Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid LIVE!

Real Madrid were crowned kings of Europe for a record-extending 15th time with a 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final at Wembley on Saturday.

Huge favourites going in to the game, the Spanish side were outplayed for long periods but broke Dortmund's resistance with late goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Jr.

Veteran right-back Carvajal glanced in a header from a Toni Kroos corner in the 74th minute and from that moment Carlo Ancelotti's side sparked into life. Vinicius slid home Real's second in the 83rd minute to silence the yellow-clad Dortmund fans who had created a wall of noise throughout the Champions League final.

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

Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid highlights

• GOAL! Carvajal nets late opener at Wembley

• GOAL! Vinicius Jr seals the title

Borussia Dortmund player ratings

22:53 , Marc Mayo

Gregor Kobel 8

Took a clattering from Vinicius Jr in the first half but was able to continue. Some super saves in the second half, but they weren’t enough.

Nico Schlotterbeck 7

One excellent clearance with Bellingham poised to slot home the opener. Passed well, and almost always forwards. Booked for protesting.

Jadon Sancho 6

For long spells he was out of the game, like Bellingham for Real, but on occasion he found the ball at his feet and showed his ability by driving forward.

Read our full Dortmund player ratings!

Underestimated Borussia Dortmund prove worthy of Champions League final occasion

22:48 , Marc Mayo

Shattered dreams at Wembley again for Mats Hummels, Marco Reus and Borussia Dortmund, though that should not be the prevailing feeling. Even reaching this Champions League final was a victory for the Black and Yellow.

Like in 2013, when German rivals Bayern Munich prevailed here, the final proved one step too far.

Losing to Real Madrid in a European final would be no great disgrace for anyone; they’ve not been defeated in once since 1983. For Edin Terzic’s unheralded and clearly underestimated side, there was no hint of humiliation here.

Read Dom’s full analysis of Dortmund’s display!

Vinicius Jr can be football's next global superstar

22:38 , Marc Mayo

In the post-Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi era we now live in, there is a void for players to step into and become football’s next global superstar.

On the basis of this season, and this Champions League final, Vinicius Jr is ready to answer that call.

Read Simon’s full analysis from Madrid’s win!

Watch Vinicius Jr score Real Madrid's second

22:29 , Marc Mayo

Jude Bellingham is celebrating before he even took the shot!

Real Madrid lift the Champions League!

22:17 , Marc Mayo

Big smiles for Jude Bellingham and a cheer for Toni Kroos. Also worth thinking about Joselu and Kepa Arrizabalaga, two European champions basically discarded before joining Real.

Kings of Europe for a 15th time, Nacho Fernandez holds up the trophy!

Time for Real Madrid

22:15 , Marc Mayo

Carlo Ancelotti leads Madrid through the podium to collect their medals.

Here come the runners-up

22:13 , Marc Mayo

Basically nobody has left as Zinedine Zidane brings out the trophy.

First up are the officials then Dortmund get a guard of honour from Real and a big round of applause from all around the stadium.

Their fans are sticking around to cheer off their heroes, who did them proud but came up just short.

Time for the trophy presentation

22:10 , Marc Mayo

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin and Real Madrid president Florentino Perez make their way onto the pitch for the ceremony.

It will take place on the pitch, rather than the Royal Box.

Jude Bellingham reacts

22:08 , Marc Mayo

“I’ve always dreamed of playing in these games, you go through life and so many people say you can’t do things.

“I lost it when I saw my parents and my little brother. I can’t put it into words. The best night of my life.

“I can’t have dreamed it much better than this. I’m so grateful. I can’t believe it.”

A 15th European crown for Real Madrid

22:04 , Marc Mayo

You simply cannot deny Los Blancos in this competition.

Vinicius Jr has leapt into the fans and Jude Bellingham just gave a ‘hail’ sign to Carlo Ancelotti before embracing his boss!

Watch Dani Carvajal's opening goal

22:00 , Marc Mayo

Toni Kroos with the assist on his last game in club football!

FULL TIME!

21:57 , Marc Mayo

Real Madrid are champions of Europe! AGAIN!

Borussia Dortmund 0-2 Real Madrid | 90+5 mins

21:56 , Marc Mayo

A flurry of Dortmund corners to end on, even one goal surely won’t be enough to give them a chance.

