Real Madrid struck twice in the second half to beat Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium, sealing their 15th Champions League crown with a 2-0 victory. Despite being outplayed for much of the evening, the tournament's most successful team once again found a way to secure the European Cup, thanks to goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Junior.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti had cautioned his Real Madrid players about the pressures of the final, and his team indeed experienced moments of stage fright. Nevertheless, their resilience shone through, and they emerged victorious.
Thibaut Courtois, making his first Champions League appearance of the season after recovering from two serious knee injuries, played a pivotal role in keeping Madrid in the game. His crucial saves provided the foundation for their second-half surge.
Borussia Dortmund, who missed several key opportunities, were left to rue their profligacy. Niclas Fullkrug hit the post in the first half, and the German side failed to capitalize on their numerous chances.
The match saw early drama as play was halted in the opening minute due to pitch invaders, but once resumed, Dortmund appeared the stronger side. Former Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp watched on as his old team dominated the first half but failed to score.
Julian Brandt missed an early chance, and Karim Adeyemi squandered a one-on-one opportunity after breaking through Madrid's defense. Fullkrug's shot hitting the post and Courtois' save from Adeyemi added to Dortmund's frustrations.
Vinicius Junior received a yellow card for a late challenge on Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, reflecting the mounting tension. Courtois then made another crucial save from a Marcel Sabitzer strike, keeping Madrid in contention.
After the interval, Madrid began to show signs of life. Kobel made a fine save from a Toni Kroos free-kick, and Carvajal came close with a header. Despite Dortmund's continued efforts, Courtois again denied Fullkrug, and Jude Bellingham failed to connect on a chance for Madrid.
Madrid broke the deadlock with 16 minutes remaining when Carvajal guided a Kroos corner past Kobel. The Spanish side then secured their victory as Vinicius Junior scored after collecting a pass from Bellingham, capitalizing on a mistake by Ian Maatsen.
Fullkrug thought he had pulled one back for Dortmund, but his effort was ruled out for offside. In the end, Real Madrid's experience and efficiency in front of goal proved decisive.
Carvajal, Luka Modric, Nacho, and the retiring Kroos celebrated their record-equalling sixth European Cup, while Dortmund were left to ponder what might have been. Their defeat at Wembley echoed their loss to Bayern Munich in the final at the same venue 11 years ago.
