Written 01/06/24
June 1st 2024, the day of the champions league final. In about 90 minutes or more, the champions of Europe will be revealed.
Reus & Kroos, 2 German midfielders, both club legends, and both playing for the final time for their respective clubs. Both set on raising the trophy, but only one will leave their club with a cup.
Before we carry on, let’s take a trip down memory lane.
In June 2014 as 8000 fans attended Toni Kroos’ presentation, he acknowledged Real Madrid as the "biggest club in the world". 10 years later, those words could not be more true as 80,000 fans were in attendance during his final home game at Bernabéu.
For the next 10 years Kroos would contribute to Real Madrid's success in the La Liga as well as their dominance in the UEFA champions league.
He won his first trophy at his debut match, as well as being hailed as one of the midfield trio alongside Modric and Rodriguez, causing a winning streak of 22 games that year. This success would be replicated for the following seasons during his time at Madrid.
But all good things come to an end, and in May 2024, came his retirement announcement. In his final game at Santiago Bernabéu, around 85 minutes, the time came for the German midfielder to step off the pitch. It was not an ordinary substitution. It was a legendary farewell for a club legend. Embraces from his teammates to the standing ovation from both teams, Kroos was overcome with tears as the fans gave one last hurrah. There, you could see his number 8 shirt, synonymous with 22 trophies, 4 La Liga and 5 champion league titles. One cannot help but marvel at the sweet finish he has had with Real Madrid. Kudos kroos, fair play to you!
On the other side, there is Marco Reus. He returned to Borussia Dortmund in 2012, and would go on to win 2 German cups, 2 German super cups, serve as club captain, and become one of only 3 players to achieve 100 goals and assists in the Bundesliga.
The number 11 would go on to showcase his adaptability and versatility from playing as a winger to attacking midfielder. Reus’ endless goal contributions and strong ball possession sealed his mark on the BVB fans.
His 12 year run with Dortmund came to a standstill in his final home game against Darmstadt.
The hometown hero signed off in black and yellow, scoring 1 goal and 1 assist. At 82 minutes, it was time. The entire stadium erupted in applause to say thank you for a final time to the loyal legend.
Finding himself in a full circle moment, he helped Borussia Dortmund reach the champions league final in his first season, and once again in his last season.
Now at Wembley, both Reus and Kroos are set on winning the champions league final as their stylish send off. But there can only be 1 winner.
First half, it seemed the BVB underdogs had control of the pitch with goal attempts and clean defences.
However, at the 49th minute, Real Madrid brought the pressure with Kroos’ free kick and Carvajal’s header which missed the net.
The second half, Reus was called up as a substitute for Adeyemi. Many calling the swap the beginning of Dortmund’s downfall in this final, Kroos took a corner with Carvajal heading it into the net 3 minutes later. At this point, it seems things are working in Real Madrid’s favour with another Kroos corner attempt.
Then at 83 minutes, Maatsen made a pivotal pass that was snatched by Bellingham assisting Vinicius who whipped it into the net.
Still, Dortmund powered through with Malen sending in a header which was disallowed instantly. Alas, the final whistle blew hailing Real Madrid as champions and Kroos bagging himself another Champions League win.
The champions are seen celebrating the moment, all cameras focused on the winners, and Kroos relishing these last moments.
Behind them, a lone Reus is crouched staring across the pitch in tears for himself and his team. It is clear he is quietly taking it all in for a final time.
Irrespective of the results, both have left their clubs as heroes. Two sides of the same coin. Two legends.
Farewell Reus and Kroos.
