Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund - Champions League Final RECAP (2024)

Carlo Ancelotti may not want the night to end, but sadly ours is...

What an evening it was, well, for Real Madrid. They have done it once again, European Cup number 15 is in their grasp.

They weren't the better side on the night, but it doesn't matter, they just always get the job done, no matter what.

Borussia Dortmund were brilliant for 73 minutes, but they just didn't take their chances and regretted it. Madrid made them regret it.

And now we can close the book on the 2023-24 season, and what a story it was. One of the best in recent memory.

The sport won't be away for long, though, we have Euro 2024 coming very, very soon.

Right, it's time for me to head off. Thank you for your company as always, it has been a pleasure.

Have a great rest of your night!

This made me giggle, what a man Carlo Ancelotti is.

He is having the time of his fe, he doesn't want this to end. The little comment he makes at the end tickled me.

He deserved another one!

This does not surprise me one bit.

Even when Real Madrid had their backs against the wall, Dani Carvajal was trying to make things happen.

In reality, Carvajal is the reason Madrid won that final. he came up clutch when they needed him.

A colossal display.

Family is everything to everyone.

Jude Bellingham is exactly the same, and he is enjoying himself with his loved ones on the Wembley turf.

What a night for the Bellingham family.

More from Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid midfielder, speaking to TNT Sports:

These statistics do not tell the whole story.

While it may look even, it did not feel that way through out the night. Borussia Dortmund were dominant for 73 minutes.

I'm pretty sure half of Real Madrid's 13 shots came in the last 15 or so minutes. Before that, they barely had any.

It doesn't matter, though, all that matters is that they have their name on the trophy again.

Right, you've heard a lot from me tonight, it's time for another view.

Mail Sport's Chief Sports Writer, Oliver Holt, was at Wembley tonight to bear witness to the unwavering winning mentality of Real Madrid.

The headline simply says it all about them.

To read his match story, click below:

Toni Kroos wasn't the only one waving goodbye tonight.

While he isn't retiring, it was Marco Reus' final match in the yellow of Dortmund, and it didn't quite go to plan.

As soon as he came into the field of play, it all started to go Pete Tong, it just wasn't his night.

He will still sail into the sunset as a Dortmund legend.

Edin Terzic, Borussia Dortmund boss, speaking to TNT Sports:

Thibaut Courtois didn't look rusty at all tonight, did he?

Considering he hadn't played barely any matches this season, he slotted back in with ease, making some big saves.

Champions League finals are just his specialty. He has played in two now and has been brilliant in both, not conceding in either.

Let's have a look at his stats from both 2022 vs Liverpool, and tonight, combined:

If you haven't seen it yet, now is your chance.

This is the moment Real Madrid were crowned European champions for the 15th time.

I always love seeing how different captains do the lift, and Nacho's is a classic way of doing it.

A penny for this man's thoughts.

While one Englishman is ecsatic, the other is not. Jadon Sancho was strolling around the pitch cutting a lonely figure after the match.

He will be gutted, of course he will, but I think he can hold his head up high, he was fantastic tonight. Especially in the first half.

It just wasn't to be.

Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid manager, speaking to TNT Sports:

It's time for the Beatles, 'Na, na, na...'

You all know how it goes, that song is going to be played by millions of Real Madrid fans tonight.

Jude Bellingham is their star, and although he may not have been at his best tonight, he still got his hands on the prize.

Just look at the grin on that face!

Just like that, Toni Kroos' time in club football is over...

He ends it the only way he knows how, by winning the Champions League. No player in history has won it more than him.

The German midfielder has gotten his hands on the trophy six times, the same amount as Liverpool have.

Simply incredible, what a way to say goodbye.

Just look at the scenes.

Imagine being one of the Real Madrid players right now, it can't get much better than this.

The photos are just going to keep coming in, it really is party time in Wembley right now.

How does the Queen song go again?

'We are the champions...' What a banger!

Up until the 74th minute, Real Madrid did not look like scoring.

But there was always a feeling that when they got their chances, they would take them.

That's exactly what happened.

