The battle of the titans is set to take place between Real Madrid and Dortmund in the ultimate establishment-vs.-anti-establishment final. Real Madrid, the reigning kings of European football, have dominated the competition since its inception in 1955-56. With their storied history and numerous trophies under their belt, they are considered one of the most successful clubs in the world. In addition to their success on the field, they hold significant political influence in Spain and at UEFA, and even attempted to reshape European soccer with the failed Super League.
On the other hand, Dortmund has been a staunch opponent of commercialization in football. They played a pivotal role in the collapse of the Super League by refusing to participate. Dortmund’s Jurgen Klopp-ian ethos has been instrumental in their resistance to dirty money and maintaining their integrity in sport. Despite their own financial strength, Dortmund’s revenue is significantly less than that of Real Madrid. The financial and cultural mismatch between these two clubs is evident both on and off the field, with one representing traditional power structures and values while the other represents a modern upstart approach.
This final promises not only a clash of footballing skills but also a battle of ideologies within the sport. The outcome will not only determine which team will come out victorious but also reveal much about how different groups view soccer’s role within society and its potential for change.
