Speaking at Borussia Dortmund’s press conference, head coach Edin Terzic shared his thoughts on the upcoming Champions League final against Real Madrid. Recognizing Dortmund as the underdogs, Terzic remains optimistic about his team’s chances: “A final isn’t just for participating, it’s for winning.” He highlighted Dortmund’s strengths: “We lead in clean sheets. This has been crucial for our journey to the final. We struggled back in September, but we’ve transformed into a formidable team.”
Team Morale and Historic Context
Terzic also commented on the team’s positive atmosphere: “There’s a lot of excitement and determination. We’re confident we’ll deliver a strong performance on Saturday.” This match marks Dortmund’s third appearance in a Champions League final. Their previous finals saw a victory over Juventus in 1997 with a 3-1 scoreline and a loss to Bayern Munich in 2013 with a 2-1 result at Wembley.
Facing Real Madrid, Dortmund will need to replicate their semi-final performance against PSG to overcome the 14-time champions. Adding an emotional layer to the match, this will be Marco Reus’ last game for Dortmund as his contract expires this summer. With the Champions League set to change its format next season, an underdog victory would be a memorable way to conclude this era of the competition, reminiscent of Chelsea’s triumph over Bayern in 2012.
Key Factors and Emotional Farewells
Terzic emphasized the significance of their defensive solidity, which has been a cornerstone of their success this season: “Our numerous clean sheets have been pivotal. Our form in September was far from ideal, but we’ve evolved into a completely different team now.” This transformation has bolstered their confidence as they head into the final.
Moreover, the atmosphere within the Dortmund camp is filled with anticipation and enthusiasm: “The mood is buoyant, and the players are eager to showcase their abilities,” Terzic noted. This final also carries sentimental weight as it marks the end of an era for Marco Reus, a club legend who will be playing his final match for Dortmund. His departure adds an emotional dimension to the team’s quest for glory.
Historic Opportunity and Format Change
Dortmund’s path to the final has been marked by impressive performances, particularly their semi-final victory against PSG, which showcased their resilience and tactical acumen. To secure a win against Real Madrid, Dortmund will need to summon a similar level of performance and determination.
This final also represents a historic opportunity, as the Champions League format is set to undergo significant changes next season. An underdog victory for Dortmund would be a fitting and dramatic end to the current format of the competition, evoking memories of Chelsea’s unexpected triumph over Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena in 2012.
