Borussia Dortmund can be proud of Champions League final performance despite defeat, says Sebastian Kehl
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Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl said that it would have been perfect if they would have scored.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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LONDON – Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl said he is proud of his side for giving a good account of themselves in the first half of their 2-0 defeat by Real Madrid
Niclas Fullkrug hit the post and Karim Adeyemi had two clear chances to open the scoring, but Real clung on to go into the break on equal terms.
With Dortmund unable to make the most of those good chances, Dani Carvajal headed in from a corner after 74 minutes to give Real the lead and Vinicius Jr capitalised on a mistake to fire home the second on 83 minutes to seal the win.
The German club, who finished fifth in the Bundesliga this season, were playing in their first Champions League final since 2013, which they lost to rivals Bayern Munich also at Wembley.
“I think we played a great game, especially in the first half, a nearly perfect one,” Kehl said.
“It would have been perfect, if we would have scored. I think that’s the negative point, that we didn’t use our chances. In the end, we saw how strong Real Madrid can play in a final, and how they can deliver from standard situations.
“They were able to turn the game. Very bitter, because we were so close and we would have deserved it. But we can still be proud of what we have accomplished.”
Dortmund, who in 2023 stumbled on the final day to hand the Bundesliga title to Bayern, have had to contend with several near misses in recent years, with their defeat by Real ensuring a third straight campaign without silverware.
Defender Nico Schlotterbeck said he felt sorry for Dortmund fans, adding: “It hurts that we played very well, but we are still going home with a 2-0 defeat. It is brutal, but in football not always the better team wins.
“The fans were incredible today. They were great in delivering here and in Dortmund. They already suffered last year and now this. But I can say, that we will get a title for the fans and will celebrate.”
His centre-back partner Mats Hummels told Germany’s ZDF network that Dortmund “played a great game” and he was “really proud of the team”.
“We showed a lot of courage, heart and footballing skill. We missed out on scoring and then conceded the goal. That’s how they always do it,” the 35-year-old said.
“That shows their quality, but it also took a bit of luck today.”
Dortmund coach Edin Terzic said his side “deserved a little bit more” but lacked the “killer instinct”.
“Above all in the first half we had the feeling that we had them. From the first second, we showed them that we’re here to win it.”
Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel told ZDF “the disappointment is huge”.
“You don’t get too many chances against Real Madrid, we had our chances and should have made something of them once or twice.
“Nevertheless, reaching the final is a huge success.” REUTERS, AFP
