The UEFA Champions League is set to host a thrilling Round 3 encounter as Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund face off in a highly anticipated rematch of the 2024 Champions League final. It was only 143 days ago that Real Madrid claimed their record 15th European title, defeating Dortmund at Wembley. Now, these two European giants meet again, but under very different circumstances. Both teams have undergone changes in personnel and form, and this latest chapter in their rivalry promises to be a fascinating contest at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Real Madrid’s Fortress: Unbeaten at Home in 2024
Heading into tonight’s match, Real Madrid can boast one significant advantage—home dominance. Los Blancos have been formidable at the Bernabéu, with an unbeaten home record throughout 2024. Across all competitions, they have secured 16 wins and four draws, making their home ground one of the toughest places for any visiting team. Moreover, eight of those victories came with two or more goals, showcasing Madrid’s attacking firepower when playing in front of their home crowd.
However, Madrid’s away form has been less consistent. A 1-0 defeat to Lille in France during the second round of the Champions League exposed vulnerabilities in Carlo Ancelotti’s side, particularly in away fixtures. The loss to Lille marked Madrid’s fourth slip-up in away games this season, raising concerns over their ability to perform on the road. Nevertheless, at home, Madrid remains a different beast altogether, and Dortmund will need to be at their best to breach this fortress.
Dortmund: European Highs, Domestic Struggles
On the opposite side, Borussia Dortmund enters this fixture as one of the strongest teams in the Champions League so far. With emphatic victories over Club Brugge (3-0) and Celtic (7-1) in their opening two matches, Dortmund holds the best goal difference in the competition and is one of the few teams to remain unbeaten. Their European form has been nothing short of spectacular.
However, their success in the Bundesliga has been far from convincing. Dortmund has struggled to find consistency in domestic competition, particularly in away games, where they have only managed one point from three matches. Losses to Stuttgart (5-1) and Union Berlin (2-1) have highlighted their issues away from home, and their last Bundesliga result—a 0-0 draw with Werder Bremen—did little to inspire confidence ahead of this crucial match in Madrid.
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This contrasting form presents a puzzle for Dortmund’s new head coach, Nuri Şahin, who has the difficult task of translating their European performances into domestic success. Despite their struggles in the Bundesliga, Dortmund remains a formidable opponent in the Champions League, and their ability to score freely in the competition makes them a dangerous side for Madrid.
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New Faces, Same Ambitions: Squad Overhauls for Both Teams
Both Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund have made significant changes to their squads since the final in June. For Madrid, there have been notable departures, with stalwarts like Toni Kroos retiring and Nacho Fernandez moving to the Middle East. To refresh the squad, Kylian Mbappé and rising Brazilian star Endrick were brought in to bolster Madrid’s attack. Both players have already made their mark in the competition, with Mbappé and Endrick scoring in their 3-1 victory over Stuttgart in the previous round. Their dynamism and goal-scoring ability will be key for Madrid as they look to continue their strong run at home.
On the other hand, Dortmund has undergone an even more radical transformation. After the departure of Edin Terzić, his former assistant Nuri Şahin took over the reins as head coach. Şahin, a former Dortmund player himself, has overseen a period of significant squad changes. Key players from last season’s final, including Mats Hummels, Marco Reus, and Sébastien Haller, are no longer in the team. In their place, Dortmund has brought in younger talent like Maximilian Beier, Waldemar Anton, and Serhou Guirassy, who have collectively cost the club around €80 million.
These new additions have rejuvenated Dortmund’s lineup, but with so many changes, the team is still in the process of finding its rhythm. While their Champions League performances have been promising, their domestic struggles suggest that Şahin’s squad is still a work in progress. Whether Dortmund’s revamped side can rise to the challenge in one of Europe’s most intimidating arenas remains to be seen.
Tactical Battle: Şahin’s Bold Move Ahead of Madrid Showdown
In the buildup to the game, Nuri Şahin made headlines by deciding that Dortmund would skip a pre-match training session in Madrid, fueling speculation about his tactical approach. While some suggested that this was to prevent Madrid’s coaching staff from spying on their preparations, Şahin dismissed those claims, explaining that the team had already prepared well in Germany and did not want to overburden the players with additional training after a two-hour flight.
Şahin’s focus is clear—he aims to neutralize Madrid’s attacking threats, particularly the duo of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, while also imposing Dortmund’s own game plan on the pitch. This tactical approach will be crucial if Dortmund hopes to avoid repeating the outcome of the 2024 final and secure a result in Madrid.
Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund: A Storied Rivalry Renewed
This latest meeting between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund marks the 14th competitive match between the two clubs in the 21st century, all of which have been in the Champions League. Historically, Real Madrid has held the upper hand, winning six of those encounters compared to Dortmund’s three victories. The last three meetings, including the 2024 final, have all gone in favor of the Spanish side, but Dortmund will be eager to change that narrative tonight.
For Madrid, maintaining their unbeaten record at the Bernabéu in 2024 and continuing their quest for another European title are top priorities. Meanwhile, Dortmund, riding the momentum of their European success, will be determined to make a statement by defeating the reigning champions on their home turf.
A Clash of Champions in Madrid
As the Champions League final rematch unfolds at the Santiago Bernabéu, all eyes will be on two teams with something to prove. Real Madrid, with their imperious home record, will be confident of extending their dominance, while Borussia Dortmund, buoyed by their European form, will seek redemption for their defeat in the 2024 final. With both sides boasting new-look squads and ambitious coaches, this encounter promises to deliver another thrilling chapter in their storied rivalry.
