The ULTIMATE Champions League Round Up 2024

Winners - Real Madrid

But despite the underdog narrative, it was of course Real Madrid who came through a tricky final to secure the trophy again, extending their record tally to an astonishing 15 titles.

In true Los Blancos fashion they found a way to come up with a result despite being on the back foot for large spells of this game, courtesy of a first UCL goal in nine years from Dani Carvajal and a sealer from Vinícius Júnior following a poor giveaway from Chelsea loanee Ian Maatsen.

Lucky? Perhaps. But this isn't the first time Ancelotti's men have done something like this in 2023/24.

With Kylian Mbappé set to join alongside young starlet Endrick, this could become a familiar feeling over the next decade. 

Runners Up - borussia Dortmund

On the flip side, Dortmund can certainly leave this final with their heads held high after more Wembley heartbreak, but a feeling of what could've been will surely hang heavy over the yellow wall. 

For much of this game, die Schwarzgelben were the more threatening of the two sides and perhaps unfortunate to not be leading. 31 year old Niklas Füllkrug found himself frustrated by the woodwork, whilst Karim Adeyemi squandered a chance with some poor decision making when one-on-one with Thibaut Courtois.

A spirited performance, undone by two lapses in concentration. But what can mere mortals do against this Real Madrid side? 

Underachievers - Manchester United

It was yet another European campaign to forget for Manchester United, with the Red Devils exiting at the group stage after amassing a measly four points. 

A late defeat to Bayern Munich in the opening fixture set the tone for a campaign fraught with mistakes and heartache, most notably a complete collapse at Parken courtesy of a late winner from a familiarly named wonderkid - Roony Bardghji.

Now on a 16 year drought in this competition and playing in Europe's second tier tournament in 2024/25, the Red Devils will be praying for brighter days soon.

Overachievers - fc porto

Now before you say it: yes, Dortmund are the biggest overachievers. However, in the spirit of diversity we've gone with FC Porto for this mantle following their spirited run that so nearly took them to the last eight.

After missing out on topping a group including Barcelona due to their head-to-head record, Sergio Conceição's man drew a title-chasing Arsenal side who had just been bruised by an FA Cup exit at the hands of Liverpool.

And this time, the wounded animal failed to rally as Porto stopped the Gunners from having a shot on target and eventually took a lead to the Emirates in the 94th minute through Wenderson Galeno.

Whilst ultimately it didn't matter, the way they defended across both legs and forced a side who had been toe-to-toe with the reigning treble winners for months certainly has to be commended. 

Mvp - mats hummels (BOrussia dortmund)

Special shoutout to Vinícius Júnior who's goal in the final not only cemented the victory but also took his tally to 11 goal involvements in the tournament (six goals and five assists).

However, having said that, Mats Hummels remains the most valuable player of this Champions League campaign. The German played every single minute in the competition as Dortmund became unlikely finalists, scored the goal against PSG that secured their place in the showpiece match, and was at the heart of the tournament's best defence with six clean sheets.

And despite being on the losing side at Wembley, the World Cup winner and six-time Bundesliga champion won an impressive five ground duels and clocked up a 96% pass accuracy (according to Sofascore) on the hallowed turf in London.

Ultimately, again it wasn't to be for the German side, but Hummels certainly played his part.