REAL MADRID have announced their team for the Champions League final THREE HOURS before kick-off.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men face Borussia Dortmund at Wembley on Saturday night as Los Blancos eye a record-extending 15th European crown.
Follow live coverage of the Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund
And while ordinarily clubs do not reveal their team until one hour before the match, Real Madrid have chosen to unveil their XI early – as they often do before most games.
Real Madrid XI: Courtois; Carvajal, Rudiger, Nacho, Mendy; Camavinga, Kroos, Valverde, Bellingham, Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr.
Subs: Lunin, Kepa, Militao, Alaba, Modric, Joselu, Vazquez, Tchouameni, Ceballos, Garcia, Brahim, Guler.
READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
Thibaut Courtois, who has missed most of the season due to injury, is named in between the sticks – shielded by a back four of Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger, Nacho and Ferland Mendy.
Five-time Champions League winner Luka Modric is named on the bench as Real’s midfield consists of Edouard Camavinga, Fede Valverde and Toni Kroos – playing is final game in club football.
England sensation Jude Bellingham lines up in the No10 position, behind Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior.
Ancelotti has a history of naming his team early.
Most read in Football
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
He previously did so ahead of the 2022 Champions League final against Liverpool amid fears of a “mole” inside the dressing room.
He also named his side two hours ahead of kick-off in February 2023 before Real claimed a 5-2 win over Liverpool at Anfield.
Real are seeking an astonishing SIXTH Champions League since 2014.
Standing in their way are Dortmund – whose only Champions League triumph came 27 years ago.
The Germans reached the final 11 years ago when it was also held at Wembley, only to lose 2-1 to domestic rivals Bayern Munich.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
