Champions League Final Projected Lineups and Starting XIs of Borussia Dortmund

As Borussia Dortmund gears up for their first Champions League final appearance since 2013, manager Edin Terzic is relieved to face no significant selection dilemmas within the squad. One key question remains: will Marco Reus receive a fitting send-off as he prepares to leave the club this summer? Given Dortmund’s Champions League journey thus far, Reus will likely start from the bench.

Reus Role in the Knockout Stages

Reus last start came in the first leg against PSV, where he played for 62 minutes. Since then, he has been relegated to a substitute role, with Julian Brandt taking over midfield responsibilities. Throughout the knockout stages, Reus has only managed to log 63 minutes, serving more as a super-sub, or at least an adequate one, for the team.

Donyell Malen’s Similar Position

Similarly, Donyell Malen has seen his playing time reduced since Jadon Sancho’s return to Dortmund. Malen may also find himself on the bench, as Terzic is unlikely to change a winning formula that proved effective against Paris Saint-Germain. This strategy involved soaking pressure and relying on standout performances from Gregor Kobel and Mats Hummels, which worked well.

No Need for Changes in the Biggest Game

Given the stakes, Terzic has no reason to tinker with the successful lineup. Reus won’t be the only legend playing his final game for the club; Toni Kroos is also set to retire, hoping to secure another Champions League title with Real Madrid. The final at Wembley will undoubtedly feature a clash of narratives, but Dortmund is expected to stick with what has brought them success thus far.

How to Watch

• Date: Saturday, June 1
• Time: 3 p.m. ET
• Location: Wembley, London, England
• Watch: Paramount+ and CBS

Predicted Lineup

• Goalkeeper: Gregor Kobel
• Defenders: Ian Maatsen, Nico Schlotterbeck, Mats Hummels, Julian Ryerson
• Midfielders: Emre Can, Marcel Sabitzer, Julian Brandt
• Forwards: Karim Adeyemi, Jadon Sancho, Niclas Füllkrug

Prediction

Despite Dortmund’s best efforts, a former player will likely haunt them at Wembley. Jude Bellingham, enjoying an excellent debut season with Real Madrid, is predicted to score the lone goal of the match, securing a 1-0 victory for Los Blancos.

Champions League Final TV Schedule

All times U.S./Eastern

• 11 a.m.: Morning Footy – UCL Final Special, CBS Sports Golazo Network
• 12:30 p.m.: We Need To Talk, CBS and Paramount+
• 1 p.m.: UEFA Champions League Today Pre-Match Show, CBS Sports Golazo Network and Paramount+
• 1:30 p.m.: UEFA Champions League Today Pre-Match Show, CBS and Paramount+
• 3 p.m.: Borussia Dortmund vs. Real Madrid, CBS and Paramount+
• 5:30 p.m.: UEFA Champions League Today Post-Match Show, CBS Sports Network and Paramount+
• 6:30 p.m.: The Champions Club, CBS Sports Golazo Network