Gonzalo Pineda is hoping Atlanta United can use their win over high-flying Inter Miami as a turning point ahead of Charlotte FC's visit on Sunday.

The Five Stripes beat Lionel Messi's Miami 3-1 in midweek, snapping a nine-match winless streak in the MLS in the process.

It means they move closer to the playoff places in the Eastern Conference, and Pineda is confident they can positively build on this result.

"I really want to [use the Miami win as a turning point]," Pineda said.

"I want to find the right words and connection with them individually, collectively, so we can make that big, big victory our turning point in our season and in three or four months, we can look to Miami and say it was the important one.

"That's when we came back to who we are. I hope that happens, but we have to focus on the next one.

"It's massively important [to win at home] because we haven't won there in a while. I think our fans deserve to have some joy on Sunday and I hope we can give them that."

Charlotte's five-match unbeaten run came to an end against New York Red Bulls on Wednesday, with their 3-1 defeat also the first time they have conceded since the start of that run.

Dean Smith is aware of the rivalry between the two clubs' supporters and wants to use it to give his players an added incentive.

"Derbies are really important because bragging rights are everything," said Smith.

"We're a young club still, we'll build up those rivalries, but the players will be aware of it - I'll make them aware of it - because it's important to our supporters."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Atlanta – Saba Lobjanidze

Lobjanidze scored his first career MLS brace in Atlanta's win over Miami on Wednesday. It was the 48th multi-goal game by an Atlanta player in a regular-season league match, more than any other team since they joined the league in 2017.

Charlotte – Ben Bender

Bender scored his first goal of the 2024 season on Wednesday after scoring three times in 2022 and 2023 for Charlotte. The American is the first player to score in all three MLS seasons for Charlotte FC.

MATCH PREDICTION: ATLANTA UNITED WIN

Atlanta ended a nine-match regular-season winless run (D4 L5) with a 3-1 win at Miami on Wednesday. The Five Stripes return home, where they have lost four consecutive league matches after having never previously lost three in a row at home.

Meanwhile, Charlotte saw their five-match unbeaten run come to an end with a 3-1 loss to the Red Bulls on Wednesday. Still, Charlotte's 22 points through 16 games are their most at this stage of a season in club history.

The four all-time meetings between Atlanta and Charlotte have been split with each team winning twice, once at home and once on the road. Both teams won at home in the 2022 season before winning on each other's field in the 2023 season.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Atlanta – 48.2%

Draw – 25.9%

Charlotte – 25.9%

Everton will "assess all options" regarding the club's ownership after a proposed takeover by 777 Partners fell through on Saturday.

Majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri agreed to sell his 94 per cent stake in the club to the US-based consortium last September, but the Premier League refused to sign off on the takeover.

The deal was repeatedly delayed as 777 failed to meet the Premier League's required conditions of ownership, though the consortium provided financial support to the club for several months. 

Everton lost eight points to two deductions in 2023-24 for breaching the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules, but still finished 14 points clear of the relegation zone.

Moshiri is now looking for alternative buyers to come forward, with Crystal Palace co-owner John Textor having expressed an interest in investing last month.

The club said in a statement: "The agreement between 777 Partners and Blue Heaven Holdings Limited for the sale and purchase of the majority shareholding in the club expired today. 

"The board of directors recognises the considerable level of financial support 777 Partners has provided the club over recent months and would like to take this opportunity to thank them for this.

"The club will continue to operate as usual while it works with Blue Heaven Holdings to assess all options for the club's future ownership.

"The board of directors would like to thank everyone connected to Everton for their patience over recent months and reiterate its commitment to providing further updates when it is appropriate to do so through the club's official communication channels."

Caleb Porter has praised New England Revolution's performances in recent weeks but admitted they are still working hard to improve their finishing, as they prepare to travel to Nashville SC.

New England sit bottom of the Eastern Conference with seven points having won just two of their 13 games so far this season.

More worryingly, the Revolution have scored just nine goals this campaign, and have failed to score in either of their last two defeats.

Porter said he is pleased with the progress his team are showing in their performances, but it would not matter if they could not hit the back of the net.

"It's easier when you can show them the film and there are a lot of positives, but it's tough when you're not getting results because the confidence isn't sky high," the Revs head coach said.

"These guys have had a great mentality and great attitude. They've come every day to training to work and improve, and we've focused a lot this week on the final third. I really feel that's the missing piece right now.

"The players know we're playing well from box-to-box, but to win games, you have to actually score a goal."

