Dortmund eager to face Real Madrid in Champions League final

As the match approaches, Dortmund's coach, Edin Terzic, shared his thoughts on the club's preparations, their formidable opponents, and his personal memories of previous finals in an interview carried by the BVB site.

Reflecting on the club's historic 1997 Champions League victory over Juventus, Terzic recalled, "I was 14 years old. I watched the game on a big screen in my hometown and celebrated with fellow fans. It was a special day for Dortmund." He fondly remembered welcoming the team back at the airport with his brother.

Fast forward to 2013, Terzic was already deeply involved with Dortmund, working as both a youth coach and scout. "I followed the entire Champions League season closely and had assignments in preparing for our opponents. I put together lots of videos to help our players," he explained. Despite Dortmund's eventual loss to Bayern Munich in the final, Terzic's insights into preparation and strategy were invaluable.

Discussing the upcoming clash with Real Madrid, Terzic acknowledged their impressive track record. "Real Madrid have won the Champions League 14 times. They are a formidable team, but we've earned our place in this final. Anything is possible in one game, and we are capable of beating any opposition," he stated confidently.

Preparation for a match of this magnitude involves meticulous planning. With the Bundesliga season concluding two weeks before the final, Terzic emphasized the importance of maintaining focus amidst the excitement. "We approach the match rationally, asking ourselves daily how each decision helps us peak on June 1. We aim to keep our routines in training and match preparation consistent," he detailed.

The journey to the final was not without its challenges. Dortmund's campaign began with a disappointing loss in Paris and a draw in their second match. However, a pivotal win against Newcastle marked a turning point. "Our confidence grew with each game. We got better and stronger, which carried us through to the knockout stages," Terzic noted. The team's improvement culminated in their progression to the final, overcoming increasingly difficult opponents with each round.

Looking ahead to the final step, Terzic conveyed his determination. "We've come this far, and now we want to take the last step as well," he concluded.

As Dortmund prepare to face the mighty Real Madrid, fans around the world are eagerly anticipating a thrilling showdown at Wembley. Will Dortmund replicate their 1997 triumph, or will Madrid add another trophy to their illustrious history? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: football fans are in for an unforgettable match.

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