Hummels wants a Wembley salvation
FOR a moment, Mats Hummels had started to think of a rematch and a chance to put right the missed tackle at Wembley that saw his Champions League dream wrecked.
Eleven years ago in the final, as Bayern Munich’s Arjen Robben jinked into the box, Hummels made a desperate lunge to try to take the ball away from the Dutchman.
But Robben’s quick feet moved the ball just far enough to evade Hummels’ boot and two touches later he rolled the ball home to win the cup with a minute to play.
Three weeks ago, with Hummels and Dortmund safely through to the final, the Germany 2014 World Cup winner thought fate was playing its hand. Another final at Wembley, for Dortmund, against Bayern. It was written in the stars.
At least it was until Real Madrid scored two minutes from time and again in stoppage time to KO
Munich and set up a final against Hummels’ team, a prospect that fills the defender with a sense of awe. “It’s a great story,” said the 35-year-old, who moved to Munich in 2016 only to return to Dortmund in 2019.
“It wouldn’t matter which stadium we play this final in. It would be great anywhere. But this is the famous second chance at the same place, almost the same duel again – it wasn’t far off.
“The Champions League final at Wembley against Real Madrid. It’s almost too cheesy, too perfect.”
Regardless of cheesy or perfect, Hummels knows that he is in for one of the great challenges of his career.
He told UEFA.COM: “I don’t know how they will line up, maybe with a classic centreforward, but they tend not to.
“So, as a centre-back, you have to avoid getting pulled out of your space because there isn’t a direct opponent there all the time, opening spaces for Vinicius Jnr, Rodrygo or Jude Bellingham’s deep runs. Real Madrid is a Champions League team. What can you say? They are the biggest club in the world. They always rely on their strength.
“They don’t get nervous, no matter what happens in a game. It’s impressive to see that even if the first 15 minutes don’t go well, they don’t change, don’t get restless, but know that if they play their game, they’ll get back into it. That’s what defines them.
“It’s fantastic to play a final against them and have the chance to beat them in an international final for the first time in about 40 years. Their record is quite good!”
It is, Madrid have won their last eight European Cup finals in a row since losing one to Liverpool in 1981. Maybe Hummels will help end that run and finally get his reward and a chance to quash that 89thminute sight of Arjen Robben once and for all.