The first goal is a brilliant header from the unlikely Dani Carvajal, and the second, well, it's a bit of a gift from Ian Maatsen.

Watch, and enjoy... (unless you're a Dortmund fan).

I mean, I can't see why he won't.

He is getting better, and better, each season. Vinicius Jr is simply a joy to watch.

The Brazilian always comes up clutch too, when his side need him, he delivers, and he did again tonight.

Should he win the Ballon d'Or? Vote below.

Credit to Jose Mourinho, that is a very lovely thing to do.

The Portuguese manager decides to leave his post at TNT for a moment to go over to Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzic.

He simply consoles him and gives him some kind words. It's the small things that make a difference.

There is no doubt Terzic is devastated, you can see it in his eyes. That will help a little, though.

What a photo this is, pure gold!

This is the kind of photo that will be hung in his house forever. His parents will be buying a frame already, surely?

I know my dad would be if it was me...

While he will be feeling on top of the world right now, Jude Bellingham still had time for his former team-mates.

Following the initial euphoria, the midfielder went over to all the Dortmund players and gave them a hug along with some words.

Very classy.

Here they come, the 15-time winners.

The players are beaming as they collect there medals, none more so than Jude Bellingham.

That's until Nacho comes along.

He ambles over with the trophy in his grasp, and there we go, the confetti bursts into the air and he lifts big ears aloft.

Let the celebrations truly begin!

That's a lovely touch from Real Madrid.

After a hard-fought battle, there is respect as Madrid give Dortmund a guard of honour as they collect their silver medals.

It's been a truly spectacular European campaign from the Germans, and soon, they will realise it.

Anyway, no it's time for the Champions...

Carlo Ancelotti is just inevitable.

One of the coolest managers around, there is a reason everybody loves him so much.

Ancelotti and the Champions League are a match made in heaven, he has now won it five times, and three with Real Madrid.

He really is the DON!

Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid midfielder, speaking to TNT Sports:

The Dortmund players are simply just standing in front of their fans.

They came so close once again, but just like 11 years ago, they come up short on the Wembley turf.

They can be proud of their performance, though, they were the better side for the majority of the night, it just wasn't to be.

It will sting for them now, but they will be back some day.

As soon as the full-time whislte went, Jude Bellingham looked stunned, he dropped to the floor with tears in his eyes.

The rest of the Real Madrid squad started celebrating on the pitch, and they have gone over to their fans to start the party.

They may have been here many times before, but I bet it feel better every time.

Sensational scenes.

There is the whistle, Real Madrid have gone and done it again!

The Kings of Europe have got their crown back for a record-extending 15th time.

They were not at their best by any stretch, but they just know how to get the job done.

Borussia Dortmund had the chances, but they couldn't take them. Real Madrid took theirs, though.

It's heartbreaking for Dortmund and their players sink to the floor, they look absolutely devastated.

The celebrations are well and truly underway at the other end of the pitch, though!

Guess what? Another substitution.

Vinicius Jr has done his job and now he makes way just before the end. Another performance that has won Real madrid the final.

Lucas Vazquez is on in his place.

Sami Mokbel, Mail Sport, at Wembley Stadium:

Real madrid are just five minutes away from number 15.

Their fans are already singing 'Campeones, Campeones', the job is practically done and they know it.

I'm losing track of all these substitutions.

Dortmund have taken Jadon Sancho off and his compatriot Jamie Bynoe-Gittens replaces him.

Now Eder Militao is about to come on for Rodrygo...

Dortmund are back in it... oh wait, no they aren't

Niclas Fullkrug hammers a header home but he is offside - he can't believe.

VAR doesn't take long to check it, it's definitely offside. Brutal.

Toni Kroos signs off from club football.

He celebrates wildly to the Madrid faithdul as he makes way for Luka Modric.

He's not the only one coming off, his successor Jude Bellingham is too. Joselu comes on.

VINICUS JR SECURES THE CUP FOR MADRID!

It is surely all over, and Ian Maatsen will not want to watch that one back...

He gives the ball straight to Jude Bellingham who slides in the Brazilian winger to score.

