Charles Jackson
All European finals are scheduled for UEFA’s continental competitions and although no English team can remain at this stage, there are some intriguing stories to watch. Bayer Leverkusen already set a record for the longest unbeaten run in the post-World War II era with 49 consecutive matches without defeatand they will face Atalanta as the German team seeks the treble this season.
Continuing the Budesliga’s success in European competition this season Borussia Dortmund defied the odds behind strong performances from Gregor Kobel on the network but they will need him even more to beat Real Madrid in the Champions League final. Finally, in Conference Leauge, Olympiacos will essentially have one home game after skipping Aston Villacolliding with Fiorentina while Italian teams lead the way along with Germany with two each competing in the finals.
But looking at each match, who will emerge victorious?
Champions League Final: Borussia Dortmund vs. Real Madrid
Date: Saturday, June 1st | Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
Location: Wembley Stadium – London, England
TELEVISION: CBS | Flow: Paramount+
When Real Madrid are not at their best is when they achieve some of their best results under Carlo Ancelotti. In miraculous returns Due to dominant attacking performances, when Real Madrid are at full tilt they are a joy to watch, but due to injuries and rotations this has rarely been the case this season. It doesn’t matter much as they are on track to win La Liga and are one win away from the Champions League title. But with Marco Reus leaving Dortmund after the season, this could be enough to lead the Auri-Negros to a spectacular result and a historic end to their career.
As Jude Bellingham faces his former team, there are many things to watch in the match, but it may depend on the goalkeepers. Although Kobel is in top form, Thibaut Courtois set the standard to keep his team in the Champions League tie against Real Madrid. Although he has missed time with injuries this season, it would make sense for him to start in the final, especially on the Wembley stage.
Prediction: Real Madrid will not perform well, but they will get the job done when it comes to securing the 15th Champions League title in the club’s history. Real Madrid 2, Borussia Dortmund 1
Europa League Final: Atalanta vs Bayer Leverkusen
Date: Wednesday, May 22 | Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
Location: Aviva Stadium – Dublin, Ireland
TELEVISION: CBS Sports Network | Flow: Paramount+
The Europa League final is quite intriguing, as Gian Piero Gasperini has his Atalanta team just two wins away from achieving the double, but in their way stands the invincible Bayer Leverkusen. Undefeated for 49 consecutive games, Leverkusen are looking to do what no team has done before to secure an unbeaten treble and at the same time participate in European competitions. Looking to stop the form Gianluca ScamaccaThis could be an incredible final, as although Atalanta have been good at starting games quickly, no team has been better at finishing late than Leverkusen.
From the 80th minute onwards, Leverkusen outscored their opponents 32-5 in all competitions and when injury time arrives, things get even better for Alonso’s men. After 90 minutes, Leverkusen outscored their opponents 14-0, turning five matches into wins and another three into draws. Victory for either team would be a monumental achievement, which means fireworks will be on display in Dublin.
Prediction: Frankly, I don’t want to make one as I find it difficult to bet against any of these in-form teams, but as I have to make a prediction here, I have to bet that Leverkusen’s luck will run out at some point. Defensively, they have struggled since securing the Bundesliga title and Scamacca is the striker who can make them pay for it. Punctuation: Atalanta 2, Bayer Leverkusen 1
Europa League Confrence Final: Olympiacos x Fiorintina
Date: Wednesday, May 29 | Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
Location: Aigia Sophia Stadium – Athens, Greece
Flow: Paramount+ and CBS Sports Golazo Network
Greek giants Olympiacos will have the opportunity to win the first European title in the club’s history, essentially playing at home in Greece for the Conference League final. Facing a Fiorentina team that isn’t particularly good at scoring or defending, that’s where home-cooked food can help Olympiacos immensely. Against Aston Villa, striker Ayoub El Kaabi became the Conference League scoring leader with 10 goals and became the first player to score five goals in two matches in the competition’s history, defeating Villa almost entirely single-handedly. While the league season was one to forget, pitting Olympiacos’ firepower against Fiorentina feels like something that will only come to an end.
Prediction: It will be a party in Greece, as one more goal from El Kaabi is all Olympiacos need to come away with a victory in the game. Punctuation: Olympiakos 3, Fiorentina 0
