Borussia Dortmund haven’t travelled to this point on this season’s Champions League to be mere witnesses to Actual Madrid lifting the trophy for a record-extending fifteenth time, coach Edin Terzic vowed on Friday on the eve of the Wembley showdown.
Dortmund completed a distant fifth within the Bundesliga this season and few would have given them a lot hope of reaching their first Champions League ultimate since 2013 when Wembley additionally hosted their defeat in opposition to favourites Bayern Munich.
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However Terzic’s aspect surprised Atletico Madrid in a quarterfinal thriller after which supplied a tactical masterclass as they beat Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in each legs of the semifinal.
“We’re able to compete on the highest degree,” Terzic stated. “Perhaps should you play 10 instances in opposition to Actual Madrid, it is extremely troublesome. For those who play 34 instances, it is inconceivable. However should you break it down to 1 sport, a ultimate, every little thing is feasible.
“It’s clear they’ve a job as favourites. We do not care. We weren’t favourites in opposition to Atletico or Paris both.
Terzic, who shall be up in opposition to his function mannequin Carlo Ancelotti, was talking to reporters earlier than main a coaching session on the pristine turf in north west London.
“You do not play a ultimate, you win a ultimate and that’s our clear purpose,” he added.
“We’re completely happy to be right here however we’ve got to win at Wembley Stadium in opposition to Actual Madrid, to carry that trophy in our palms.”
Madrid are one other step up at school however for Terzic’s aspect however he says their defensive solidity provides them the possibility of profitable the trophy for the second time of their historical past.
“We’re the group with probably the most clear sheets within the competitors [this season],” stated Terzic, whose aspect prime the season’s statistics in tackles, clearances and ball restoration.
“It’s good to hold the opposition as distant from purpose as doable. We weren’t at our highest degree once we conceded objectives in September, however we’re a completely completely different group now and have proven we’re able to compete for the trophy.”
One of many many threats to Dortmund’s hopes shall be a really acquainted one within the type of Jude Bellingham who left the membership for Actual Madrid final yr and has taken Spain by storm.
“Few gamers have had contact with Jude. Everyone seems to be within the zone and concentrating on their job,” Dortmund midfielder Julian Brandt, sitting alongside centre again Nico Schlotterbeck, informed reporters when requested if Bellingham had been in contact.
Saturday’s conflict, Dortmund’s three hundredth European sport, would be the ultimate match within the yellow shirt for midfielder Marco Reus, whereas Madrid’s Germany midfielder Toni Kroos can be getting ready for his final membership sport earlier than retirement after Euro 2024.
“I used to be capable of play with each of them. Toni is an absolute icon and a sensational man who has gained every little thing,” Brandt stated.
“Marco can be one of many explanation why I play for BVB (Dortmund). He was an idol for me as a toddler and teenager. It is nonetheless a whole lot of enjoyable to coach and play with him.”
It’s certain to be an emotional night time however for Schlotterbeck the main target is crystal clear.
“We stored a clear sheet in opposition to Paris twice. That is not regular. We now additionally know that we are able to beat any opponent on this planet,” he stated.” If all of us imagine that tomorrow, we even have a great likelihood of profitable.”
Data from Reuters and The Related Press contributed to this report.