Real Madrid is relying on their home stadium, Bernabeu, to uphold its strong reputation. Paris Saint-Germain is hoping for some brilliance from Kylian Mbappé, who is leaving soon.
Otherwise, we might see a repeat of the 2013 Champions League final between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. Both teams showed in the first legs of the semifinals that they could prevent a final between Madrid and Mbappé at Wembley Stadium.
Many have imagined this ideal finale, with Mbappé expected to join Real Madrid when he leaves PSG after this season. But Bayern and Dortmund didn’t follow that storyline in the first legs.
Bayern controlled much of the game against Madrid at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday, but Vinicius Junior’s late penalty secured a 2-2 draw for the 14-time European Cup winner.
The following day, Niclas Füllkrug’s goal at the Westfalenstadion gave Dortmund a 1-0 lead over PSG. With such close matches, the second legs, where Madrid and PSG have home advantage, will be crucial.
Madrid hasn’t lost at home all season and aims for an 18th European Cup final, including a ninth in the Champions League era, which would set a record.
Even though Bayern Munich, a six-time winner, showed its strength in the first leg, it has faced challenges this season. Its 11-year dominance as German champion was halted by Bayer Leverkusen.
Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain continues to dominate in France, winning a record 12th league title. However, this success hasn’t translated to the Champions League despite having star players like Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Mbappé.
With Messi and Neymar gone, and Mbappé on his way out, winning the Champions League would be a fitting farewell for him. However, PSG’s loss to Dortmund has raised doubts. Yet, PSG showed resilience with a comeback against Barcelona in the quarterfinals. Mbappé hopes to avoid a disappointing end to the season.
