With Borussia Dortmund now in the final of the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 2013, they must win it for football's sake, writes Junaid Benjamin.
The Bundesliga giants endured an attacking onslaught by Paris Saint-Germain in their semi-final on Tuesday night, but remained resolute and booked their spot in the competition's final, where they will face either Real Madrid or bitter rivals Bayern Munich in an encounter that will determine who the best side in Europe is.
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Many neutrals will be hoping die Schwarzgelben come out on top for the sake of the beautiful game. Since 2011, just six teams have won what many consider to be one of the most coveted prizes in football. That list comprises Barcelona, Chelsea, Bayern, Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Manchester City.
These teams are also considered powerhouses in their domestic leagues, though, and constantly having to observe the abovementioned teams winning trophies on a consistent basis can get monotonous.
Dortmund last won the UCL in 1997 so they are long overdue some continental success, and seeing a new team in that list of winners will refresh the eyes of tired viewers, instil hope in other "smaller" sides, and bring back that sense of true competition in which underdogs can never truly be ruled out.
It also puts a momentary end to the dominance of other big teams, and injects some more excitement and unpredictability into the sport. An underdog winning the lot also helps the argument that financial resources do not translate to success, and that courage, determination, an impenetrable mindset and sheer desire can help make anything possible.
An aspect of football that many people feel is rapidly disappearing is a certain type of player, the one who does not necessarily train well or who appears to be lazy as they saunter around the pitch, but when they have the ball at their feet, they create magical moments that will always be cherished. They create art.
Although the list includes players such as Eden Hazard, Dimitar Berbatov, Ronaldinho and others, let's take Mezut Ozil as an example. Some feel he would not fit into a team that demands a high-energy press when out of possession, which is the philosophy many of the top teams have or are adopting these days. This deprives viewers of the chance to witness the type of magic that Manchester United legend Eric Cantona once described as a "pure football orgasm".
@ozilthings Cantona on Özil's best goal ??? #OzilThings #Ozil #ChampionsLeague ? ???????????? ???? - Vebermariia
It would thus be a considerable victory for those who advocate for these types of players if Jadon Sancho lifts the UCL trophy with the German giants, considering that he was exiled by United manager Erik ten Hag earlier this seson. This came after the Dutchman criticised his level of performances during training, and when the Englishman disagreed with the coach, he was ordered to stay away from all Red Devils first-team activities and instructed to apologise. When he didn't say sorry, he was shipped off to Dortmund on loan, and is now in the UCL final, and could return to his parent club with a gold medal.
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A European triumph for BVB would also mean the perfect send-off for the much-loved Marco Reus. It is a story that will touch the heart of any fan, regardless of their allegiances. The 34-year-old has been a loyal servant to the club, having come up through their youth system and reportedly rejected opportunities from other "bigger" clubs to stay at the Westfalenstadion, but has won only two German Cups with the side.
On 1 June, however, that could change.
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