Nashville, meanwhile, sit in ninth, occupying one of the playoff spots after a four-game unbeaten run.

Interim head coach Rumbani Munthali earned his first win in charge with a 2-0 victory over FC Cincinnati in midweek.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Nashville – Hany Mukhtar

The Revolution are one of just five teams Hany Mukhtar has faced but never scored against in MLS.

He has only played more games against Cincinnati (six) and Philadelphia (five) without scoring against them than he has against New England (four).

New England – Carles Gil

New England's goal difference dropped to -17 following their defeat to New York City FC last Saturday.

The Revs have scored just nine goals all season, split among four players, with Gil their top scorer on four.

MATCH PREDICTION: NASHVILLE SC WIN

Nashville defeated New England 3-2 in the last meeting between the sides in October 2023. The first five encounters featured five total goals - also split 3-2 - in favour of the Boys in Gold.

Nashville are unbeaten in four straight MLS matches (won two, drawn two) following a 2-0 win over Cincinnati on Wednesday.

It has been nearly a year since the Coyotes have won consecutive league matches, last doing so during a four-match winning run between May and June last season.

The Revolution are the fifth team in the post-shootout era (since 2000) to lose 10 of their first 13 matches of a season, and the first since Montreal in 2018.

No team in the post-shootout era has recorded 11 defeats in their first 14 matches of a season.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Nashville – 51.2%

Draw – 24.8%

New England – 24%

Vanni Sartini enjoys being able to take a different approach to their match against Colorado Rapids, as he does so following a win.

The Whitecaps snapped a six-match winless run in MLS last time out, seeing out a 2-1 victory against Sporting Kansas City in midweek.

It moves them up to sixth in the Western Conference, where they will have the chance to keep their name in the mix at the top with another win.

Sartini was upbeat following their victory, but was quick to point out they would not be thinking about that result for too long.

"The good vibes [after the win] ended on Friday morning. Then we start thinking about Colorado, but we think about it in a completely different way after a win," Sartini said.

"If we beat them, we get away from them [in the table] and it would put us in a good position going into the [international] break. It's a completely different feeling, but we're very happy to approach the game in this way."

Colorado are also on 26 points, only behind Vancouver due to their inferior goal difference.

The Rapids have won only one of their last five outings, and head coach Chris Armas admits there is still work to be done if they want to get back to winning ways.

"We're a work in progress," he said. "We're going to make mistakes, we have a fairly young squad, so we will make mistakes, and we need to work on that."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Vancouver Whitecaps – Ryan Gauld

Gauld scored his fourth regular-season brace in Vancouver's win at Kansas City on Wednesday.

That saw him equal Eric Hassli, Fredy Montero, and Pedro Morales for the second-most multi-goal games for the Whitecaps, behind only Camilo Sanvezzo (eight).

Colorado Rapids – Djordje Mihailovic

Mihailovic has been involved in a goal in five of his last six MLS appearances (two goals, three assists), including the last three in a row.

The American has recorded a goal contribution in four straight appearances once before in his MLS career, doing so with CF Montreal between September and October 2021.

MATCH PREDICTION: VANCOUVER WHITECAPS WIN

The Whitecaps have lost only one of their last nine matches against the Rapids in Vancouver (won four, drawn four) dating back to October 2014, including going unbeaten in the last three at BC Place (won one, drawn two).

However, Vancouver have lost two of their last three home matches, including a 2-1 defeat to Inter Miami on Saturday.

The Whitecaps have suffered back-to-back home defeats in MLS only once since returning to BC Place in 2021, doing so in July 2022 against Minnesota United and Chicago Fire.

Colorado have lost their last two away matches, conceding eight goals along the way. The Rapids had lost only one of their previous six on the road (won three, drawn two), allowing a total of six goals in those games.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Vancouver Whitecaps – 50.3%

Draw – 25.1%

Colorado Rapids – 24.5%

Jim Curtin believes maintaining an organised, coordinated press will be key for the Philadelphia Union on Saturday, when they take on CF Montreal at Subaru Park.

The Union sit eighth in the Eastern Conference standings, five places but just three points clear of Montreal, after playing out a goalless draw with Toronto FC in midweek.

Philadelphia have only won one of their last nine MLS matches but have taken five points from their last three (one win, two draws), while keeping three straight clean sheets.

Curtin feels picking their moments to strike is the way to go against Laurent Courtois' team, saying: "We expect a really tough test against Montreal. You can tell they're well-coached, they're well-drilled in the way that they try to pass out of the back.

"They have some really intricate movements within their group. They're brave home and away in the way they try and play. 