Borussia Dortmund 0-2 Real Madrid | 90+3 mins

21:55 , Marc Mayo

Lucas Vazquez on for Vinicius Jr, who earns an ovation from the Real fans and jeers from the Yellow Wall.

Borussia Dortmund 0-2 Real Madrid | 90 mins

21:52 , Marc Mayo

Rodrygo is the man to depart for Eder Militao and the board sets up five added minutes.

Borussia Dortmund 0-2 Real Madrid | 89 mins

21:50 , Marc Mayo

Jadon Sancho’s night is over, he’s off for former Reading academy product Jamie Bynoe-Gittens. Donyell Malen has also come on.

Eder Militao will now reinforce the Madrid defence. They’re on the brink of number 15.

Borussia Dortmund 0-2 Real Madrid | 87 mins

21:49 , Marc Mayo

GOA-NO!

Niclas Fullkrug thinks he’s made it 2-1 but the flag is up.

Borussia Dortmund 0-2 Real Madrid | 86 mins

21:47 , Marc Mayo

For the last time, Toni Kroos departs a Real Madrid game.

A big roar towards the Real fans as he is replaced by Luka Modric. Joselu also on for Jude Bellingham.

GGGGGOOOOOAAALLLLL!!!!! Borussia Dortmund 0-2 Real Madrid | Vinicius Jr, 83'

21:45 , Marc Mayo

THAT IS SURELY THAT!

It’s been coming and Vinicius gets in after a mistake from Ian Maatsen and he effortlessly dinks the ball home!

Madrid lead by TWO!

Borussia Dortmund 0-1 Real Madrid | 83 mins

21:44 , Marc Mayo

Gregor Kobel again!

Nacho Fernandez this time with the header from a Madrid corner and the Dortmund No1 is keeping his team in this final.

Borussia Dortmund 0-1 Real Madrid | 82 mins

21:43 , Marc Mayo

SAVE!

Eduardo Camavinga nearly nets an absolute beauty from 25 yards, a wicked curling and dipping shot which Gregor Kobel leaps well to turn wide.

Borussia Dortmund 0-1 Real Madrid | 81 mins

21:42 , Marc Mayo

Gregor Kobel is equal to Toni Kroos’ free-kick and Borussia bring Sebastien Haller on for Julian Brandt.

That’ll change them into a 4-4-2.

Borussia Dortmund 0-1 Real Madrid | 79 mins

21:40 , Marc Mayo

Neat turn by Eduardo Camavinga draws a foul from Mats Hummels just outside the box. That’s a booking for the veteran.

Real look the most likely team to score here...

Borussia Dortmund 0-1 Real Madrid | 78 mins

21:39 , Marc Mayo

CHANCE!

Jude Bellingham simply has to score from a cutback in the box. It’s a touch from Nico Schlotterbeck that diverts it inches wide of the post!

Football reporter Dom Smith at Wembley:

Huge moment for Real Madrid, an older general in Dani Carvajal rising highest to put them ahead. Dortmund will indeed rue that host of missed chances now. They trail and must recover quickly.

Borussia Dortmund 0-1 Real Madrid | 76 mins

21:38 , Marc Mayo

Borussia have just under 15 minutes, plus stoppage time, to score or Real will be European champions for a 15th time.

Dani Carvajal had a header go over the bar not long before he repeated the same run, and this time hit the target, to put Los Blancos on the brink.

GGGGOOOOOAAAALLLL!!!!! Borussia Dortmund 0-1 Real Madrid | Carvajal, 74'

21:35 , Marc Mayo

IT’S IN!

REAL MADRID LEAD THE FINAL!

Dani Carvajal rises highest from the corner and flicks a header into the far corner!

Borussia Dortmund 0-0 Real Madrid | 73 mins

21:35 , Marc Mayo

Another Real corner is cleared but they’ll have another after a hopeful shot is deflected behind by Ian Maatsen.

Football reporter Simon Collings at Wembley:

Few Real Madrid players out warming up. One of them is Luka Modric. How long before Ancelotti turns to him?

Borussia Dortmund 0-0 Real Madrid | 72 mins

21:33 , Marc Mayo

Well this could be the story of the night. Marco Reus, 35, in his last appearance for Dortmund is on for Karim Adeyemi.

Borussia Dortmund 0-0 Real Madrid | 71 mins

21:33 , Marc Mayo

Marco Reus is about to enter the action.