The celebrations are wild, and that's because they know they are nearly there. Number 15 via about to come to Madrid.

Another brilliant free-kick from Toni Kroos and another great save from Gregor Kobel.

And just as I am typing this he makes a stunning save from Eduardo Camavinga, what a stop that is!

Madrid are all over Dortmund now.

Oh my word, Nico Schlotterbeck keeps Dortmund in this final!

Jude Bellingham is 12 yards out, he is about to pull the trigger, and when he does Schlotterbeck gets a toe on the ball to divert it wide.

I thought that was the moment, Jude's moment. It would have killed the German side off.

This is ominous for Dortmund now.

Normally the team that takes the lead in a final wins it, and now they are behind.

Those missed chances really have come back to bite them.

REAL MADRID TAKE THE LEAD IN THE FINAL!

I said Dani Carvajal was the biggest threat for Madrid, and he is the one to break the deadlock.

It's a fantastic header from the full-back as he leaps up high for a little man and the ball flys past Gregor Kobel.

They just always manage to do it, don't they?

Borussia Dortmund missed their chances, Real Madrid haven't missed theirs.

Just as I type that, there is a substitution.

You can tell who it is just from the roar of the Dortmund fans, it's Marco Reus.

The Dortmund legend comes on for the final time in yellow, and it's Karim Adeyemi that makes way.

I'm surprised there haven't been a ny substitution yet, especially from Real Madrid.

You have to bring on the former Stoke stallion, Joselu.

Look what he did in the semi-final, he could do it again. Go on Carlo Ancelotti, chuck him on.

So, so, close to an opener from Jude Bellingham!

Any touch from the Engaldn star and it would be 1-0. Vinicius Jr curls in a stunning ball, and somehow, Bellingham misses it by an inch.

Was that his big moment? I think it might have been.

I swear that is the first time I have heard Rodrygo's name tonight.

Well, he certainly burst into life there. He drifts past Ian Maatsen and into the area but he can't find anyone to cut the ball back to.

You wouldn't be surprised if they scored out of nothing, they always find a way somehow.

Ian Ladyman, Mail Sport Football Editor, at Wembley Stadium:

What a brilliant passage of play that is.

Borussia Dortmund are at it again and Karim Adeyemi curls a stunning ball into the box.

Niclas Fullkrug is there to attack it and the ball is heading for the top corner, but guess who is there to save it? Thibaut Courtois.

He just loves making big saves.

Dani Carvajal got away with one there.

The ball came off him and was heading for a corner and for some reason he back heels it, to keep it in play.

It goes straight to Ian Maatsen, but his control is poor and it goes out of play anyway.

There was a cloud of smoke a little while ago and this is why.

What a spectacle, the Dortmund fans are loving life and lit a ridiculous amount of flares. A stunning photo.

Dani Carvajal is Madrid's biggest threat at the moment.

He drifts in at the back post and latches onto a great ball, however, his volley that he looks to squeze in at the near post is deflected through to Gregor Kobel.

Without the deflection, that could have caused Kobel major problems.

Ooooh, handbags!

Dani Carvajal goes down after being obstructed by Karim Adeyemi, and as the Dortmund player stretches out a hand, the Madrid man slaps it away.

Not a happy bunny, at all.

This is not the Real Madrid we are used to.

They just really ahven't got going, have they? But the fact they are still level is more of a worry for Dortmund.

I though in this second half they would be better than this.

That made me chcukle...

Nico Schlotterbeck has nowehere to go following a conrer, so tries to win a penalty.

He dramatically throws himself to the floor, but he is certainly not a natural at it. No penalty, of course.

This really has been a game of corners, will one of these sides put one away.

Ian Maatsen is the man that wins this one, but once again Dortmund can't capitalise on the set piece.

Surely, one of these will come to something?

Wow, that was nearly a stunning free-kick from Toni Kroos.

I was expecting him to cross it, but he whips it towards the top corner with venom, but Gregor Kobel gets to it at full-stretch.

