Relentless Real Madrid clinch record-extending 15th Champions League crown

Real Madrid are champions of Europe once more, with the Spanish giants defeating Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in the Champions League final. The Kings of the continent continued their domination of the tournament with a 15th victory.

Madrid's run to the final started with a flawless performance in the group stage, winning six from six against Napoli, Braga and Union Berlin.

They then battled past Leipzig 2-1 in the last 16, before producing a superb defensive showing against Manchester City in their quarter-final second leg which saw them go through following a penalty shootout.

They overcame another incredibly tough test against Bayern Munich in the semi-finals, with former Stoke City striker Joselu bagging two dramatic late goals to see them qualify for the final.

It is the perfect way for legendary midfielder Toni Kroos to say farewell, with the German retiring this summer after Euro 2024. It is his sixth Champions League title overall - his fifth at Madrid to go alongside his one at Bayern Munich.

Toni Kroos player stats vs Dortmund
Toni Kroos player stats vs DortmundFlashscore, AFP

For Borussia Dortmund, it is a heartbreaking end to what has been an inspiring run in Europe this season.

After initially topping a perilous group with Newcastle, Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan, Dortmund knocked out PSV, Atletico Madrid and the French champions on their way to the final.

Their league campaign had been far more underwhelming though, with a fifth-place finish in the Bundesliga. However, due to German clubs' performances in Europe, they will still qualify for the Champions League next season.

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