Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzic felt Real Madrid’s “ice-cold” mentality in the key moments proved decisive in tonight’s Champions League final.
Dortmund missed several first-half chances and, having survived, Madrid improved after the break and clinched a 2-0 win thanks to goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Jnr.
It’s another tale of ‘what might have been’ for Terzic and Dortmund following their final-day Bundesliga heartbreak last season.
The 41-year-old told TNT Sports: “We put in a great display and I think we deserved more than losing 2-0. From the first second, we showed the whole world that we weren’t just here simply to play a final – but to win it. We did so many things right, but they were ice-cold at the right moment, which is what we lacked today.
“We were close to taking the lead. But then the game turned around and Madrid showed why they are champions of this competition. We had good chances in the first half, like Madrid in the second, but we didn’t take them.”
“Time is not going to help you… but you have to be very proud!” 🖤💛
Jose Mourinho reveals what he said to Borussia Dortmund manager, Edin Terzic 💬 pic.twitter.com/IoWekdn7FU
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) June 1, 2024
Terzic set up his side superbly and Madrid rarely threatened until Carvajal glanced home Toni Kroos’ left-wing corner in the 74th minute.
He added: “After the game, you can always ask the question what you should have done differently. I think we did many things right, but then a set piece changed the game. We have to learn from that.
“We were playing well, we were dangerous on counterattacks. But we didn’t score. That was the difference today.”
Terzic proud of beaten Dortmund
Terzic admitted the overall feeling was one of pride, however, with the Yellow Wall rocking Wembley throughout.
“Yes I am [proud],” he said. “That is the first thought. A proud moment. We brought nearly 100,000 people to London and everybody had the belief we could make it. It was a fantastic journey this year in the Champions League a great campaign, but to be honest it is a little empty inside. It was a great opportunity to win it and we unfortunately didn’t make it.”
Dortmund defender Mats Hummel added: “We had a great match. I’m super proud of the team for how we presented ourselves here. We played bravely, with heart, and played quality football. We only just missed out on scoring a goal. Real Madrid then strike, as they’ve done many times before.”
