Carlo Ancelotti discusses Real Madrid’s emotions and challenges as they aim for their 15th Champions League title against Borussia Dortmund

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has acknowledged the “fear” his team feels as they approach the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium. Ancelotti, who holds the record with four Champions League titles, expressed that despite Real Madrid being the overwhelming favourites, the final remains the most crucial and perilous match of the season.

“A Champions League final is the most important and dangerous game,” Ancelotti remarked. “You have to be a bit lucky, play well, and never lower your guard. When you reach a final, success feels so close that you start worrying.”

Real Madrid, with 14 Champions League titles to their name, head into the match after a tense journey through the knockout stages. They defeated Manchester City on penalties in the quarter-finals and scored two late goals in the second leg of their semi-final to edge past Bayern Munich. Despite these victories, Ancelotti emphasizes that the fear of failure looms large.

“It is a double-edged sword. We need to enjoy it to the maximum, but then concern starts that it could go wrong because we are so close to the most important thing in football,” Ancelotti added. “A lot of fear is normal. If you have more fear, you will be happier if you win in the end.”

Dortmund midfielder Julian Brandt recognizes the formidable challenge his team faces. “They’re the ultimate opponent. There’s nothing bigger in the Champions League than Real Madrid with their success and history,” Brandt said. “But if we didn’t believe, we could stay in Dortmund.”

Real Madrid will benefit from the presence of Thibaut Courtois in goal. The Belgian international will start in place of Andriy Lunin, who has been ill. If Real Madrid wins, players Luka Modric, Dani Carvajal, Toni Kroos, and Nacho could each claim a record-equalling sixth Champions League winners medal, a feat only achieved by Francisco Gento between 1956 and 1966.

Modric, one of the key players for Real Madrid, sees the match as evenly balanced. “Everyone is saying that we’re the favourites, but it’s not like that. I see a 50-50 chance. Dortmund are a big club, and they have had a great season in the Champions League. They will make it very difficult for us,” Modric stated.

Dortmund, despite finishing fifth in the Bundesliga, have excelled in Europe this season. Head coach Edin Terzic insists that his team is not just happy to be in the final but aims to win. “We’re happy to be here, but we’re here to win. You don’t come here to play a final; you come here to win it. We want to hold that trophy in our hands,” Terzic declared.

The match will feature high-profile English players who have been crucial to their teams’ journeys. Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, who transferred from Dortmund for £88.5 million, has had an outstanding season, becoming Real’s top scorer with 23 goals. In contrast, Jadon Sancho, on loan at Dortmund from Manchester United, has revitalized his career and played a key role in the semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain.

Dortmund captain Marco Reus, who will be making his final appearance for the club, hopes to end his tenure on a high note. “We’re here to win, and I want to lift that trophy with my team,” Reus said. The 35-year-old has spent 12 years with Dortmund, scoring 170 goals and winning two German Cups.

Real Madrid’s Toni Kroos will also be playing his last club game before retiring after Euro 2024. Kroos has been instrumental for Real Madrid, winning four Champions Leagues and four La Liga titles since his move from Bayern Munich in 2014.

Luka Modric and Nacho, both out of contract, face uncertain futures at the Bernabeu. Modric, a Ballon d’Or winner, and Nacho, a reliable squad player, have made significant contributions to Real Madrid’s success over the years.

The Champions League final promises to be a thrilling encounter as Real Madrid aims for their 15th title, while Borussia Dortmund seeks to replicate their underdog victory from 1997. The match kicks off at 20:00 BST at Wembley Stadium.

Analysis

The anticipation surrounding the Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund highlights several important aspects of football dynamics, reflecting on both the historical and contemporary implications of the sport.

From a psychological standpoint, Ancelotti’s admission of fear underscores the immense pressure and emotional strain associated with high-stakes matches. Fear, while often perceived negatively, can also serve as a motivator, pushing players to perform at their peak. This emotional complexity adds depth to the narrative of sports, showcasing the human aspect behind athletic prowess.

Economically, the match represents a significant financial event, drawing massive global viewership and substantial revenue from broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and merchandise sales. Real Madrid’s status as a football powerhouse, combined with Dortmund’s underdog appeal, ensures a wide audience, further solidifying the Champions League’s position as a lucrative tournament.

Politically, the final between teams from Spain and Germany highlights the broader European football rivalry, emphasizing the cultural and national pride associated with the sport. The Champions League serves as a platform where geopolitical sentiments often find expression through sports, fostering a sense of unity and competition among European nations.

Sociologically, the narratives of players like Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho reflect broader themes of youth migration and globalization in football. Bellingham’s move from Dortmund to Real Madrid and his subsequent success illustrates the pathways young talents navigate in their careers. Sancho’s revival at Dortmund after a challenging period at Manchester United underscores the importance of suitable environments for player development and well-being.

Gender perspectives also emerge through the discussion of Modric’s and Kroos’s careers. Their longevity and continued performance challenge stereotypes about age and athletic decline, highlighting the evolving understanding of athlete career spans. Additionally, Sancho’s initial struggles and eventual resurgence point to the mental health challenges athletes face, irrespective of gender, emphasizing the need for comprehensive support systems.

Locally, the match holds particular significance for fans in Madrid and Dortmund, fostering a deep sense of community and belonging. The local fanbase plays a crucial role in the teams’ identities, providing unwavering support that transcends the boundaries of the sport.

The final also highlights the impact of individual brilliance on team success. Players like Bellingham and Reus bring unique qualities that can decisively influence the outcome of the match. Their personal stories of perseverance and excellence resonate with fans, adding layers of inspiration and motivation.

In conclusion, the Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund encapsulates the multifaceted nature of football, intertwining psychological, economic, political, sociological, and local elements. The narratives of fear, hope, and determination enrich the event, making it more than just a game but a celebration of human spirit and achievement.