The ultimate guide to the Champions League final

Dortmund vs Real Madrid
Where are they playing?
Who's the referee?
Who's the favourite?
Pre-final run: Dortmund
Pre-final run: Real Madrid
Players to watch: Dortmund
Players to watch: Real Madrid
Our prediction
Dortmund vs Real Madrid

Borussia Dortmund will take on Real Madrid on 1 June in a highly anticipated clash between two of European football's biggest names. Here's everything you need to know to make the most of the Champions League final.

Where are they playing?

The two giants of European football go head-to-head at Wembley, arguably the most legendary stadium in world football. "Boasting a seated capacity of around 90,000, the new Wembley reopened its doors in 2007 and is once again home to the England national side, as well as host to the nation's premier domestic cup finals," UEFA writes.

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Who's the referee?

Slovenia's Slavko Vinčić has the enormous responsibility of refereeing the match. "He will be officiating his second UEFA club competition final after his appointment as the referee for the 2022 UEFA Europa League final between Eintracht Frankfurt and Rangers," per UEFA.

Who's the favourite?

For many, Real Madrid are the favourites because of their history with the competition and the aura of invincibility enjoyed by Carlo Ancelotti's men. 'Los Blancos' are looking to succeed Manchester City, who they knocked out in the quarter-finals.

Pre-final run: Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund emerged victorious from a tough Group F that included PSG, AC Milan and Newcastle. The Germans went on to beat PSV Eindhoven and Atletico Madrid before facing PSG again. After a 1-0 home win, Dortmund kept their cool in the French capital, qualifying for the final after another narrow 0-1 victory.

Pre-final run: Real Madrid

Real Madrid won all their matches in Group C, before eliminating RB Leipzig, reigning champions Manchester City and Thomas Tuchel's Bayern Munich. Against the Citizens in particular, 'Los Merengeus' showed that they were not only dangerous offensively, but that they could also defend as if their lives depended on it.

Players to watch: Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund are counting on Marco Reus to add a touch of magic to what will be the German's very last game for the 'Black and Yellow'. Striker Niclas Füllkrug is Dortmund's top scorer this season with 15 goals, according to Transfermarkt, along with Donyell Malen. Add Jadon Sancho and Karim Adeyemi, and Real Madrid will have to watch out.

Players to watch: Real Madrid

Real Madrid are a classy side, with Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo their main attacking weapons, supported by Toni Kroos in midfield. In defence, Antonio Rüdiger will be looking to strike fear into the hearts of his compatriots.

Our prediction

Real Madrid go into the final as heavy favourites, but we believe that if Dortmund can match the intensity of the Spaniards and have their defence in order, they can snatch victory at Wembley. It would be the best farewell Marco Reus could imagine.

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