Real Madrid announce team to face Borussia Dortmund in Champions League final nearly THREE HOURS before kick-off
REAL MADRID have announced their team for the Champions League final THREE HOURS before kick-off.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men face Borussia Dortmund at Wembley on Saturday night as Los Blancos eye a record-extending 15th European crown.
And while ordinarily clubs do not reveal their team until one hour before the match, Real Madrid have chosen to unveil their XI early – as they often do before most games.
Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Carvajal, Rudiger, Nacho, Mendy; Camavinga, Kroos, Valverde, Bellingham, Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr.
Subs: Lunin, Kepa, Militao, Alaba, Modric, Joselu, Vazquez, Tchouameni, Ceballos, Garcia, Brahim, Guler.
Thibaut Courtois, who has missed most of the season due to injury, is named in between the sticks – shielded by a back four of Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger, Nacho and Ferland Mendy.
Five-time Champions League winner Luka Modric is named on the bench as Real’s midfield consists of Edouard Camavinga, Fede Valverde and Toni Kroos – playing is final game in club football.
England sensation Jude Bellingham lines up in the No10 position, behind
Ancelotti has a history of naming his team early.
He previously did so ahead of the 2022 Champions League final against Liverpool amid fears of a “mole” inside the dressing room.
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He also named his side two hours ahead of kick-off in February 2023 before Real Madrid claimed a 5-2 win over Liverpool at Anfield.
Real are seeking an astonishing SIXTH Champions League since 2014.
Standing in their way are Dortmund – whose only Champions League triumph came 27 years ago.
The Germans reached the final 11 years ago when it was also held at Wembley, only to lose 2-1 to domestic rivals Bayern Munich.
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