Borussia Dortmund 0-0 Real Madrid | 70 mins

21:31 , Marc Mayo

CLOSE!

Vinicius Jr floats a cross in and Jude Bellingham narrowly misses it, with a minor flick of Gregor Kobel helping it drift narrowly wide. Any touch from the England man and he’s probably scored in a Champions League final.

Borussia Dortmund 0-0 Real Madrid | 69 mins

21:30 , Marc Mayo

Really feels like the sort of game where one moment of magic, or a big mistake, will decide which this trophy catches to its new home tomorrow morning.

Of course, extra-time and penalties may be required.

Jude Bellingham pops up in the box and his pass is cleared.

Borussia Dortmund 0-0 Real Madrid | 66 mins

21:28 , Marc Mayo

Slick work by Rodrygo to beat Ian Maatsen and win Real’s second corner in the space of a couple of minutes.

We’re into double digits for corners through this final and they’ve pretty much all been well defended.

Vinicius Jr leaps well from Toni Kroos’ recycled ball in and flicks a header well off target.

Borussia Dortmund 0-0 Real Madrid | 63 mins

21:25 , Marc Mayo

CHANCE!

Niclas Fullkrug sends a bullet header goalwards after a cross from the left... and Thibaut Courtois is equal to it! A firm punch clear denies the big striker.

Borussia Dortmund 0-0 Real Madrid | 62 mins

21:23 , Marc Mayo

Dortmund are well on top in terms of territory recently, although without much of a sniff of a shot.

Antonio Rudiger is having a fine game mopping up in the centre of defence.

Football reporter Simon Collings at Wembley:

The last four Champions League finals have all finished 1-0. This game has the same feel about it.

Borussia Dortmund 0-0 Real Madrid | 57 mins

21:19 , Marc Mayo

Now Dani Carvajal hits the deck holding his face after a body-check by Karim Adeyemi.

The right-back is clutching his face in pain then play is stopped and he’s magically not injured, but not any less angry at Adeyemi, whose hand he slaps away.

Madrid come forward again and Carvajal pops up at the far post... his connection isn’t too clean and the keeper grabs it.

Borussia Dortmund 0-0 Real Madrid | 54 mins

21:16 , Marc Mayo

Eduardo Camavinga furious at failing to win a free-kick when knocked down by a pair of markers while surging into the Borussia half.

It’s been a promising spell for the underdogs to start the half, just as they ended the first.

Borussia Dortmund 0-0 Real Madrid | 51 mins

21:12 , Marc Mayo

We’ve just had confirmation from the Wembley communications team that the three pitch invaders who ran on in the first minute have all been arrested.

Football reporter Dom Smith at Wembley:

So close from Toni Kroos with the free-kick, but props to Gregor Kobel who got across well to save. Real who have come out the stronger side early in this second half. Still goalless and all to play for.

Borussia Dortmund 0-0 Real Madrid | 49 mins

21:11 , Marc Mayo

It’s very smoky in the Borussia half after a series of flares were lit by the German fans ahead of the second half.

Toni Kroos shoots from the free-kick and Gregor Kobel parries wide! Dani Carvajal then heads over from the corner.

That’s brought a rise out of the Real fans.

Borussia Dortmund 0-0 Real Madrid | 48 mins

21:09 , Marc Mayo

Early Borussia corner cleared comfortably. Madrid have been good at defending set plays all night.

Vinicius Jr breaks well and wins a free-kick just outside the opposition box.

Borussia Dortmund 0-0 Real Madrid | 46 mins

21:08 , Marc Mayo

Not since Tottenham in 2019 had a Champions League finalist failed to have a shot on target in the first half.

Madrid have the early second-half possession as the posh seats gently fill up at Wembley.

Kick-off!

21:06 , Marc Mayo

No changes as the second half begins.

Dortmund fans protest new sponsor

21:05 , Marc Mayo

Before the game, a banner was held up by Borussia fans protesting their club’s new sponsor.

Arms manufacturer Rheinmettal have signed up with the Bundesliga club in a controversial deal.

And the BVB faithful hit out at “sportswashing” at Wembley.

Real Madrid not at the races

21:02 , Marc Mayo

Real Madrid fans can rest assured that their team won’t turn up for the second half and play as badly as they did for the first.

