It’s finally here. The 2023-234 European season reaches its conclusion on Saturday when Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund face off in the Champions League final, set at Wembley Stadium in London. Los Blancos are going for their 15th title, Dortmund want their second.

Real Madrid start as heavy favourites, but Dortmund are finalists on merit, and have had a very tricky run to the showpiece event. It certainly won’t be easy for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, and the Italian manager is planning to surprises to his starting line-up, according to both Diario AS and Marca.

Thibaut Courtois starts, as confirmed by Ancelotti on Friday, while the general consensus is that Nacho Fernandez will play ahead of Eder Militao. The rest of the defence is the same it’s been all season, and the same for the midfield and attack – aside from Eduardo Camavinga starting in place of the injured Aurelien Tchouameni. Toni Kroos will take to the pitch in his final club match as a professional footballer.

Dortmund are expected to name the same line-up from their Champions League semi-final victory over Paris Saint-Germain, with Mats Hummels and Nico Schlotterbeck partnered in the centre of defence. Emre Can and Marcel Sabitzer play in midfield, just behind Julian Brandt. Niklas Fullkrug will be flanked by Karim Adeyemi and Jadon Sancho.

The waiting is almost over. Thousands of Real Madrid supporters have made the trip to journey, and they will be desperate to see their side lift their 15th Champions League title, but Dortmund are standing in their way.

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