To say “Real Madrid” is to say “Champions League” and “European Cup”. This is an undisputed historical team of competition by past, present and hierarchy. What no one questions This Saturday he will make his mark in the new final against Borussia Dortmund. as a rival. At Wembley Merengue will go for another joy, the 15th Orejona in its history, and also win its ninth final in a row…
But, of course, in addition to the fact that the Germans are not favorites at all, they are looking for a shot that could be one of the strongest in the competition. Meeting Real Madrid in the final is something that has not happened for 43 years! last time this happened in 1981 at the Parc des Princes in Paris, when Liverpool beat them 1-0. and was crowned in the old European Cup. Something that only Benfica and Inter achieved in the 60s.
Since then, the Whites have been infallible in every final. In 1998 they beat Juventus, in 2000 they beat Valencia, in 2002 they beat Bayer Leverkusen, in 2014 and 2016 they beat Atlético Madrid, in 2017 they beat Juventus, and in 2018 and 2022 years beat Liverpool, the last of them in Paris. as if in retaliation for what happened in 1981 against the same opponent. Eight titles in a row without falls to expand his status and aura in this competition.
In 1981 the situation was different. Real Madrid played in the final again after 15 years of waiting. However, a late goal from England defender Andy Kennedy ended any illusions of a team ending the season without a title. Except, This was part of the “curse” that Madrid placed on its beloved tournament…
How so? Real Madrid He had a huge negative streak in the Champions League, to the point where He went 32 years without winning it! Because of the sixth result they achieved in 1966 against Yugoslav Partizan Belgrade, they had to wait until 1998 to achieve the seventh, with a 1-0 score against Juventus and after they had left Borussia Dortmund “in the semi-finals.
Carlo Ancelotti, Vinicius, Jude Bellingham and Toni Kroos, in their final role in white, will be looking to prevent the end of the streak and Real Madrid’s historic hegemony. They will be aiming to win their ninth consecutive trophy at the Bernabeu. and continue to be part of the giant story. Or will Dortmund become the big bad?