Jude Bellingham has barely had a touch, Vinicius Jr has been wayward and is Rodrygo even on the pitch?

Still, they are more than capable of upping their game in the blink of an eye.

20:58 , Marc Mayo

Wembley security officials were left red-faced after the Champions League final was halted after just one minute following a string of pitch invasions.

The clash between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund had just kicked off when three separate invaders made it onto the pitch, approaching some of the players in the process.

The third outran security for some moments and almost made it back in among the fans before being caught.

Tonight was billed as the biggest stewarding operation Wembley had ever seen...

Dortmund the better of the two teams

20:53 , Marc Mayo

The Germans have gone close a couple of times through Karim Adeyemi and seen Niclas Fullkrug hit the post (albeit when likely offside).

Edin Terzic will be quietly satisfied but teams simply never get the entire 90 minutes to take potshots at Real Madrid.

They’ll have lots of regrets if they can’t grab that first goal.

Half-time!

20:51 , Marc Mayo

A second corner won by Ian Maatsen on the far side and again Madrid clear.

And that’s the break!

Borussia Dortmund 0-0 Real Madrid | 45+3 mins

20:49 , Marc Mayo

Borussia finishing the half strongly and Vinicius Jr gives it away after Real win it back.

Corner to Dortmund to finish off...

Borussia Dortmund 0-0 Real Madrid | 45 mins

20:48 , Marc Mayo

Four added minutes.

Borussia Dortmund 0-0 Real Madrid | 43 mins

20:47 , Marc Mayo

Marcel Sabitzer next to enter the book after complaining at conceding a free-kick near the Madrid corner flag.

You get the sense that Slavko Vincic is trying to stamp some authority on the match after some early leniency.

Football reporter Dom Smith at Wembley:

Sabitzer forces a strong save from Courtois, but could the Austrian have looked right and put Sancho in there? Dortmund must fear their first-half missed chances coming back to haunt them.

Borussia Dortmund 0-0 Real Madrid | 44 mins

20:46 , Marc Mayo

Beautiful covering tackle from Mats Hummels to halt a dangerous Vinicius Jr from bombing into the box - and he wins the throw too.

The veteran German celebrates that like a goal! And rightly so.

Borussia Dortmund 0-0 Real Madrid | 42 mins

20:42 , Marc Mayo

Thibaut Courtois gets down low to parry Marcel Sabitzer’s rocket from range! Well hit but always one you’d expect him to save.

Borussia Dortmund 0-0 Real Madrid | 41 mins

20:41 , Marc Mayo

Nico Schlotterbeck booked for dissent after Vinicius Jr flukes a free-kick for flopping near the touchline.

Borussia Dortmund 0-0 Real Madrid | 39 mins

20:40 , Marc Mayo

Just two shots for Real so far, neither of which were on target.

Not dissimilar from their stats in the first half of the semi-final first leg at Bayern Munich. They then scored the opening goal with their first attempt on target!

Borussia Dortmund 0-0 Real Madrid | 35 mins

20:36 , Marc Mayo

Vinicius Jr catches Gregor Kobel chasing down the Borussia keeper.

The goalkeeper stays on the ground hurt, doesn’t look like there was huge contact though.

Booking for the Madrid man.

Borussia Dortmund 0-0 Real Madrid | 31 mins

20:32 , Marc Mayo

The Yellow Wall demands a penalty but the referee waves it away.

Dortmund broke through Jadon Sancho from a Real corner and he clipped a nice ball to Julian Brandt, who looked for Karim Adeyemi before Antonio Rudiger came across with a physical-but-fair challenge.

Borussia Dortmund 0-0 Real Madrid | 29 mins

20:30 , Marc Mayo

Thibaut Courtois denies Karim Adeyemi!

Will Dortmund live to regret these chances going begging?

Borussia Dortmund 0-0 Real Madrid | 28 mins

20:28 , Marc Mayo

Looks like Emre Can will continue and Los Blancos have their foot on the ball, trying to pause that Borussia surge.

Borussia Dortmund 0-0 Real Madrid | 25 mins

20:26 , Marc Mayo

Emre Can is down with an injury, stunting Dortmund’s momentum.

Football reporter Simon Collings at Wembley:

Real Madrid are rattled. How often do you say that?

