Sports
Player Ratings: Borussia Dortmund 0 – 2 Real Madrid; 2024 UEFA Champions League Final
Full match player ratings below:
Thibaut Courtois—7.5: Three saves in the match, including two from inside the box. Dortmund knocked on the door multiple times in the first half, but the big Belgian has managed to keep all clean sheets since returning from injury.
Dani Carvajal—9: The best right-back in Real Madrid history got the goal his career deserved. Scored with a run to the near post off a corner kick, a play that Real Madrid had rehearsed and scored from earlier in the season. Had two other big chances: one a near post header which would foreshadow what was to come and another a volley after connecting with a Vinicius cross at the back post. Just as important as the goal was his last-ditch tackle on Adeyemi to deny the winger in the first half. An all-around perfect game from the legend.
Rudiger—7: Made a number of important clearances and cut out dangerous Dortmund crosses. His long diagonal passes to Vinicius caused Dortmund problems in the second half.
Nacho—7: The captain hardly put a foot wrong in his first Champions League start. A game that will cap his career at Real Madrid and a game he deserved for his servitude to the club.
Ferland Mendy—8: A rock at the back — one of the few bright spots in the first half. Was calm and composed when many of his teammates were frantic and nervy. Had several crunching tackles that set the tone and never let Jadon Sancho get the better of him.
Eduardo Camavinga—7: Played with some fear in the first half but dramatically improved in the second half. Carlo switched his positioning with Fede and allowed Camavinga to press higher. His interventions higher up the pitch helped change the momentum in Madrid’s favor.
Toni Kroos—8: The perfect send-off. Thank you, Toni, for everything. Took the mantle when the going was getting tough in the first half. Never hid from taking responsibility. True of this game and true of his career. Slung 4 key passes and had 97% pass accuracy from 94 passes in what would be a typical UCL final for the German.
Fede Valverde—8.5: Right up there with Carvajal as a man of the match candidate. Moved into deeper defensive pockets in the second half and denied Dortmund any chance to counter. Left his soul out on the pitch and delivered for his second UCL title.
Jude Bellingham—6: Not his best match of the season but had moments to win it: a header inside the box that glanced wide and a cutback from Camavinga that Kobel managed to save.
Vinicius Junior—8: Another goal in a UCL final. Finished the match with 8 completed dribbles. Has put himself right at the top of the Ballon d’Or mantle.
Rodrygo—5: Non-existent first half but improved in the second by drifting wide on the right and running at Maatsen.
Substitutions:
Luka Modric—7: Replaced Toni Kroos after a 2-0 lead was secured. Involved in a counter-attack that nearly created another chance for Vini Jr.
Eder Militao—7: Late substitution in stoppage time to see out the match defensively. Had a crucial headed clearance and ran down Malen in a foot-race.
Joselu—N/A: Late substitution, likely a reward for his semi-final heroics.
Lucas Vazquez—N/A: Another late substitution, rewarded for an excellent season and Real Madrid career.