"We'll have to do a good job of being organised, and try to turn them over as close to their goal as possible, and create chances."

Montreal ended a run of seven league games without a victory (three draws, four losses) by beating D.C. United 4-2 last time out, with Ariel Lassiter among the scorers.

Lassiter hopes that result can be a turning point in their season, saying: "Winning changes everything, winning changes the outlook of the locker room and the mentality.

"It's the victory, the three points that we need to go into Philadelphia to get points there, and then to finish for the international break on a high."

PLAYERS TO WATCH 

Philadelphia Union – Daniel Gazdag

The Union have failed to score in back-to-back MLS matches for the first time since April 2023. They have not gone three straight MLS matches (including playoffs) without finding the net in over a decade, last doing so in September 2013.

His team's leading scorer with nine goals in 14 league games this term, Gazdag will look to end their barren run.

CF Montreal – Sunusi Ibrahim 

Ibrahim scored a brace off the bench for Montreal on Wednesday, becoming just the third player in club history to score multiple goals off the bench in an MLS match.

He was the first Montreal player to achieve the feat since Ahmed Hamdi in July 2021.

MATCH PREDICTION – PHILADELPHIA UNION WIN

The Union have won only one of their last nine matches (four draws, four losses) following their scoreless draw with Toronto on Wednesday. 

Philadelphia's seven points during this time is their fewest in a nine-match span in a single season since they took seven points from nine games between March and May 2017.

However, they have only lost one of their last eight games against Montreal (four wins, three draws), who were winless in nine across all competitions before their midweek victory. Home advantage makes them favourites.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Philadelphia Union – 58.5%

CF Montreal – 19.9%

Draw – 21.6%

Sarina Wiegman rued England's sloppyness from set-pieces, as the Lionesses' Euro 2025 qualifying hopes were dented by a 2-1 defeat to France.

England suffered their first home defeat in a qualifying match since October 2002 with Les Bleues - ironically the last nation to inflict such a loss - coming from behind to prevail at St James' Park.

The reigning European champions had the opportunity to leapfrog France to the Group A3 summit and, despite losing goalkeeper Mary Earps to injury early on, the hosts appeared on course to do just that when Beth Mead opened the scoring after half an hour.

However, they were undone by set-pieces in both halves, as goals from Elisa De Almeida and Marie-Antoinette Katoto completed the turnaround in the visitors' favour.

The Lionesses, who travel to Stade Geoffroy-Guichard for the return meeting on Tuesday, slip to third place in Group A3. And though Wiegman hailed the overall performance, she acknowledged her side must improve.

"It was frustrating," she told ITV Sport. "I think we played pretty well, we conceded two goals from set plays, which we have to do a lot better on.

"In these matches, you don't get too many chances. In the first half, we created multiple, but only scored one - and they unfortunately scored one too.

"We were more on the ball in the second half without creating too many more chances, but we were dangerous. The final pass needed to be better.

"We know France are really good at set-pieces. Of course, we were prepared, but they still got that time."

Skipper Leah Williamson added: "[We're] really disappointed, the game was there to be won. It was a fantastic occasion. The fans have never let us down, so it's a shame not to give them a win as well.

"We played well, not good enough to win the game, but the chances were there to win it. Two set-pieces have killed us. There's an element of luck to those things, but first contact and second contact need to be better. We will be better on Tuesday."

Dejan Joveljic has his eyes on the Western Conference summit as LA Galaxy bid to make it a nine-point week on Saturday, when they face the Chicago Fire at Soldier Field.

The Galaxy have won back-to-back games against Houston Dynamo (2-1) and FC Dallas (3-1) and sit second in the West, just two points behind Real Salt Lake.

Greg Vanney's team have now lost just one of their last nine matches (four wins, four draws), but Joveljic wants even more, starting in Chicago. 

"We would like to win four or five games in a row," the forward said. "But first, we have to win three and then we will see. We are in second place, so it's good, but it could be better. 

"In the playoffs, I would like to start with the first game at home. So, that means we have to be in the top four teams but, of course, our top goal is to be first."

Chicago, meanwhile, are winless in nine MLS matches (four draws, five defeats) following their 1-1 draw with Orlando City on Wednesday. 

Only the New England Revolution, with seven points, sit below them in the Eastern Conference standings. However, boss Frank Klopas has seen signs of improvement.

"I think in these last two games, we've changed how we wanted to play. We haven't got the wins, but I feel we're improving as a team," he said.

"There's a big belief in the group, but there's also frustration, for sure. There are a lot of emotions because of where we are.

