Published on May 31, 2024
As Borussia Dortmund prepare for their first Champions League final appearance since 2013, manager Edin Terzic has a boost of not having any major selection issues in the squad. While there are small questions to answer such as will Marco Reus get his appropriate send off from Dortmund as he prepares to leave the club during the summer, it's something that may need to happen from the bench taking a look at his Dortmund's Champions League run has gone so far.
During the knockout stages, Reus' last start was the first leg against PSV where he logged 62 minutes and since he has been coming off the bench with Julian Brandt pulling the strings in midfield. Since that match, Reus has come off the bench in every knockout match for Dortmund but he has only logged 63 minutes total since acting more as a super, or at least adequate, substitute.
Another player who has been in a similar role for the Black and Yellow is Donyell Malen. The winger has played fewer minutes since Jadon Sancho's return to Dortmund and may also have to settle for a place on the bench as Terzic has no reasons to mess around with what worked against Paris Saint-Germain. While that required Dortmund to soak up pressure and rely on Gregor Kobel and Mats Hummels to save them, it's something that has worked until now.
In their biggest game in years, there is no reason to tinker with the XI as Reus won't even be the only legend playing the final game for their club. As Toni Kross looks to ride off into retirement with another Champions League title for Real Madrid there will be a clash of narratives on the pitch at Wembley. Expect Dortmund to keep running with what got them here.
How to watch and odds
Predicted lineup
Gregor Kobel, Ian Maatsen, Nico Schlotterbeck, Mats Hummels, Julian Ryerson, Emre Can, Marcel Sabitzer, Karim Adeyemi, Julian Brandt, Jadon Sancho, Niclas Fullkrug
Prediction
Despite Dortmund's best efforts, it will be a former player who comes back to haunt them at Wembley as Jude Bellingham continues his excellent debut season for Real Madrid. Scoring the line goal for Los Blancos in the match, Bellingham will sink his former team. Score: Real Madrid 1, Borussia Dortmund 0
Champions League final TV schedule
All times U.S./Eastern
Receive regular soccer updates about our products, special offers and more!
We value your privacy and we’ll never send irrelevant information
Editors Top Picks