From the corner, Dani Carvajal heads over the bar. It seems Real Madrid have finally come to play!

Borussia Dortmund are staying on the front foot.

Just like the first half, they fly forward in numbers on the counter., but keeping to a smilar pattern, they can't finish it off.

If the final ball or strike was on point, they'd have scored a bucket load tonight.

Right, the ball is rolling again...

Unsurprisingly, there have been no changes. It will be interesting to see if there are in 15 minutes time.

Which team will prevail?

Mats Hummels has been outstanding, yet again.

Every time he has been called upon, he has done his job. Vinicius Jr has resorted to diving when being challenged by him.

The fact he is not going to Euro 2024 is a huge mistake, I think. He's certainly still got it.

I have been so impressed with Jadon Sancho.

He is certainly winning the battle with compatriot Jude Bellingham so far. Sancho is simply shining.

You can just see the confidence he is exuberating, taking on players, bringing out the skills, and making good runs.

This is Sancho at his best, while Bellingham hasn't been. I have rarely heard his name, in truth.

Is it just me or does it have that feeling to it?

You know, the feeling that because Borussia Dortmund couldn't take their chances, Real Madrid will.

The German side were brilliant in that half and could be 2-0 up after big chances from both Karim Adeyemi and Niclas Fullkrug.

But, they're not, are they?

Will that come back to bite them? Two years ago was a similar story with Liverpool dominating.

It took just one chance for Madrid to win that day.

Ian Ladyman, Mail Sport Football Editor, at Wembley Stadium:

Borussia Dortmund have a chance right at the end of the half from a corner, but it goes begging.

And there is the whistle...

The German side will certainly be the happier team going into the break, they have been by far the better side.

However, they haven't taken their chances, and Real Madrid are still in this when on another day they may not be.

We are yet to see too much from Jude Bellingham and Los Blancos, they will need to step it up.

Well the, that shows what I mean.

We are going to have four minutes of stoppage time, you could even argue there should be more.

Will either team find the net before the break?

The flow has completely gone out of this game.

It's been very stop-start for the last few minutes and now play is stopped as Nico Schlotterbeck goes down with a knock.

He is ok to continue, but we are just minutes from half-time.

This referee loves a yellow card, and hates players arguing.

This time it's Marcel Sabitzer who goe sin the book for protesting a decision.

There is no point trying to test this ref.

Just like in 2022, Thibaut Courtois is making a lot of saves.

This time he has to get low do push Marcel Sabitzer's strike around the post. It was a straight forward save in the end.

It does go for a corner, but nothing comes from it.

Vinicus Jr has got away with one there...

He for some reason decides to dive as Mats Hummels comes steaming in, and wins a fould.

Nico Schlotterbeck can't believe it, but he gets booked for remonstrating with the referee.

Ryerson is not enjoying his time against Vinicius Jr...

He has been beaten by the Brazilian several times already, so this time he just decides to wipe him out.

He doesn't get a booking, though.

Craig Hope, Mail Sport, at Wembley Stadium:

We have our first booking, but I think it's a harsh one.

Vinicius Jr is a little late on Gregor Kobel but in all honesty, the keeper makes a meal of it. Very dramatic.

The referee doesn't see it that way, though, he gets out the yellow card.

Oh, Jadon Sancho, that was nearly filthy...

He tries to flip-flap around two Real Madrid players and it nearly comes off, but the whislte is blown as the ball bounces to Ryerson.

If there was ever a sign of confidence, that was it.

This Dortmund counter-attack really is something.

They have to start finishing off these moves, though, once again they break free, but it comes to nothing.

They will regret this if they end up losing...

Craig Hope, Mail Sport, at Wembley Stadium:

It's all happeneing at Wembley!

At one end, Vinicius Jr rinses Ryerson again and fires in the ball to Jude Bllingham, but Nico Schlotterbeck clears brilliantly.

The clearance sets Dortmund on their way, Karim Adeyemi is on his bike and forces a strong save from Courtois.

The ball comes straight to Niclas Fullkrug but he can't get his header right and Madrid survive again!

