Rivaldo has backed Borussia Dortmund to cause a Champions League final upset by denying Real Madrid a record-extending 15th title at Wembley.
La Liga champions Madrid meet German giants Dortmund at London’s Wembley Stadium on Saturday night in the battle to become European champions.
Real Madrid reached an 18th Champions League final after staging a late comeback to beat Dortmund’s Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich in the semi-finals.
Bayern were just a few minutes away from the final after taking the lead at the Bernabeu before unlikely hero Joselu scored twice to turn the tie on its head and send Madrid through.
Dortmund, meanwhile, shut out Paris Saint-Germain across two legs to reach the final courtesy of an impressive 2-0 aggregate victory.
Given their league form this season and European pedigree, Real Madrid are the heavy favourites to lift the Champions League trophy yet again under Carlo Ancelotti.
Madrid won their 14th European title in 2022 and their 36th La Liga crown a few weeks ago, finishing the domestic season ten points above rivals Barcelona.
Borussia Dortmund have flattered to deceive in the Bundesliga – finishing just fifth, 27 points behind surprise winners Bayer Leverkusen – but impressed in Europe as they chase a second Champions League title and first since 1997.
Dortmund’s only other appearance in a Champions League final came in 2013 when they were beaten 2-1 by German rivals Bayern Munich at the same venue for the upcoming final.
Brazilian football legend Rivaldo admits Real Madrid are ‘favourites’ ahead of this weekend’s showpiece event but has backed Borussia Dortmund to cause an upset and leave Wembley with the Champions League trophy.
‘Real are the favourites for the final,’ he told Betfair. ‘A few weeks ago, I said it would be Real Madrid vs Borussia, so I got the final right!
‘However, I also said the champions would be Borussia. I think Madrid are favourites, for sure, but Borussia are coming with so much belief.
‘They know how to play this competition, they know how to play in difficult games. We saw it in the two games they played against PSG, winning both legs.
‘Yes, Real Madrid are the favourites, but I’m still with Borussia Dortmund to be the crowned champions.’
Discussing Madrid’s European pedigree, Rivaldo added: ‘I think that, given the number of Champions League titles they have, and the fact they are in another final, they are certainly able to be branded as the best side in the world, due to their steep history and titles.
‘Of course, when you play for a big club, like I played for Barcelona, you end up always defending your club and your side, but when we analyse, we must not ignore what is in front of us.
‘We cannot ignore the number of titles they have won in club football’s biggest competition. They should be congratulated for everything they have achieved in this competition. It’s a team that knows how to play Champions League.’
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