Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League final. Getty
Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League final. Getty
Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League final. Getty
Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League final. Getty

Champions League final: Real Madrid strike late to beat Borussia Dortmund


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Real Madrid sealed their 15th European Cup after they beat Germany's Borussia Dortmund 2-0 during a tightly contested Champions League final at Wembley Stadium in London.

Madrid were under pressure for much of the game, as Dortmund failed to put away several big chances, particularly in the first half.

However, Madrid fought back, with defender Dani Carvajal opening the scoring as he headed in with 15 minutes of the game remaining.

Real's Brazilian forward Vinicius slotted in the second when Dortmund lost possession outside their box in the 83rd minute.

The goal sparked rapturous celebrations among the Madrid fans who had travelled to London. Dortmund supporters, who had been a wall of noise throughout the game, were silenced.

The result was hard on the German side who missed several good first-half chances, the best of which was Niclas Fuellkrug hitting the post from close range.

Carlo Ancelotti had warned his Real players on the eve of the final that they would play with fear and they certainly suffered from stage fright for large parts of the game – eventually finding a way to win.

Real Madrid's defender Dani Carvajal (C) scores the opening goal during the match at Wembley Stadium. AFP
Real Madrid's defender Dani Carvajal (C) scores the opening goal during the match at Wembley Stadium. AFP

Thibaut Courtois was making his first Champions League appearance of the season having recovered from two serious knee injuries and his saves kept Madrid in the game until they struck themselves.

Wembley Stadium confirmed arrests were made after the game was halted inside the opening minute as three separate pitch invaders evaded security.

When the game got back under way it was Borussia Dortmund, watched on by former boss Jurgen Klopp, who were the better side but a gritty Real performance ultimately saw them come out on top once more.

Madrid have not lost a major European final since losing the Cup Winners' Cup to Sir Alex Ferguson's Aberdeen in 1983 but there were times here when they looked set to fall short.

Real Madrid's players and manager Carlo Ancelotti celebrate with the trophy after winning the final. AP
Real Madrid's players and manager Carlo Ancelotti celebrate with the trophy after winning the final. AP

Julian Brandt had a decent early chance but fluffed his lines in what was to become a familiar feeling for Edin Terzic's side.

They were soon left ruing a great opportunity to break the deadlock as Karim Adeyemi raced through a gaping hole in the Madrid defence but took a touch far too wide as he tried to round Courtois.

Still the chances came for the underdogs from the Bundesliga, this time Fullkrug hitting the inside of the post after Ian Maatsen had too easily won the ball back from the otherwise impressive Federico Valverde.

Real were not at the races but Dortmund could not take advantage of their early dominance, Courtois this time saving well from Adeyemi, whose pace was causing plenty of problems.

Ian Maatsen of Borussia Dortmund is consoled by Donyell Malen following their defeat. Getty.
Ian Maatsen of Borussia Dortmund is consoled by Donyell Malen following their defeat. Getty.

Frustration was starting to build among the Madrid ranks as Vinicius was booked for a late challenge on Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.

Courtois was less convincing as he pushed away a Marcel Sabitzer strike from outside the box that bounced in front of the Belgium No 1.

Real began to show signs of life soon after the interval, Kobel saving well from a Toni Kroos free-kick before a Carvajal header also came close to breaking the deadlock.

It was not long, however, until Courtois was back in action as he saved well from a Fulkrug header, with Bellingham unable to make any contact when he had a chance soon after for Madrid.

Toni Kroos of Real Madrid is lifted by teammate Antonio Ruediger after full-time. Getty
Toni Kroos of Real Madrid is lifted by teammate Antonio Ruediger after full-time. Getty

Dortmund's defence had not learnt their lesson though as Carvajal guided a Kroos corner past Kobel to put Ancelotti's men in front with 16 minutes remaining.

Kobel did well to keep out another Kroos free-kick as well as a curling strike from Eduardo Camavinga and a Nacho header with Real looking to make sure of the result in the late stages.

But there was nothing he could do as the lead was doubled courtesy of Vinicius, who collected and dispatched Bellingham's pass after a misplaced ball from Maatsen.

Fullkrug thought he had pulled one back for Dortmund but his effort was offside.

Carvajal, Modric, Nacho and the retiring Kroos all celebrated winning a record-equalling sixth European Cup as Dortmund – much like their defeat in the final to Bayern Munich at Wembley 11 years ago – were left wondering what might have been.

The story of Edge

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, established Edge in 2019.

It brought together 25 state-owned and independent companies specialising in weapons systems, cyber protection and electronic warfare.

Edge has an annual revenue of $5 billion and employs more than 12,000 people.

Some of the companies include Nimr, a maker of armoured vehicles, Caracal, which manufactures guns and ammunitions company, Lahab

 

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Chef Nobu's advice for eating sushi

“One mistake people always make is adding extra wasabi. There is no need for this, because it should already be there between the rice and the fish.
“When eating nigiri, you must dip the fish – not the rice – in soy sauce, otherwise the rice will collapse. Also, don’t use too much soy sauce or it will make you thirsty. For sushi rolls, dip a little of the rice-covered roll lightly in soy sauce and eat in one bite.
“Chopsticks are acceptable, but really, I recommend using your fingers for sushi. Do use chopsticks for sashimi, though.
“The ginger should be eaten separately as a palette cleanser and used to clear the mouth when switching between different pieces of fish.”

F1 The Movie

Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem

Director: Joseph Kosinski

Rating: 4/5

Recipe

Garlicky shrimp in olive oil
Gambas Al Ajillo

Preparation time: 5 to 10 minutes

Cooking time: 5 minutes

Serves 4

Ingredients

180ml extra virgin olive oil; 4 to 5 large cloves of garlic, minced or pureed (or 3 to 4 garlic scapes, roughly chopped); 1 or 2 small hot red chillies, dried (or ¼ teaspoon dried red chilli flakes); 400g raw prawns, deveined, heads removed and tails left intact; a generous splash of sweet chilli vinegar; sea salt flakes for seasoning; a small handful of fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped

Method

Heat the oil in a terracotta dish or frying pan. Once the oil is sizzling hot, add the garlic and chilli, stirring continuously for about 10 seconds until golden and aromatic.

Add a splash of sweet chilli vinegar and as it vigorously simmers, releasing perfumed aromas, add the prawns and cook, stirring a few times.

Once the prawns turn pink, after 1 or 2 minutes of cooking,  remove from the heat and season with sea salt flakes.

Once the prawns are cool enough to eat, scatter with parsley and serve with small forks or toothpicks as the perfect sharing starter. Finish off with crusty bread to soak up all that flavour-infused olive oil.

 

23-man shortlist for next six Hall of Fame inductees

Tony Adams, David Beckham, Dennis Bergkamp, Sol Campbell, Eric Cantona, Andrew Cole, Ashley Cole, Didier Drogba, Les Ferdinand, Rio Ferdinand, Robbie Fowler, Steven Gerrard, Roy Keane, Frank Lampard, Matt Le Tissier, Michael Owen, Peter Schmeichel, Paul Scholes, John Terry, Robin van Persie, Nemanja Vidic, Patrick Viera, Ian Wright.

Updated: June 02, 2024, 4:40 AM`