Ian Ladyman, Mail Sport Football Editor, at Wembley Stadium:

How are Real Madrid still level? Dortmund are all over them!

Niclas Fullkrug is slipped in and he hits the ball early. It feels like slow motion and the ball rolls on to the post.

He then can't tuck away the rebound and Madrid somehow survive.

They always do...

Karim Adeyemi, what are you doing?

Just as I clicked post on the last update he raced through one-on-one.

All he needs to do is go around Thibaut Courtois and roll the ball into the net, but he goes thw rong way.

His touch past Courtois is poor and takes him away from goal. he then gets caught.

Will they regret that chance, Dortmund?

Karim Adeyemi is going to be a huge outlet for Dortmund tonight.

He is the fastest player on that pitch, and if they can set him free, nobody will catch him.

He has just made a good run but nobody managed to pick him out.

The efforts are really starting to flow now.

Straight away Real Madrid go up the other end, but just like the two attempts before, it's a poor finish.

Vinicius Jr tries his luck but it slowly rolls miles wide of the post.

Now that is a big chance for Borussia Dortmund.

Julian Brandt recieves the ball in space inside the area and you think he is going to test the keeper.

However, he doesn't, and his poor effort trickles wide. he has to do better than that, surely?

Jadon Sancho is already drawing fouls.

He drifts past Eduardo Camavinga who sticks a leg out and takes the winger out.

It was a bit naughty, but he gets away with it.

We have our first shot... it's rubbish.

Federico Valverde receives the ball after some build up play from Real Madrid, he can see his name in lights.

However, he smashes the ball closer to the moon than the goal from outside the box.

I must say, Borussia Dortmund are looking up for this, so far.

Sometimes finals can be very cagey, but this game does not have that feel to it.

Dortmund are hounding Real Madrid and have looked comfortable on the ball when they have had it.

FOUR pitch invaders, really??

That is poor from Wembley, not a good look at all for them. Mail Sport's Craig Hope managed to capture it on video.

Borussia Dortmund are not just going to sit back and take the pressure from Real Madrid.

They come bombing forward and force a corner which is headed on by Niclas Fullkrug, but it ends up in the hands of Thibaut Courtois.

They are going to be a threat from set pieces today, they usually are.

Right, we are playing the game again.

Vinicius Jr already looks up for it, he skins Ryerson and then calls on the Real Madrid fans to make some noise.

He is PUMPED!

There has been a pitch invader within one minute...

Everyone wants to get in on the action, even the fans. Well, it's stopping the game from happening.

Now we know there will be a couple minutes stoppage time at least.

Wow, Wembley really is stunning, isn't it.

There can ponly be one winner, who will it be? We are about to find out, we are underway in London!

There is a roar as the ball gets moving, it's some atmosphere.

Have you got your seatbelts on? It's going to be one hell of a ride.

A mascot was beaming just now as the camera panned to her as the teams lined up during the Champions league anthem.

I think that represents how excited we all are.

The waiting is over...

Zinedine Zidane has just come out with the Champions league trophy and now here come the two teams.

The 69th European Cup final is upon us, and the players come out onto the pitch into a cauldron of noise.

Borussia Dortmund fans have an incredible banner up in there end. This is ome spectacle.

And now its time for the famous music...

Now this is what you call a pre-match show.

Lenny Kravitz is rocking Wembley right now and having a great time doing it. What a star.

We are just a few minutes from kick-off now, and I am so close to head banging as I listen to the music.

Wow, just look at that atmosphere.

The Yellow Wall always bring it wherever they go around Europe and today is unsurprisingly no different.

I see why Jamie Carragher enjoyed himself in it so much, it looks special, doesn't it?

Ian Ladyman, Mail Sport Football Editor, at Wembley Stadium:

Yes, it's busier now, but listen to the noise either way.

They have just sang You'll Never Walk Alone, and I bet Liverpool fans got emotional as Jurgen Klopp was captured joining in.

The handkerchiefs will be out on Merseyside.

Getting hungry?

Well, if you are, we have something for you from our friends at Just eat. It's always a good idea to have some food for the big occasion.

