
On a warm summer's evening at Wembley, it wasn't meant to be for Marco Reus and co, as he ended his Borussia Dortmund career with a second UEFA Champions League final defeat in yellow and black.
After wasting a number of chances in the first 45 minutes, the Bundesliga side were made to pay the price, as second half goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Junior secured another UEFA Champions League victory for the European kings.
So, here are four things we learnt.
-
BVB left to rue missed chances
Die Schwarzgelben will return to Germany wondering what could have been, after a number of golden opportunities were squandered with the final still deadlocked, during the first half.
The first huge chance of the night fell to Karim Adeyemi, with just 21 minutes on the clock. After bending his run to stay onside, the German international raced through on goal, but after attempting to round Thibaut Courtois, he was forced too wide and his weak shot was blocked by one of the eventual heroes of the night, Dani Carvajal.
Just seconds later, Ian Maatsen squeezed a pass through to Niclas Fullkrug, but again, Dortmund were denied, this time by just millimetres, as the effort crashed off the inside of the post.
Two final chances of the opening half were both saved by Courtois, as he palmed away efforts from Adeyemi and Marcel Sabitzer.
As Jose Mourinho said in the post-match coverage on TNT Sports, football is not a game of ifs. However, you can't help but think that had even one of those opportunities resulted with the net rippling, this UEFA Champions League final would have had a very different outcome.
-
Kroos bows out in style
After joining Real Madrid in 2014, the German football legend brings an end to a trophy-riddled career, as he secured his 22nd title in just ten years at the La Liga giants, on an emotional night at Wembley.
Having confirmed he will retire at the end of the season, Toni Kroos' last ever game in club football will be one he will treasure forever, as he secured his fifth UEFA Champions League winners medal since 2015.
The midfield maestro was instrumental in the middle of park in London, putting in a man of the match performance on the biggest stage, once again. He completed all but three of the 94 passes he attempted in his 464th and final appearance for the famous Los Blancos.
Kroos leaves the club stage in incredible fashion, as he registered an assist for the opening goal, before receiving a rousing standing ovation from his fans who made the trip from the Spanish capital.
Luckily for all football fans, there will still be another chance to watch this footballing wizard, as he is set to meet up with the Germany squad for a home EUROs in his final ever matches as a footballer.
Forever ageing like a fine wine, what a footballer!
-
Hummels continues to defy the odds
After being a major influencing factor in Dortmund's heroic run to the final, the veteran defender once again showed his class at Wembley on Saturday night.
Despite being on the wrong side of the result, Mats Hummels' performance was one of the highest quality, as he did his very best to combat the formidable attack which consisted of Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo.
Hummels scored the winner at the Parc des Princes in May, as he powered the underdogs into the final with a dazzling display over the two legs, and at Wembley on Saturday night, the 35-year old was immense, starring in the heart of the Dortmund back line, as they managed to contain the now fifteen-time European champions for just under 75 minutes
On the night he was one of Dortmund's standout performers. He completed four clearances and five tackles, in what could be his final game for the club, with his future still unresolved and his contract expiring in a matter of weeks.
Julian Nagelsmann, who opted against selecting the World Cup winner in his squad for his first major tournament as Germany boss, may now be regretting that decision, as Mats Hummels rounded off a wonderful season with a great performance, despite not picking up any silverware.
-
Vinicius within touching distance of first Ballon d'Or
After scoring the goal which sealed the European crown for his side, Vinicius Junior is now a serious contender to win the Ballon d'Or for the first ever time.
The Brazilian has contributed greatly to his side winning the double this season. He scored fifteen goals and registered six assists in their title winning La Liga campaign, and also registered six goals and five assists in ten appearances in the Champions League, at just 23 years of age.
In the first half at Wembley, when his side were under the cosh, it was Vinicius who provided the bright sparks and offered a glimpse of hope. And finally, in the second, his persistence was rewarded. Maatsen gave the ball away to Bellingham, he found the Brazilian who kept his cool as he beat Gregor Kobel to score a memorable goal.
With two more winners medals to add to his collection, the quick and tricky winger has the chance to win even more glory in the upcoming month and a half, as he embarks on a Copa America journey with his nation, Brazil.
Seleção Canarinha have lifted the Copa America just once since their victory in 2007, and with the absence of former talisman Neymar, Vinicius has a huge opportunity to step up and return the prized possession back to the east coast of South America.
If he can have a good tournament this summer, coupled with his mesmerising season at Real Madrid, he would be a serious contender to win one of football's most prestigious prizes, the Ballon d'Or.
The man who grew up in the favelas on the streets of Brazil, could be onto something incredibly special.

