
In 2012-13, Borussia Dortmund reached the Champions League final at Wembley. Eleven years later, UEFA's showpiece returns to Wembley, and so do Dortmund.
In 2012-13, Borussia Dortmund reached the Champions League final at Wembley. Eleven years later, UEFA's showpiece returns to Wembley, and so do Dortmund.https://t.co/uLQX49KJbK
— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) May 30, 2024
Marco Reus has scored four goals against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, more than against any other club. Indeed, no other German player has scored as many goals against Real in the competition.
4 - Birthday boy Marco Reus has scored four goals against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, more than against any other club. Indeed, no other German player has scored as many goals against Real in the competition Anticipation.https://t.co/rA2i29radW
— OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) May 31, 2024
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