Borussia Dortmund 0-0 Real Madrid | 23 mins

20:25 , Marc Mayo

OFF THE POST!

More chances for Borussia!

Marcel Sabitzer floats into space down the right and Karim Adeyemi has the ball nicked off his toe at the last.

Then Niclas Fullkrug breaks in and clips the inside of the post. The ball agonisingly rolls along the goalline and is cleared.

Replays show that was probably offside, mind.

Borussia Dortmund 0-0 Real Madrid | 22 mins

20:23 , Marc Mayo

CHANCE!

Huge opening for Karim Adeyemi, who breaks the offside trap and rounds Thibaut Courtois... but his touch is heavy and Dani Carvajal is back to clear his attempt from a tight angle.

Borussia Dortmund 0-0 Real Madrid | 19 mins

20:20 , Marc Mayo

Marcel Sabitzer penalised for a late one on Jude Bellingham.

Real could loft the ball into the box from this spot, 40 yards out, but play it short and continue to increase their 60 per-cent share of possession so far.

Borussia Dortmund 0-0 Real Madrid | 16 mins

20:17 , Marc Mayo

Madrid just easing up through the gears here, but no fireworks to speak of since Lenny Kravitz departed stage left.

Football reporters Simon Collings and Dom Smith at Wembley:

The Dortmund fans behind the goals are the ones making all the noise here. Bouncing up and down to make a racket. Madrid end, in contrast, quite quiet.

A couple of very nice passes from Toni Kroos and Eduardo Camavinga just suggest Real are perhaps revving up a notch here.

It was Dortmund and Julian Brandt who had the game’s first chance, but the favourites beginning to assert an element of control here.

Borussia Dortmund 0-0 Real Madrid | 15 mins

20:16 , Marc Mayo

Jadon Sancho beats Eduardo Camavinga all ends up in the Real half to draw a foul. Looks a stonewall yellow card but some leniency from the referee at this early stage.

Dortmund come forward and Niclas Fullkrug feeds Julian Brandt... shot sliced wide.

Up the other end, Vinicius Jr flies one off target.

Borussia Dortmund 0-0 Real Madrid | 13 mins

20:13 , Marc Mayo

Neat work down the right sees Fede Valverde get in behind Ian Maatsen and the Uruguayan links up nicely with Dani Carvajal and Jude Bellingham.

For some reason, he then swings a loose left boot at the ball and balloons the shot well over.

Borussia Dortmund 0-0 Real Madrid | 11 mins

20:12 , Marc Mayo

Madrid want a foul after Fede Valverde hits the deck, bouncing off Nico Schlotterbeck near the 18-yard line. Nothing doing, says the referee.

Borussia Dortmund 0-0 Real Madrid | 9 mins

20:10 , Marc Mayo

Confident start by Dortmund, although it’s not like Real are showing any signs of nerves at how quickly their opponents are getting into their half.

Borussia Dortmund 0-0 Real Madrid | 6 mins

20:08 , Marc Mayo

Marcel Sabitzer forms Borussia’s first attack and has a cross cleared by Antonio Rudiger.

Ferland Mendy then blocks Julian Ryerson’s cross to concede the final’s first corner.

Dortmund get the flick-on but Real deal with it.

Borussia Dortmund 0-0 Real Madrid | 4 mins

20:06 , Marc Mayo

Vinicius Jr gets a first chance to bomb forward but can’t keep it in play, and gives a big heave-ho to the Madrid fans to ramp up the volume.

There were rumours that the Brazilian has been ill in the build-up to kick-off.

Football reporters Simon Collings and Dom Smith at Wembley:

The clock reads one-minute, three-seconds and there have already been THREE fans run onto the pitch. Makes a mockery of UEFA's security, who are still running after the third.

A reminder this is the biggest stewarding operation in Wembley history.

Borussia Dortmund 0-0 Real Madrid | 2 mins

20:04 , Marc Mayo

Just 25 seconds in and the final is paused due to a pitch invader.

Looks like he’s just filming as much as he can before stewards slowly make their way out to grab him.

In fact, another two rush on! Goodness me.

Marcel Sabitzer turns impromptu security guard to mop them up.

Football reporter Simon Collings at Wembley:

Can't think of the last time - possibly ever - I have seen Jude Bellingham in the flesh, but he is huge. Legs like trunks. Absolute athlete as I sit here having eaten six press-box biscuits.

Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid | Kick-off!

20:01 , Marc Mayo

It’s time!

Dortmund and Madrid lock horns at Wembley in the Champions League final.

The Germans get the ball rolling.

Man in the middle

20:00 , Marc Mayo

Slavko Vincic of Slovakia has the referee’s whistle tonight. He took the 2022 Europa League final.

Kick-off coming up!

19:59 , Marc Mayo

Who’s way is the Champions League trophy heading come full-time..?

Feels like a few jeers from some fans as the pre-game show wrapped up.

Here come the players out of the tunnel!

The Champions League anthem plays out

19:58 , Marc Mayo

A hugo tifo is unfurled in both ends and the players shake hands.

Not long to wait now...

Pre-game ceremony begins!

19:54 , Marc Mayo

Lenny Kravitz is out on the pitch bringing yet more energy to the occasion!

Key match-ups: Jude Bellingham vs Emre Can

19:50 , Marc Mayo

Jude Bellingham, who will face his former club, was voted LaLiga's player of the season earlier this week after a stellar first year in the Spanish capital.

He could be the difference between the two sides unless kept in check by Dortmund's deep-lying former Liverpool midfielder Emre Can.

The German international cannot match Bellingham's dynamism, but can head off the gaps in the final third, which the marauding Englishman thrives in.

Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid: Countdown to kick-off

19:46 , Marc Mayo

We’ve had ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ played out for the Dortmund fans, who hold their yellow scarves aloft with Jurgen Klopp singing along on the big screen.

Zinedine Zidane has been spotted in the tunnel with Luis Figo in conversation with Sir Alex Ferguson in the stands.

Kick-off in just under 15 minutes!

Football reporter Simon Collings at Wembley:

Dortmund fans currently belting out 'You'll Never Walk Alone'. Must be a surreal moment for Jurgen Klopp.

Jude Bellingham can take next step on path to greatness

19:44 , Marc Mayo

So many eyes will be on Jude Bellingham as the England international looks to bring another European trophy back to Madrid.

Dan has written about the 20-year-old’s stunning rise, which is perfect pre-game reading.

Read the full story!

Jadon Sancho ready to bring London cage skills to Wembley

19:41 , Marc Mayo

Jadon Sancho is ready to bring the cage football he grew up with in south London to Wembley.

The 24-year-old from Kennington is thriving back at Borussia Dortmund after leaving Manchester United on loan in January, and will be key to their chances of an upset against Real Madrid.

Sancho insists he will express himself on the pitch on Saturday and is confident he will light it up on his return to the capital.

“I grew up with cage football and it has always been with me,” he said. “Every time I go on to the pitch I try to do the skills I did in the cage.

“Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t, but if you do not try it will never work. I will just try to play my normal game.

“This is a very special game. As a kid you dream of these moments, to play in a big game like this against Madrid. I do like the big games, they fire me up. I am ready to go.”

Jay-Z pops up at Wembley

19:35 , Marc Mayo

We’re now about 25 minutes from kick-off and Jay-Z is taking his position, with basically every seat filled up already!

Key match-ups: Antonio Rudiger vs Niclas Fullkrug

19:31 , Marc Mayo

Germany centre-back Rudiger, who made his 100th appearance for Real Madrid last week, played a key role in their passage to the final after keeping a stranglehold on both Manchester City's Erling Haaland and Bayern Munich's Harry Kane earlier in the knockout phase.

Rudiger has every attribute required for a world-class central defender and Fullkrug, a traditional centre forward, must look to pull Rudiger out of position so gaps appear for others.

From West Ham to Wembley… the remarkable rise of Edin Terzic

19:26 , Marc Mayo

Borussia boss Edin Terzic was tipped for big things during his stint as West Ham assistant boss - but few expected him to reach these heights.

Simon wrote about the remarkable rise of the German ahead of tonight’s final.

Read the full story!

Real Madrid must embrace 'fear', insists Carlo Ancelotti

19:22 , Marc Mayo

Carlo Ancelotti wants his Real Madrid players to feel the fear of the Champions League final when the anthem plays ahead of kick-off at Wembley.

The record 14-time winners will be heavy favourites when they face Borussia Dortmund but Ancelotti - the competition's most successful manager with four titles - knows nothing is guaranteed.

