Where to start? Who can tell the tale? There are countless things to say, yet not everything can be captured in words! After a gusty wind or a rainstorm, can the golden sun be fully described? It simply can't. Similarly, the grandeur of Real Madrid's 15th Champions League title cannot be explained, only felt. Every adjective imaginable has already been used long ago.
Real Madrid's establishment in the Champions League is like a fairytale kingdom. Yet, we must speak of a team that revived from near-death. The story of Vinicius Junior becoming a hero once again on the grand stage. We can't overlook Dani Carvajal scoring in the Champions League for the first time in five years!
And how can we forget the four legendary players who have now won six European titles? The tale of Toni Kroos, who wrapped up his farewell in gold and made history! And last but not least, Don Carlo Ancelotti achieved immortality. The essence of the fairytale unfolding at Wembley tonight: Real Madrid is the ultimate word in European football, and their reign is eternal.
Real Madrid had a forgettable start in their 2-0 win over Dortmund in London, struggling to find their rhythm in the first half. However, those who know Real Madrid well wouldn't be too worried. It's easy to believe that this was all part of Ancelotti's plan. As Ancelotti once told his mentor Arrigo Sacchi after a dramatic turnaround against Bayern Munich in the semi-final, "Arrigo, that was a trick. We pretended to die and suddenly came back at the last minute and won the match."
In the first half, as Dortmund dominated, Real fans likely recalled these words. The second half unfolded similarly. After the break, Real Madrid gradually began to find their form. Toni Kroos, in his farewell match, signaled the turnaround with a free-kick that the Dortmund goalkeeper blocked. From that moment, the true Real Madrid emerged. Dani Carvajal, who had been brilliant throughout the match, scored a superb header from Kroos' corner to give Real the lead.Real's confidence soared after this goal. Then, the stage was set for the hero, Vinicius Jr. Initially subdued by Dortmund's 'Christmas Tree' formation in the first half, Vini began breaking through the defense earlier, with Mats Hummels and Julian Ryerson struggling to contain him. Although he hadn't managed a final shot, Dortmund eventually made a mistake, giving the Brazilian winger an opportunity. With a brilliant finish, Vini shattered Dortmund's dream of a second Champions League win and spoiled Marco Reus's farewell.
Vini's stellar performance was acknowledged when he was substituted near the end. Real fans gave him a rousing reception, and after the match, he joined their celebrations. This wasn't his first such moment. Vini had scored the only goal in Real's 14th Champions League title win against Liverpool in 2022. Once again, the youthful winger scored in a consecutive final for Real, cementing his place as a big-stage performer.
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