They are offering 25% off thousands of locally loved independents, favourite restaurants and selected snacking and drinks from popular supermarkets.

Hungry fans just need to order within the minimum spend of £20 when they order a meal from participating restaurants.

Right, I really am getting more and more, excited by the minute.

Real Madrid's warm up is coming to an end, and from what I saw, they look rariung to go.

Jude Bellingham is certainly ready, the team are ready, but ar you ready?

I know I am!

Right, it's that time now.

We are just under 30 minutes from kick-off, so who are you backing to win good old 'Big Ears'.

Real Madrid or Borussia Dortmund?

Vote in the poll below.

There was a huge roar when Borussia Dortmund came out the tunnel to warm-up.

I'm pretty sure the majority of neutrals are on Dortmund's side tonight, I haven't seen many people say they want Real Madrid.

Anyway, BVB are now out on the Wembley pitch doing their thing. Jadon Sancho is already practicing his skills.

I can't imagine what is going through their heads right now.

Quick question for all of you.

Whenever the Champions League final comes about I always wonder which past final is the greatest we have seen.

So, I want to hear which you think the best final of all-time.

I'm going to go with the classic answer - Liverpool's tirumph in 2005 in Istanbul.

To come form 3-0 down against that AC Milan team, it's just hard to fathom how they managed it.

The fans really are making the most of the build-up.

They are having a fantastic time, both sets of fans. Songs are being sung at both ends, and the atmosphere is vibrant.

I am very jealous right now, the feeling your supporting your team in a Champions League final would be incredible.

A night to remember.

Wow, all the stars are at Wembley tonight.

Former Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool boss, Jurgen Klopp is here, and so is Arsene Wenger.

Ex-Real Madrid star Gareth Bale has walted in with swagger, but not as much as rapper Jay-Z. Just look at the beanie.

It's a match that no one wants to miss.

Jose Mourinho, former Real Madrid boss, speaking about Jadon Sancho on TNT Sports:

It's going to be an emotional day for these two, no matter the result.

For Toni Kroos, he only has 90 minutes left of his club career as he is set to retire from the sport entirely after Euro 2024.

What a game to end your time in the club game, a Champions League final. He has won five of them in his career, so this is just another game for him.

Marco Reus' situation is different, he is not retiring, but this is his last game for Borussia Dortmund.

It feels a bit surreal because in my mind he is Mr. Dortmund, he has been there for so long.

Goodbyes will be in order later tonight.

It's hard to believe this was 11 years ago.

The last time Wembley hosted the Champions League final was in 2013, and Borussia Dortmund were involved.

It turned out to be a heartbreaking night in the end for the German Giants as they lost to their bitter rivals Bayern Munich.

Well, tonight they have the opportunity to avenge that loss in the very same stadium.

Is it written in the stars?

Jadon Sancho does indeed start!

Edin Terzic has named an unchanged side form the team that went to Paris and conquered it.

That means Chelsea loanee Ian Maatsen is starting a Champions League final. What a night for him.

Can this side get the job done?

Here we go, bot teams are at Wembley now.

This really means it's go time. The atmosphere is vibrant inside of Wembley and the Dortmund players are enjoying it on the pitch.

It's going to be a lively atmosphere all night, whatever happens.

Dortmund's line-up is about to come in...

Oliver Holt, Mail Sport Chief Sports Writer, at Wembley Stadium:

The excitement level has just gone up a notch.

Real Madrid are in the building, and they look like they mean business. The word that comes to mind is SUAVE.

Jude Bellingham seems to be taking it all in, that steely-eyed gaze screams focused.

Kick-off is edging ever closer...

We are getting into this sort of territory now...

Mail Sport's Craig Hope has given his prediction, and well, he is expecting a lot of goals.

If we get the game that Craig thinks we will, we are in for a classic. Fingers crossed.

He really does have his swagger back, doesn't he.

The change in the Jadon Sancho we have seen at Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund is extraordinary.

He just loves playing at Dortmund, it brings out the best in him. You will want to give this a read.

