‘They’re Here for a Reason’: Kroos Warns Real Madrid Ahead of Champions League Final With Dortmund

‘They’re Here for a Reason’: Kroos Warns Real Madrid Ahead of Champions League Final With Dortmund

Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe
May 16, 2024 at 5:06 AM
In this article:
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T. Kroos
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Real Madrid logo
Real Madrid
Spain
37
Borussia Dortmund logo
Borussia Dortmund
Germany
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UEFA Champions League
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UEFA UCL
Europe
  • Toni Kroos has warned his Real Madrid side ahead of the Champions League final
  • The Spanish giants will face Borussia Dortmund in the final at Wembley on June 1
  • Kroos, who has five UCL titles, insisted the Bundesliga team cannot be underrated

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Real Madrid midfielder, Toni Kroos, has issued a warning to his teammates as they prepare to face Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League final on June 1.

The clash between the Spanish giants and the Bundesliga side is set to take place at the iconic Wembley Stadium, offering Los Blancos a chance to secure their record-extending 15th Champions League trophy.

Toni Kroos, Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, UEFA Champions League, Wembley, final, underestimate.
Toni Kroos has told his Real Madrid teammates not to underrate Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final on June 1, 2024. Photos by Europa Press Sports and Anadolu.
Source: Getty Images

Despite Madrid's impressive track record at this stage, having won all six they've contested in the 21st century, Kroos has emphasised the need for caution.

Their last defeat in a final dates back to the 1980/81 season against Liverpool.

Toni Kroos cautions Madrid ahead of UCL final

While Madrid boasts a rich history in the competition, Kroos points out that Dortmund should not be underestimated.

His caution echoed Dortmund's underdog victory in 1997, when the Black and Yellows upset a formidable Juventus side, who were playing their third successive final, to claim their sole Champions League title to date.

With the final approaching, Kroos, who has five UCL titles to his name, stressed the importance of respecting the Bundesliga side's capabilities and staying focused on the task at hand.

"We cannot underestimate Dortmund. They’re here for a reason," the veteran midfielder said, as quoted by MadridXtra.

What is Real Madrid's head-to-head record vs Dortmund?

According to UEFA, Madrid has squared off against Dortmund 14 times in their Champions League encounters, holding the upper hand in their head-to-head record.

The reigning La Liga champions have won six of their 14 matches against the Black and Yellows, drawn five, and lost the remaining three.

Additionally, Madrid has scored 24 goals, surpassing Dortmund's tally of 19 goals in their overall meetings.

Casillas solves goalkeeping headache for Madrid

In a recent update, Sports Brief highlighted legendary Los Blancos goalkeeper, Iker Casillas' insight into Madrid's goalkeeping dilemma faces ahead of the Champions League final.

With Carlo Ancelotti's men gearing up for a showdown against Dortmund at Wembley in pursuit of an unprecedented 15th UCL title, attention has turned to the choice of goalkeeper.

Drawing from his illustrious career and experience of winning three UCL finals with Madrid, Casillas has advocated for his preferred keeper for the crucial game against the Germans.

Authors
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe photo
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe is a Ligue 1, Bundesliga, and La Liga editor with five-year experience. He previously worked with Sports Corna and 360SportsGH.
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