"We have to keep going. It's great that we're playing on Saturday again, it's going to be a great crowd, and we have to come out with the same attitude against Galaxy."

PLAYERS TO WATCH 

Chicago Fire – Hugo Cuypers 

Cuypers scored the Fire's goal in their draw with Orlando on Wednesday.

The Belgian forward has now either scored (four) or assisted (one) five of Chicago's last nine MLS goals.

LA Galaxy – Riqui Puig

While Gabriel Pec assisted Joveljic for Galaxy's first goal on Wednesday, Puig scored the third (Joveljic netted the second from the penalty spot). 

At least one of Pec or Puig have been involved in 12 of the Galaxy's last 13 non-penalty goals in MLS, including the last nine in a row.

MATCH PREDICTION – LA GALAXY

Galaxy are unbeaten in six straight MLS matches (two wins, four draws), including winning their last two in a row. 

This is LA's 18th two-match winning streak since the start of the 2021 season, but Galaxy have not won three straight matches in all competitions since a four-match streak between August and September 2020.

Galaxy have a great chance to achieve that feat this week, though, with Chicago winless in nine league games. They have gone 10 or more consecutive matches without a victory in a single regular season three times before, most recently between April and May 2022.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Chicago Fire – 32.9%

LA Galaxy – 41.5%

Draw – 25.6%

A youthful Mexico stepped up their Copa America preparations with a narrow 1-0 victory over Bolivia in Chicago. 

Efrain Alvarez's second-half strike proved enough for El Tri, who fielded eight debutants at Soldier Field.

Two of those debutants went close early on; Ricardo Monreal heading against the bar and Ettson Ayon testing Bolivia goalkeeper Carlos Lampe, while Ramiro Vaca fired over for the visitors later in the half.

However, the hosts did find the breakthrough within two minutes of the restart, as Monreal squared for Alvarez to control and finish.

El Tri, who will face Ecuador, Jamaica and Venezuela in Group B at the Copa America, will play Uruguay and Brazil before the tournament begins on June 20.

Data Debrief: Mexico maintain Bolivia dominance

Mexico are now unbeaten in each of their last 10 meetings with Bolivia, winning nine and conceding just two goals during that span.

A 3-1 reverse at the 1997 Copa America represents El Tri's only defeat in this fixture.

Pablo Mastroeni believes Real Salt Lake's mindset has been the key to their long unbeaten run, which they will look to extend to 13 matches when they host Austin FC on Saturday.

RSL made it 12 MLS games without defeat in dramatic circumstances on Wednesday, as Andres Gomez scored nine minutes into stoppage time in a 1-1 draw with the Seattle Sounders.

Salt Lake remained two points clear of LA Galaxy at the top of the Western Conference with what was their third straight comeback, following a 5-3 win over the Colorado Rapids and a 3-3 draw at FC Dallas – who had led by three goals.

"I think one of the things we pride ourselves on is being a team that shows a strong mindset," Mastroeni said this week.

"You can use it in all aspects of life, it's five per cent what happens to you and 95 per cent how you react. 

"Unfortunately, in the last few games, we've found ourselves on the wrong side of the scoreline, and it's really easy to put your head down when things aren't going your way.

"There's this belief within the group that, regardless of what's happening, we're going to stay in it, we're going to keep our heads and not quit. Fortune favours the brave."

Austin are seven points behind RSL in fifth, though their momentum has stalled in recent weeks.

Since recording back-to-back wins over Houston Dynamo and Sporting Kansas City, Josh Wolff's team have played out a 1-1 draw with the San Jose Earthquakes and been beaten 2-0 by the Portland Timbers.

To make matters worse, that latter match saw forward Sebastian Driussi suffer an injury that is expected to keep him out for several weeks. 

PLAYERS TO WATCH 

Real Salt Lake – Andres Gomez 

Gomez has contributed to at least one goal in five straight league matches, becoming the second Real Salt Lake player to do so this year after Cristian Arango (six).

This is the first time since 2016 (Joao Plata and Yura Movsisyan) that multiple RSL players have had a run of five or more games with a goal contribution in the same season.

Austin FC – Gyasi Zardes

Zardes' importance could be heightened after Driussi suffered a muscle injury during Austin's midweek loss.

He is yet to score in 16 MLS appearances this season, though only three have been starts.

MATCH PREDICTION – REAL SALT LAKE WIN

The visiting side won both meetings between Real Salt Lake and Austin last season, including a 2-1 win for the Verde at America First Field in March. 