To do so, click below:

From team-mates, to battling it out on the biggest stage.

We have spoken a lot about Jude Bellingham, but he is not the only Englishman taking to the turf tonight.

Jadon Sancho is set to line-up for Borussia Dortmund this evening hoping to have the perfect end to his redemption arc.

This version of Sancho is a far cry from the one we saw at Manchester United, he is back to being a star.

He has a tough task ahead of him tonight against Bellingham's Real Madrid, but if he turns up, you never know what could happen.

Just typing this is getting me excited.

There was just a funny moment at Wembley.

The atmosphere inside Wembley is starting to buiuld, especially from the Borussia Dortmund end.

They just showed Jose Mourinho, who is a pundit tonight on TNT Sports, on the big screen and a chorus of boos rung out.

A moment later, Jurgen Klopp was shown and mass cheers came from the Dortmund end.

Both managers were smiling no matter what.

Wow, just look at it shine.

The Champions League trophy is at Wembley in all it's glory, it really is the most stunning piece of silverware in football.

One of those sets of ribbons will be staying on that trophy at the end of the night.

Which colour will it be?

Rio Ferdinand, 2008 Champions league winner, on TNT Sports:

Jude Bellingham's family have got there nice and early.

They must feel on top of the world. Imagine getting to see your child play in a Champions League final, it must be magical.

This is what every parent dreams of. I know my dad would have loved it, but unfortunately I was absolutely pants at football growing up.

I love the game, but it does not love me the same way.

Wow, this is some story.

This week I was approached by a football fan who wanted to tell me his story, and it really is one hell of a story.

Rob Adco*ck, a TV and radio presenter is aiming to become the first fan to go to every round of the Champions League without going to the same country twice.

It all came about because of football travel videos he was making on TikTok, and when he steps into Wembley tonight, his mission will be complete.

His journey began back in June for the first qualifying round, and since that day he hasn't missed a round, travelling to 10 countries along the way.

He is now on his way to the capital ready to complete an incredible achievement.

It truly is remarkable.

Liverpool fans, you won't want to watch this clip.

When Real Madrid beat the Reds in the final two years ago, Thibaut Courtois put in one of the all-time great goalkeeping performances.

I'm not quite sure what he had for breakfast that day, but he was on fire.

Borussia Dortmund have to hope the food selection was not the same at Madrid's hotel, this year.

Just look at some of these saves... Sensational!

Sami Mokbel, Mail Sport, at Wembley Stadium:

Just look how rammed it is on Wembley Way.

This final really is the hottest ticket in town, isn't it?

On my way to the office today I saw incredible numbers of fans in the tube stations, lining the streets, and in the cafe's. They were everywhere.

The sport's biggest club occasion.

Ian Ladyman, Mail Sport Football Editor, at Wembley Stadium:

While we are on the topic of Jude Bellingham, you will want to give this a read.

Mail Sport's Chief Sports Writer Oliver Holt has written about Real Madrid's newest superstar, and he hits the nail on the head.

Bellingham has indeed been a phenomenan, there is no other way you can describe it, really.

To read more on Mail+, click below:

Real Madrid may have been here a lot, but Jude Bellingham hasn't...

The England star will be taking to the Wembley turf in a few hours but this time in the white of Real Madrid, not the Three Lions.

It's his first-ever European Cup final and he has the chance to cap off a sensational first season at Los Blancos in style.

I bet when he signed for the Spanish giants he knew a Champions League final was in his near future, but surely he didn't expect it to be against his former team.

It will be a weird feeling for him when he stands in the tunnel across from his former team-mates, but they are his enemies tonight.

If he is on form it could be a special night for him.

Mail Sport's Craig Hope is at Wembley for the big one.

Craig will be providing us with videos and photos, as well as seperate comments posts, throughout the night.

Just look at the atmosphere already, the buzz around Wembley is reminding me of what you hear coming your way when you poke a wasps nest. Lively.

It's going to be a cracker.

Right, it's time to get excited!

Real madrid have pulled the trigger early and released their line up two-and-a-half hours before kick-off.

