Dortmund bank on solid defence, quick transitions against Real in Champions League final

BERLIN: Borussia Dortmund are clear underdogs in the Champions League final against 14-time winners Real Madrid but the Germans' surprise European run this season has been in sharp contrast to their rollercoaster domestic campaigns.

Edin Terzic's Dortmund, bidding for their second Champions League title after their 1997 triumph, finished a disappointing fifth in the Bundesliga.

They have, however, been far more consistent in Europe despite having 10 per cent less possession in the Champions League than in the domestic league.

Dortmund kept six clean sheets in 12 Champions League matches this season, counting on a strong defence and quick breaks.

These clean sheets included both semi-final legs against Paris St Germain with Dortmund winning 2-0 on aggregate.

Terzic has set up his team in Europe with, at times, five defenders, providing a solid backline as the foundation of their game.

Central defenders Mats Hummels and Nico Schlotterbeck have been in spectacular form in recent months and the latter was included in Germany's Euro 2024 squad.

That will be key for Dortmund along with quick transitions provided by speedy wingers Jadon Sancho and Karim Adeyemi trying to stretch the Real defence.

Their pace down the wings will be crucial in Dortmund's counter-attacks, knowing that Real will have a bigger share of possession and the Germans will wait to carve out chances on the break.

Terzic hopes Adeyemi and Sancho can open up space for centre Niclas Fuellkrug, Dortmund's best striker in the competition this season with three goals.

Fuellkrug's role, however, is far from just scoring, with the burly Germany forward often dragging opponents with him and allowing team-mates opportunities.

It comes as no surprise that 12 different Dortmund