Champions League Final: Marco Reus Don't Care About His Team Being The Underdogs

Borussia Dortmund legend Marco Reus dismisses Real Madrid's label as favorites ahead of Saturday's Champions League final. As he prepares to play his last game in the iconic yellow and black jersey, Reus remains undeterred by the odds. After 12 seasons and over 400 appearances for Dortmund, the 34-year-old will bow out on football's greatest stage at Wembley Stadium.

Win or lose, the emotions will run high in London among Dortmund's fervent supporters. However, Reus is focused on ending his career in the best possible way, undisturbed by Real Madrid's reputation. “Sure, Real is the favorite. But I don’t care because the role of favorite doesn’t decide who wins the game,” Reus told TNT Sports. “Both teams will prepare well, and then it will depend on their form on the day. It depends on a lot of things: willpower, fitness - after all, it can go on for longer than 90 minutes."

Dortmund, who last won the trophy in 1997 and reached the final in 2013 under Jurgen Klopp, face a formidable challenge. Reus and Mats Hummels started for Dortmund against Bayern Munich 11 years ago, only to see their European dreams shattered by Arjen Robben's 89th-minute goal. “It’s where it all started,” Reus reflected. “In 2013 we were in the final and unfortunately lost. Now to be in the final again in my last game for this club, again at Wembley, against Real Madrid - it couldn’t be better. Now it’s about finishing it.”

Coach Edin Terzic, who attended the 2013 final as a Dortmund fan, will rely on veterans Hummels and Reus to guide a youthful squad. Reus hopes his younger teammates will create lasting memories. “I think the boys should also have their own experiences with it. Of course, we also talk a lot in the dressing room. A Champions League final is something different to a cup final. So it’s something special."

Dortmund's defense, led by Hummels and the in-form Gregor Kobel, has proven formidable, keeping clean sheets in both semi-final matches against Paris Saint-Germain. However, Reus acknowledges the challenge posed by Real Madrid’s dynamic attack. “I think it’s important to implement your own plan. But you also have to have possession of the ball. There will be situations where we have to suffer. It’s important to stand close together and endure it. Real Madrid is difficult to play against because they play a very strange system. They also play a lot on the counter-attack, with Vinicius Junior, with Rodrigo or Jude Bellingham, who is very dangerous in the half-spaces."

Despite Real Madrid's storied history and the tactical prowess of Carlo Ancelotti, Reus remains unfazed. “You never know how a final will go - it’s always something different. Of course, you have to go through certain situations, but I was always someone who played very instinctively. Someone who didn’t do so much with a plan, but simply enjoyed being on the pitch and making decisions based on the situation. I will do the same this time.”

As Reus prepares for his final act, Dortmund fans are expected to turn Wembley into a sea of black and yellow. “I think so,” Reus said. “I alone have already had a lot of ticket requests. I think a lot of our fans will come to London and hopefully experience a black and yellow party night.”

For those looking to continue supporting Borussia Dortmund in the upcoming season, there's no better way than experiencing the thrill of Signal Iduna Park live. 1BoxOffice is the top platform for buying Borussia Dortmund tickets, ensuring you can be part of the electrifying atmosphere and witness the action firsthand. Secure your tickets for next season and join the passionate Dortmund fans as they chase new victories.