When Borussia Dortmund secured their berth in the 2024 Champions League final by defeating Paris Saint-Germain 2-0 at the Parc des Princes, it was a moment of triumph amidst doubt. Throughout their journey, Dortmund consistently defied expectations, especially in the group stage, where they were placed in what many dubbed the “group of death.”
Grouped alongside football giants like PSG, Newcastle, and AC Milan, Dortmund faced a daunting challenge from the outset. However, they emerged as group winners, proving their resilience and determination in the face of skepticism. Reflecting on their early struggles, captain Emre Can acknowledged the doubt they faced:
“After the second matchday in the group phase, nobody believed in us anymore. You have to be honest. We had one point. But we continued to believe in ourselves; that was the most important thing, and that’s also the reason why we will be in the final at Wembley on June 1st. We deserve a lot of respect for the team.”
Can’s words echoed the team’s unwavering belief in their abilities and their refusal to succumb to adversity. Despite initial setbacks, Dortmund’s resilience propelled them to the top of their group, setting the stage for their remarkable journey through the knockout stages.
Overcoming adversity in the knockout stages
As Dortmund advanced through the knockout stages, they encountered formidable opponents and persistent doubts from critics. Yet, with each match, they defied expectations and silenced skeptics. Victories against top-tier teams, including PSG in the semi-finals, showcased their mettle and determination.
Speaking after their triumph in Paris, Can addressed the team’s resilience and their ability to seize opportunities:
“Not many people bet on us. But we had incredible energy on the pitch here. Of course, you also need a bit of luck. We forced this luck on ourselves. Then the ball hits the crossbar and not into the net. So it’s just deserved!”
Can’s words reflected Dortmund’s refusal to be underestimated and their willingness to fight for every opportunity. Despite facing formidable opponents, they remained steadfast in their pursuit of Champions League glory, proving that their success was earned through grit and determination.
Looking forward to the final showdown
Dortmund remains undaunted. Can expressed their readiness to face any challenge and their determination to emerge victorious:
“They can now keep their mouths shut. We are now in the final stage, and rightly so. That’s definitely good. We don’t care who the final opponent will be. We played against big teams and won against all of them. No matter who comes, we will be ready and give everything to win this thing.”
As Dortmund prepares for the final showdown at Wembley, they do so with confidence and conviction, ready to leave their mark on football history with a display of resilience, determination, and unwavering belief in their abilities.
