Real Madrid will be eyeing their 15th UEFA Champions League title when they take on Borussia Dortmund at Wembley on June 1.
Heading into this much-awaited encounter, Carlo Ancelotti has been blessed with the return of defensive duo Eder Militao and Thibaut Courtois.
Both are likely to be available for selection against Borussia Dortmund at the start of next month.
One of them is likely to start in Ancelotti’s ideal starting XI in the Champions League final, as reported by MARCA.
Real Madrid’s expected XI vs Dortmund
Who will start in goal has become a talking point at Real Madrid lately, with Courtois’ return leading many to believe that he will take precedence over Andriy Lunin.
Ancelotti appears to think on the same line and will deploy Courtois in goal. The Belgian will receive support from an organised defensive line led by Antonio Rudiger.
Courtois poised to start in UCL final
The German international will be partnered by fellow veteran Nacho Fernandez in central defence, especially with Aurelien Tchouameni ruled out for the UCL final.
Elsewhere, Dani Carvajal and Ferland Mendy are expected to operate as fullbacks.
Moving into midfield, Toni Kroos is a surefire starter due to his experience and the leadership he offers to the table. His ability to control the game could also be vital for Real Madrid.
Kroos will be partnered by Eduardo Camavinga in the defensive midfield slot, while Federico Valverde will act as an attacking enforcer, looking to create chaos in the final third.
Valverde’s responsibility will be to feed attacking players such as Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo in the final third.
Both Brazilians appear almost guaranteed to start against Dortmund in the final third, with creative support from Real Madrid’s star player and former BVB starlet Jude Bellingham.
This is the first time Bellingham will be facing his former club after leaving Dortmund last summer. Given his form this season, he will be emerge as one of Real Madrid’s most important players in Wembley
‘I have no doubt’ – Real Madrid superstar backed to win the Ballon d’Or by former star.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with MARCA, former Real Madrid and Brazil footballer Julio Baptista has tipped Vinicius Jr. to win the Ballon d’Or this year.
Vinicius has emerged as one of the leading contenders to win the Golden Orb, having enjoyed a spectacular campaign with Real Madrid.
The 23-year-old has racked up 23 goals and 11 assists in 37 matches across all competitions, helping the team win the La Liga and Spanish Super Cup trophies while the UEFA Champions League is also well within reach.
Vinicius’ Real Madrid teammate, Jude Bellingham, is also in the running but Baptista has tipped his compatriot to bag the Ballon d’Or, saying:
“He has achieved tremendous consistency in important games, and only the best do that. Ballon d’Or’? This year, I’d definitely give it to him.
“Between him and Bellingham, I think I’d give it to Vini for making more of a difference in the big games.
Candidates for the Golden Ball.
As for whether Real Madrid will be favorites over Borussia Dortmund in next month’s UCL final, Baptista said:
“Yes, but with As professionals, we know it’s difficult anyway, guys, yes, Real Madrid are a very popular team.
“But Dortmund are a good team, and they are. will let Madrid take over, and that makes them dangerous. Madrid, physically, is fast and strong. This will be a great match.
Real Madrid have top Brazilian players such as Vinicius, Rodrygo and Eder Militao in their squad, who will join Endrick this summer.
On If he Any advice for the 17 year old prodigy, Baptista replied: “Real Madrid know very well how to deal with him.
“They have had great players like Vini and Rodry, and Endrick will have their support to show him the way. You will have to be patient with him because the pressure will be great. He has talent… and lots of it.