Carlo Ancelotti revealed yesterday that Thibaut Courtois would be starting, so that isn't really a surprise.

The only other change from the semi-final second leg win over Bayern Munich is that Eduardo Camavinga comes into the midfield for the injured Aurelien Tchouameni.

Of course, Jude Bellingham gets the nod to face his former side at the top of a diamond midfield.

You don't get many stronger line-ups than that....

What a journey it has bene for Borussia Dortmund, it’s been Box Office.

Unlike Real Madrid, the German giants did not have it plain sailing in the group stage. After a poor start though, they managed to top the ‘group of death’.

Then came the real drama. The knockout stages were certainly memorable for them. Let’s see how it went for them:

Round of 16: Borussia Dortmund 3-1 PSV

Quarter-final: Borussia Dortmund 5-4 Atletico Madrid

Semi-final: PSG 0-2 Borussia Dortmund

*All results are aggregate scores

Real Madrid’s route to the final has certainly been one to remember, it always is when they are involved.

It didn’t start off too chaotic, they coasted through the group stage with six wins from six. Life was just too easy for them.

That soon changed, every tie in the knockout stage was a real slog for them, but like clockwork, they pulled through. Let’s have a look at them:

Round of 16: Real Madrid 2-1 RB Leipzig

Quarter-final: Manchester City 4-4 (P) Real Madrid

Semi-final: Real Madrid 4-3 Bayern Munich

*All results are aggregate scores

Well. Gareth Bale has made his prediction for tonight...

Bale knows a thing or too about Champions League finals, he won five of them after all...

I'm guessing you already know what he is going to say, I mean, he did play for Real Madrid.

It would funny if he bet against his former side, but in reality, not many people are.

The Champions League final is back at Wembley.

It’s been 11 years since England’s national stadium hosted the biggest match in club football, but it feels like so much longer.

To put it into perspective, when it was last hosted here, I hadn’t even started my GCSE’s at school.

David Cameron was the Prime Minister, Sir Alex Ferguson had just retired from management, and Carlo Ancelotti was one month away from becoming Real Madrid manager for the first time.

Well, it’s back now, and the atmosphere is already building. As Ian Ladyman has already alluded to, Dortmund fans are making it yellow.

Cue the Coldplay song...

Ian Ladyman, Mail Sport Football Editor, at Wembley Stadium:

Who thought that Borussia Dortmund would get to this stage?

If you said yes after reading that, you are one of the few, because I, and most people I know, certainly didn’t.

They deserve to be here though, their performances in Europe this season have been inspiring, and they will need to pull another one out of the hat tonight.

Let's be honest, not many people are giving them a chance tonight because of Real Madrid’s pedigree, but maybe they can use that to their advantage.

They’ve been in this very situation at this very stadium before but came out on the losing side. Tonight is a chance to avenge that loss.

Can they defy the odds?

The European machine that is Madrid are gunning for glory once again tonight.

When you think of Los Blancos, you think of the Champions League, the two things just go hand in hand.

Their love affair with the European Cup is never ending, they have won it 14 times, seven more than second best AC Milan.

Not just that, they have won their last eight European Cup finals, they just don’t know how to lose when they get to this stage.

When their backs are up against the wall in this competition they just always find a way. The semi-final win over Bayern Munich is the perfect example of that.

There is a reason they are favourites to claim a record-extending 15th UCL title, its because no matter how they play, they almost always get the job done.

Borussia Dortmund can’t put a foot wrong tonight, if they do, it will be game over.

Alexa, play the Champions League anthem.

11 months, hundreds of matches, hundreds of goals, euphoria, devastation, and countless other emotions. It all comes down to this.

By the end of the night, this season's European champions will be crowned. Will it be number 15 for Real Madrid, or can Borussia Dortmund defy the odds to lift the cup for a second time?

The city of London is buzzing, Wembley is waiting, supporters are flocking in, and anticipation is through the roof.

We have just three hours until kick-off, and we have you covered for all the build-up to club football's greatest showcase.

I can’t wait any longer, so let’s get this show on the road.