RADIO
Real Madrid has had an incredible run, highlighted by a wonder strike from Federico Valverde against Manchester City, later knocking out the reigning champions on penalties. With a perfect record in the group stage, Los Blancos are now vying for their 15th Champions League title. Their opponents, Borussia Dortmund, have survived the "Group of Death," defeating Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain to reach another UCL final, defying the odds to compete for the title.
It's been a terrific season, and it will all come to an end on June 1, 2024, when the Champions League final takes place at Wembley Stadium in London. All eyes are on the Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid and the unstoppable Germans' Borussia Dortmund. The UCL fantasy season will conclude with this match and return in September 2024.
Join me, The FPL Manual, as I assess the top players for Matchday 13 and recap the highlights of a great 2023-24 Champions League campaign so far.
Let’s go London 🤩#UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/BNOFYbTKEE
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 28, 2024
From the Quarter-finals to Wembley
Let's reassess what transpired in the heart of the knockout phase for the top two European finalists.
Real Madrid
The titans faced a major test against Manchester City, holding on to a thrilling 3-3 draw in a game full of epic goals. They then traveled to England, where they secured another draw and won the round on penalties. In the next stage, Real Madrid defeated Bayern Munich with a 3-2 aggregate, thanks to Joselu's brace from the bench, earning their final spot.
Borussia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund survived a 2-1 defeat away to Atletico Madrid in Spain but knocked out Los Colchoneros with a 4-2 victory at home. The Black-Yellows then achieved a narrow 1-0 home win against Paris Saint-Germain and secured another 1-0 victory in Paris, knocking out the French giants and achieved back-to-back clean sheets in this round.
Dortmund's road to the #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/LvWJte036n
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 31, 2024
In addition, we witnessed rare moments where Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior and Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels both secured back-to-back Player of the Match Awards in the semi-finals.
Stars of the show this season 🌟#UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/M2QBY1kPTT
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 29, 2024
Matchday 13 Top Captain Picks
Vinicius Junior (€11.2m) - Real Madrid
The 23-year-old Brazilian has earned five attacking returns in his last four Champions League games, highlighted by a brace against Bayern Munich in the semi-finals.
With all of the top players out of the competition, Vinicius Junior is the most reliable captain for the Champions League final, where he hopes to secure Real Madrid's 15th trophy.
Vinícius Júnior has now scored as many goals in the knockout rounds of the Champions League as he has in the group stages:
◎ Group stage: 27 games, 10 goals
◉ Knockout rounds: 27 games, 10 goalsIdentical records. 🪞#UCL pic.twitter.com/0tIdmL2xlD
— Squawka (@Squawka) April 30, 2024
Mats Hummels (€5.3m) - Borussia Dortmund
It's not often that a defender is recommended for captaincy. However, with 47 points accrued in his last five Champions League outings, Mats Hummels is currently leading in UCL Fantasy with a total of 91 points.
Hummels tops all defensive statistics with 114 ball recoveries, 34 tackles won, and six clean sheets for Borussia Dortmund. These stats are crucial for earning bonus points. If the final ends in a goal-less draw, Hummels would be a compelling choice for the armband.
😄 #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/KbT8eembAY
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 31, 2024
Differential Captain Pick (<10% ownership)
Jadon Sancho (€7.1m) - Borussia Dortmund
Since rejoining his former side Borussia Dortmund on loan in January, Jadon Sancho's career has lighted back up, as evidenced by his 12 dribbles completed in a game against Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals.
After being overlooked by England for UEFA Euro 2024, Sancho is ready to help the Black-Yellows win their first Champions League title this weekend. The Englishman might provide UCL fantasy managers with a cutting edge and stands out as a top differential in the final.
Prospective Transfers Moves for Matchday 13
Approaching the final day of the Champions League campaign, fantasy managers are only allowed to bring in five players. To this extent, it limits the selection made, especially for folks like myself who have at least four or more Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain players who have been knocked out.
Which player do I target for the final?
Real Madrid - Assuming most managers already have Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham on their fantasy teams, here are the top-five picks from Real Madrid: Antonio Rudiger, Toni Kroos, Rodrygo, Federico Valverde and Dani Carvajal.
Borussia Dortmund - I expect a good number of managers have Mats Hummels or Ian Maatsen selected, and here are my top-five picks for the final: Niclas Fullkrug, Julian Brandt, Marcel Sabitzer, Jadon Sancho, and Gregor Kobel.
If you still have any of wildcard or limitless chips left, now could be a perfect time to use it and get in those recommended players from Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid to bolster your fantasy team.
Injury Update for Matchday 13
The latest update offers a detailed look at the injury situation and status of important players from the two teams gearing up for the UCL final.
Real Madrid players David Alaba and Aurelien Tchouameni will be unavailable due to injuries, while top goalkeeper Andriy Lunin has missed out on team training for four days in a row due to illness. He will travel to London with the Real Madrid squad, though he remains a doubt for the final.
For Borussia Dortmund, Julien Duranville and Ramy Bensebaini will be out of action owing to injuries, and Sebastien Haller was considered doubtful but made the final squad list going to England. There appears to be some fitness concerns surrounding Niklas Sule; however, he is also available for selection.
LDN 🌅 #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/1bP8txkvct
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 30, 2024
It is worth noting that Toni Kroos and Marco Reus will play their farewell matches for their respective teams and say their final goodbyes at Wembley Stadium in London. Don't forget to make your transfer before the deadline. Good luck to everyone.
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