By Samindra Kunti in London
June 2 – Real Madrid confirmed their status as kings of Europe, claiming a record fifteenth European Cup title following a 2-0 smash-and-grab victory against Borussia Dortmund in the final of the Champions League, with Daniel Carjaval and Vinicius Junior getting the goals in the second half.
For much of the evening under the arch of Wembley Stadium, Dortmund terrorised Madrid, who, almost in their quintessential style, looked dysfunctional but produced another hold-up with the full-back’s glancing 74th-minute header that nestled into the top right corner and Vinicius Junior’s composed 83rd-minute strike.
The Germans had been knocked out in the space of 11 minutes. There was a sense of inevitability to it all and by winning Madrid were simply doing what they always do in finals. It was the sign of a great team – being dominated and yet finding a way to win.
Once Carjaval scored there was no way back for Dortmund. Madrid sensed blood and Vinicius Junior, who scored the winner two years ago in the final against Liverpool, delivered the killer blow from a Jude Bellingham assist.
All pictures Stephan Gormley
Madrid had bided their time and then struck with lethal force. It was a hugely predictable scenario and yet for 74 minutes, it had looked as if Dortmund could upset the established order and inject European football, which is often seen as stratified, with some much-needed change.
Instead, Madrid’s love affair with Europe’s premier competition continues, their aura even more reinforced.
After a tense opening phase with both Frederico Valverde and Vinicius Junior blasting attempts well wide, Dortmund had the first major opportunity of the match, but Karim Adeyemi, released by a long ball, inexplicably pushed the ball too far sideways when momentum was taking him the other way. He had to settle for a corner.
Moments later, the number 27 claimed a penalty, leaving the referee unmoved. Dortmund’s waves of attacks…
Author : Paul Nicholson
Publish date : 2024-06-02 00:49:15
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Author : soccernews
Publish date : 2024-06-02 01:09:04
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.