After eleven years since their heartbreak against Bayern Munich in the 2013 Champions League final, Mats Hummels, Marco Reus, and Borussia Dortmund have defied expectations, securing their ticket back to Wembley.
Dortmund's hard-fought 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the French capital sealed a 2-0 aggregate triumph, marking them as the most improbable finalists since Tottenham in 2019.
Set to clash with either Bayern or Real Madrid in the June 1 final, Dortmund's journey saw them overcome the odds. Drawn into a challenging group alongside PSG, AC Milan, and Newcastle, Dortmund were not favoured to advance.
Despite an initial setback, a 2-0 defeat against PSG in September, Dortmund rallied to top their group. Victories against PSV Eindhoven and Atletico Madrid paved their way to a semi-final rematch with PSG, where, once again, they were considered underdogs.
Led by the resilient Hummels and his defensive partner Nico Schlotterbeck, Dortmund thwarted PSG's attacking prowess, with Hummels even contributing a crucial goal and earning UEFA's man of the match accolades in both legs.
Now, just 90 minutes away from a coveted Champions League title, Hummels finds himself on the verge of completing his trophy collection.
Coach Edin Terzic hailed the significance of Reus and Hummels' return to Wembley, emphasising their influential roles in Dortmund's recent success.
Reus, who announced his departure from Dortmund, is poised to conclude a significant chapter in his career, with Terzic describing his return to Wembley as "the closing of a circle.".
Hummels' pivotal header in the second leg against PSG echoed his history of breaking French hearts, reminiscent of his decisive goal against France in the 2014 World Cup quarterfinal.
Looking ahead, Hummels expressed Dortmund's unwavering belief in clinching the Champions League title, emphasising their resilience and determination.
As speculation looms over Hummels' future beyond this season, one thing remains certain: he will be at Wembley on the first Saturday of June, ready to script another chapter in Dortmund's storied history.
