“When you don’t kill Real Madrid, Real Madrid kill you,” Xavi Hernandez, who had to come up against Real Madrid a number of times in his career both as a Barcelona player and manager, had said just last year.
"Here there's no danger of our stomachs being too full... tomorrow this club will enjoy another fantastic day with our fans, then to rest, the players will go to the Euros, the Copa America, then we will return with the same desire and hope as ever," pledged Ancelotti.
Pass master Kroos played a key role as Real Madrid beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at Wembley.
Real Madrid withstood a Borussia Dortmund barrage to win the Champions League for the 15th time as Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Junior struck late in a 2-0 win at Wembley on Saturday.
Borussia Dortmund veteran Mats Hummels said he was "proud" of his side after Saturday's 2-0 Champions League final loss but lamented Real Madrid's never-say-die attitude.
Jude Bellingham said his first taste of Champions League glory with Real Madrid was the "best night of my life" after the Spanish giants beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at Wembley.
Record 14-time winners Real Madrid will be facing Borussia Dortmund in a mouth-watering Champions League final at the iconic Wembley stadium tonight. As the world passes every moment till kick-off in anticipation of the outcome, here we present some interesting facts regarding the two finalists:
Borussia Dortmund coach Edin Terzic believes "anything is possible" as his side aim to shock Real Madrid in Saturday's Champions League final at London's Wembley stadium.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti warned his players the Champions League final is the most "dangerous" game in football on the eve of their clash with Borussia Dortmund at Wembley.
As Borussia Dortmund prepare to walk into Wembley for a Champions League final against Real Madrid, it is hard to pinpoint their source of inspiration.
The campaign for Vinicius Junior to land his first Ballon d'Or is well under way, but the Real Madrid forward has his priorities straight.
Built on grit and graft but with a hint of flair, few players embody coach Edin Terzic's Borussia Dortmund more than centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck.
Borussia Dortmund manager Edin Terzic will have to channel all his expertise into masterminding the game of his life to plot the downfall of Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League final at Wembley on Saturday.
History beckons for Real Madrid as they chase a record-breaking 15th UEFA Champions League title. Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund, who are hoping to put an end to a 27-year wait for the trophy, stand in Real's way as determined underdogs. Will Real's experience prevail, or can Dortmund pull off a stunning upset? Tune in to The Daily Star's podcast 'Pitch Perfect' for an in-depth take on this epic showdown.
Hummels, 35, and 34-year-old Reus face an uncertain future ahead of what is likely their last Champions League final. Reus has already announced Saturday's match will be his last for Dortmund.
With the Spanish title in the bag Madrid are aiming for a fifth La Liga and Champions League double, against the England international's former team Borussia Dortmund in Saturday's Wembley final.
Jurgen Klopp was in the dugout the last time Dortmund made a Champions League final, which they lost 2-1 to rivals Bayern Munich at Wembley -- the same venue as Saturday's showpiece.
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone, on the eve of his side's final LaLiga match against Real Sociedad, said they fell short of their objectives this season and that title winners Real Madrid were the best team in the world.
Kylian Mbappe will bring the curtain down on his Paris Saint-Germain career on Saturday and has the chance to sign off with another trophy in the French Cup final against Lyon.