"A Champions League final is the most important game and the most dangerous one," Ancelotti said on the eve of the clash.

"It is a double-edged sword, we need to enjoy it to the maximum, and then concern starts that it could go wrong because we are so close to the most important thing in football, which is winning a Champions League.

"There is a fear, a concern out of that. It is a feeling we all have inside. We have extreme happiness, but you have to be a bit lucky, play well and never lower your guard but when you reach a final success is so close that you start worrying.

"It is going to start tonight, tomorrow morning, tomorrow afternoon. A lot of fear, it is normal. If you have more fear you will be happier if you are able to win in the end."

Time for the warm-ups

19:18 , Marc Mayo

Dortmund’s outfielders are the first out to begin their warm-ups.

Madrid follow shortly with Jude Bellingham among them. The 20-year-old is the third-youngest Real player to start in a Champions League final, according to MisterChip.

The only teenagers to have managed so were Raul and Iker Casillas... and they turned out all right didn’t they?!

Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid: Countdown to kick-off

19:15 , Marc Mayo

A standing ovation for Edin Terzic as the Dortmund boss makes his way across the Wembley pitch.

The goalkeepers are warming up and the Yellow Wall is already packed behind one of the goals.

Kick-off in 45 minutes!

Key match-ups: Jadon Sancho vs Ferland Mendy

19:13 , Marc Mayo

Dortmund's potency in attack is provided by wingers Sancho and Karim Adeyemi.

The latter's pace is sure to keep Real right-back Dani Carvajal on his toes, but the bigger threat on the night could come from Sancho, who has plenty to prove on the Wembley stage after being loaned out by Manchester United.

Sancho appears back to his best and France left-back Ferland Mendy may have to think twice about bombing high up the other end of the pitch.

A farewell for Toni Kroos

19:09 , Marc Mayo

Toni Kroos will hope to go out with a bang with tonight his last game in club football.

The Real Madrid playmaker is hanging up his boots this summer, following a go for glory with Germany at Euro 2024.

However, Luka Modric is set for his own last dance next season with the veteran reportedly agreeing a new contract in the Spanish capital.

To announce his retirement, Kroos wrote online: “July 17th, 2014 - the day of my presentation at Real Madrid, the day that changed my life. My life as a footballer - but especially as a person. It was the start of a new chapter at the biggest club in the world.

“After 10 years, at the end of the season this chapter comes to an end. I will never forget that insolent successful time! I would particularly like to thank everyone that welcomed me with an open heart and trusted me. But especially I would like to thank you, dear Madridistas, for your affection and your love from the first day until the last one.

“At the same time this decision means that my career as an active footballer will end this summer after the European Championship. As I have always said: Real Madrid is and will be my last club. I am happy and proud, that in my mind I found the right timing for my decision and that I could choose it by my own.

“My ambition was always to finish my career at the peak of my performance level. From now on there is only one leading thought: a por la 15!!”

Sebastien Haller makes the bench

19:05 , Marc Mayo

The Ivorian striker was the only real concern for Borussia heading into the final and he’s fit for the bench after battling an ankle injury.

Karim Adeyemi beats Donyell Malen to start on the left wing and the Premier League loanee duo of Ian Maatsen and Jadon Sancho are also in the XI.

Dortmund team news is in!

18:58 , Marc Mayo

Borussia Dortmund XI: Kobel; Ryerson, Schlotterbeck, Hummels, Maatsen; Sabitzer, Can; Sancho, Brandt, Adeyemi; Fullkrug

Subs: Meyer, Lotka, Ozcan, Nmecha, Haller, Reus, Wolf, Moukoko, Malen, Sule, Watjen, Bynoe-Gittens

Rewind: When Borussia won the Champions League

18:56 , Marc Mayo

It was 1997 when Dortmund lifted their only Champions League trophy.

Having beaten Auxerre and Manchester United en route to the final, they had a bit of a home advantage in Munich and beat Juventus 3-1.

Paul Lambert and Paulo Sousa played in midfield as Karl-Heinz Riedle scored twice in the first half. Alessandro Del Piero got Juve back in the match before Lars Ricken’s goal sealed the trophy.

Key match-ups: Vinicius Jr vs Julian Ryerson

18:53 , Marc Mayo

Brazil forward Vinicius Junior scored his side's winner in the 2022 final against Liverpool and his 31 Champions League goal contributions (goals and assists) over the last three seasons is more than any other player.

