Kehl: Dortmund Can Be Proud Of Champions League Final Performance

Borussia Dortmund sporting director, Sebastian Kehl, expressed pride in his team for their strong performance in the first half of Saturday’s Champions League final against Real Madrid, despite their 2-0 defeat.

Dortmund missed out on capitalizing on numerous promising opportunities in the first half. However, Real Madrid seized the lead after 74 minutes when Dani Carvajal scored from a corner kick. Vinicius Junior then secured the victory by scoring the second goal.

The German team, who ended the season in fifth place in the Bundesliga, competed in their first Champions League final since 2013. In that final, they were defeated by their rivals, Bayern Munich.

“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.” He stated.

Dortmund, who lost the Bundesliga title to Bayern Munich last season on the final day, have faced numerous near misses in recent years. Their loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League final marks a third consecutive season without winning any 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.”