Borussia Dortmund faces a daunting challenge as they prepare to meet a star-studded Real Madrid in the Champions League final at Wembley on Saturday. The Spanish giants, seeking their 15th European crown, are strong favorites against a Dortmund side that has defied expectations to reach this stage.

Real Madrid's storied history in the Champions League, highlighted by their knack for delivering under pressure, was evident in their run to the final. They triumphed over defending champions Manchester City in a dramatic penalty shootout in the quarter-finals and staged a stunning late comeback against Bayern Munich in the semi-finals.

Under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid have had a stellar season, losing just twice in 54 matches across all competitions. They clinched the La Liga title with a 10-point margin and demolished Barcelona 4-1 to secure the Spanish Super Cup.

Madrid's squad brims with confidence, epitomized by Jude Bellingham, who joined the club from Dortmund a year ago. "I came here because I wanted to win, and to expect it," said Bellingham. "It is a bit greedy almost, but you have to be confident when you're playing with so many great players."

Dortmund, meanwhile, have endured a challenging domestic season, finishing fifth in the Bundesliga, 27 points behind Bayer Leverkusen. However, they have thrived in the Champions League, reaching the final for the first time since their defeat to Bayern Munich at Wembley in 2013.

Edin Terzic's men navigated a tough group featuring Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan, and Newcastle, and then overcame PSV Eindhoven and Atletico Madrid. Their semi-final victory over PSG showcased a heroic defensive effort.

"Our goal wasn't to qualify for the final, our goal is to win the Champions League," said Terzic. "And if you want to win the Champions League, you have to beat the champions. Now the absolute champion in the history of soccer and especially in this competition is waiting for us. The ultimate boss."

For Real Madrid, the final presents opportunities for historic personal achievements. Ancelotti aims to extend his record as the only coach to win the European Cup four times. Dani Carvajal, Luka Modric, and Toni Kroos, playing his final club match, could each match Paco Gento's record of six European Cup wins.

The match also marks a significant test for UEFA and Wembley Stadium following past organizational issues at major finals. The FA has invested heavily in improving safety and infrastructure at Wembley, aiming to prevent a repeat of the chaos seen during the Euro 2020 final and the 2022 Champions League final in Paris.

As Dortmund and Real Madrid prepare for this titanic clash, football fans worldwide are poised for a thrilling conclusion to this season's Champions League campaign.