But Norway right-back Ryerson has been an outstanding one-on-one defender this season and impressively came out on top when asked to snuff out Kylian Mbappe's threat in both legs of Dortmund's semi-final win against PSG.

Jude Bellingham issues Champions League final vow

18:48 , Marc Mayo

Jude Bellingham will put emotion to one side in a bid to make history at Wembley and lead Real Madrid to an extraordinary 15th ­European crown.

The England midfielder wants to finish his brilliant debut season at Madrid, in which he has already won LaLiga, with victory against former club Borussia Dortmund.

Bellingham enjoyed three years at Dortmund before his £88.5million move to Madrid last summer, and Saturday promises to be a special occasion for the 20-year-old. But he is determined to put aside any sentiment to help Real to more European glory.

“To play this kind of game is the reason I’m here,” said Bellingham. “I always dreamed of playing for this team and scoring goals. This team means Champions League — it’s what they always want. I want to make a little bit of history with this team.

“It’s very special for me to play this game, but we have to try to put the emotions to one side. It’s important we’re at our best. It’s difficult for the other teams when we play at that level. I have 100 per cent confidence.”

The trophy on display

18:43 , Marc Mayo

Who will be lifting the famous trophy in the Royal Box in about four hours’ time?

Watching on will be Jurgen Klopp, who is in the ground today supporting his old team Dortmund!

Biggest security operation in Wembley history

18:38 , Marc Mayo

Wembley Stadium will have the biggest stewarding operation in its history in place to ensure the Champions League final avoids a repeat of the chaotic scenes that has marred it in the past.

The previous two Champions League finals in Paris and Istanbul both encountered trouble for fans, while the Euro 2020 final at Wembley three years ago also suffered from mass disorder.

The scenes at the Euro 2020 final prompted a review by Baroness Casey and the Football Association insists lessons have been learned.

The FA and UEFA have worked together to ensure there is no repeat of those scenes this weekend when Borussia Dortmund take on Real Madrid at Wembley.

More than 2,500 stewards will be working - the highest amount in Wembley’s history - and there will be a significant policing operation inside and outside the stadium.

Since the Euro 2020 final, £5million has been invested to improve the safety and security infrastructure at Wembley. Those enhancements include strengthened doors and new fences, while stewards also have an increased number of body cams.

A new control room has been setup and it can monitor ‘Zone X’ - the area outside of Wembley. It means security staff can track the movements of fans outside the ground in case trouble is brewing.

Read the full story!

Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid | Countdown to kick-off

18:33 , Marc Mayo

We are now less than 90 minutes away from the 90 minutes beginning in Wembley!

Tune in as our reporter Simon Collings brings you into the atmosphere outside the ground.

Rewind: Thibaut Courtois' 2022 heroics

18:28 , Marc Mayo

Truly, one of the great individual performances in a Champions League final.

Liverpool found no way past Thibaut Courtois in the 2022 final in Paris as Real Madrid won their 14th title.

Head-to-head record

18:18 , Marc Mayo

Real are unbeaten in the past four matches between the two sides, with Dortmund’s last win coming in the 2013-14 Champions League quarter-finals.

Borussia Dortmund wins: 3

Real Madrid wins: 6

Draws: 5

Jose Mourinho is in the house

18:07 , Marc Mayo

He may be bound for Fenerbahce but Jose Mourinho is at Wembley tonight for the Champions League final.

It looks like the former Chelsea boss is on punditry duty with TNT Sports!

Atmosphere building at Wembley

18:00 , Marc Mayo

The stadium gates are open and Wembley Way is bustling with fans.

Champions League final odds

17:49 , Marc Mayo

Dortmund to lift the trophy: 9/3

Madrid to lift the trophy: 1/3

Odds via Betfair (subject to change).

No surprises from Los Blancos

17:41 , Marc Mayo

An early team announcement from Real Madrid but it’s as we expected.

Thibaut Courtois gets the nod in goal over Andriy Lunin and Eduardo Camavinga replaces the injured Aurelien Tchouameni in midfield.

Both Tchouameni and David Alaba are named as on the bench but neither are available to play, Madrid have just left them on there as they’re registered for the Champions League.

Click here to read the full blog on The Evening Standard's website