Real Madrid have once again booked their place in the UEFA Champions League final after a thrilling 4-3 aggregate victory over Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday night. The Spanish giants now prepare to face Borussia Dortmund in the ultimate showdown on June 1 at Wembley, where several seasoned players in their squad aim to further cement their place in European football history.
Veterans Toni Kroos, Lucas Vázquez, Luka Modric, and Dani Carvajal, each with five Champions League titles, are chasing yet another trophy to extend their remarkable tally. Under Carlo Ancelotti’s guidance, Real Madrid are also on course for a third title this season, having already secured the Spanish Super Cup and La Liga crown, signaling the potential for a historic treble.
The squad balances experience with youthful energy. Stars like Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, Thibaut Courtois, Federico Valverde, and Eduardo Camavinga are set to pursue their second Champions League titles with the club. Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who won the trophy with Chelsea in 2021, could also add a second medal to his collection.
A standout story this season has been Joselu Mato, who joined on loan from Espanyol. After being Espanyol’s top La Liga scorer last season, Joselu has netted five goals for Madrid this campaign, including a crucial brace in the semi-final comeback against Bayern Munich.
Newer members of the squad are also making their mark. Aurelien Tchouaméni looks to win his first Champions League, having been unbeaten in all 31 matches he started this season (25 wins, 6 draws), while summer signing Jude Bellingham is set for a first European title as he faces his former club Dortmund in the final.
Toni Kroos has now reached seven Champions League finals under the new European format, setting a new benchmark. A victory would see him, alongside Modric, Vázquez, and Carvajal, become the most decorated players in Champions League history, adding to Real Madrid’s pursuit of a record 15th European crown.
With resilience, experience, and talent in abundance, Carlo Ancelotti’s side are poised to write another chapter in their legendary European story, as the city of Madrid prepares to echo the rallying cry: “APORLA15.”
