The 2023-24 UEFA Champions League will come to an end Saturday at Wembley Stadium when Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund meet La Liga winners Real Madrid in the final. This is Borussia Dortmund’s first Champions League final appearance since 2013, while Real Madrid are back after lifting the 2022 title. Dortmund have won the Champions League once in their club history, while Real Madrid are going for their second title in three years and fifth in the last 10 seasons.
Here’s what you need to know for the match, with odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
Borussia Dortmund v. Real Madrid
Date: Saturday, June 1
Time: 3 p.m. ET
TV channel: CBS
Livestream: Paramount+, fuboTV
Moneyline odds
Borussia Dortmund: +425
Draw: +230
Real Madrid: -155
Moneyline pick: Real Madrid -155
Dortmund continued their inconsistent form to end the Bundesliga domestic season, losing 3-0 to Mainz before defeating Darmstadt 4-0 in the finale. Real Madrid had captured the La Liga title a few weeks ago, but are coming off two consecutive draws. Both teams have plenty of time off to strategize for this encounter. Dortmund did not allow a single goal against Paris Saint-Germain in the semifinal round, while Real Madrid needed some heroics at the Bernabeu (and some questionable officiating) to advance to Saturday’s final.
Both teams have some injury questions. Dortmund are unsure about Sebastian Haller’s status, while Real Madrid have already ruled out David Alaba and Aurelien Tchouameni. Eder Militao’s status is up in the air but the big news is Thibaut Courtois’ return to the side. Manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed the Belgium keeper will start the final.
Despite Dortmund’s volatile form, the team has usually stepped up when facing superior competition. That sets this up to a low-scoring final once again, but I can’t pick against Real Madrid. The Spanish giants haven’t lost a Champions League final since 1981, winning in each of the last title match appearances. I think we’ll see Los Blancos lift yet another trophy in the 2023-24 season Saturday.