The six regular-season meetings between the sides have been split evenly, with each team winning three times.

However, RSL are favourites here, having gone unbeaten in 12 straight league games to equal the second-longest streak in their history.

Since the start of 2019, the Sounders are the only MLS team to record a longer run, going 13 unbeaten to start the 2021 campaign. 

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Real Salt Lake – 60.3%

Austin FC – 18.9%

Draw – 20.8%

Alonso Martinez scored a hat-trick as New York City FC maintained their impressive MLS form with a 5-1 rout of San Jose Earthquakes.

Hannes Wolf and Santiago Rodriguez were also on target for Nick Cushing's side, who made it five wins on the bounce to move into third place in the Eastern Conference.

After a goalless first half at Yankee Stadium, the hosts broke through within five minutes of the restart through Wolf. However, the lead only lasted three minutes, with Amahl Pellegrino levelling the contest.

Rodriguez drove City back in front in the 80th minute before Martinez took centre stage late on. The Costa Rica international struck with five minutes remaining, while completing a quickfire treble with a further goals in stoppage time.

Data Debrief: Martinez makes franchise history

That was, indeed, a quickfire hat-trick from Martinez - in fact, it was the fastest registered by an NYCFC player in MLS history.

The hosts have now won five successive matches for the first time since 2019, while their ninth win of the season matches their tally for the whole of last term.

It’s a case of picking up where they left off –or at least Jamaica’s senior Reggae Girlz will try to do so against Brazil at the Arena de Pernambuco in Recife on Saturday at 3:00pm Jamaica time.

While they held the South American powerhouse to a goalless stalemate at last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia, the Girlz were on a more competitive war path back then with much to prove.

The same cannot be said about the team on this occasion, as this encounter will mark the first assignment together for that World Cup core group in almost nine months. This, as they last played together in September last year when they lost to Canada in the Olympic qualifying playoff.

Though their confidence is high, the 42nd-ranked Jamaicans will be up against a more youthful Brazilian outfit, as the number 10-ranked nation is gradually transitioning from its veterans Marta, Tamires and Cristiane, just to name a few. In fact, this two-match friendly series which is part of Brazil’s preparation for the Olympic Games in Paris, are expected to mark the official sendoff of the legendary Marta, into retirement.

Still, Reggae Girlz defender Deneisha Blackwood is backing the team to give a good account in the Brazilians backyard.

“Both countries are a lot similar in terms of physicality and technical abilities, so I feel it's a good game for us to bring back our team forward again. In terms of scoreline, I can't really predict what the score line will be, but I can promise that it's going to be a good game,” Blackwood said during a pre-game conference on Friday.

“Our team is very good in terms of the camaraderie, so the moment we got back together, it's like we never left. Yes, we haven't been together for the last nine months, but you couldn't tell. I feel like our group is just so well put together. Obviously, every team has its challenges, but I feel like our mindset when we're together is always to be better, so whether we're apart for nine months or two months, it's just always been a good team environment,” she added.

Meanwhile, Head coach Hubert Busby explained that while they will be seeking to build on their defensive fortitude that earned the historic draws against France and Brazil at last year’s showpiece, he is also hoping to execute a possession based tactic.

“I think it (our defence) is a platform on which we built a lot of our success at last year’s World Cup, and even prior to that. So I think it's one of the things that we'll continue to do. The game is played in many different phases, but you always give yourself a good opportunity to be successful with a good defensive platform, and so that will continue as well because good defensive platform is needed against a very good technical Brazilian team,” Busby shared. 

That said, Busby pointed out that Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw’s presence is certainly missed, but in the same breath he argued that the prolific Manchester City striker's absence also presents an opportunity for other players to step up and showcase the squad’s depth.

“Injuries happen and unfortunately she [Shaw] is not able to be with us, but we have a really good depth and a really good squad and so we know another player will step up. We have more than enough players to come in and give us different qualities from what she [Shaw] gives us,” the former national goalkeeper reasoned.

“But it is a team we've organized, we've known that she's going to be away for a couple of weeks now, so we've just kind of obviously looked to adapt in terms of how we look to play and what we're looking to do over a longer period of time. So really, the whole process for us is to keep building so that we can be back in this wonderful country in 2027 (for the World Cup),” Busby ended. 

John Herdman described Toronto FC goalkeeper Sean Johnson as an MLS legend ahead of Saturday's meeting with D.C. United at Audi Field. 

Toronto sit sixth in the Eastern Conference standings after playing out a goalless draw with the Philadelphia Union on Wednesday.

That was their first clean sheet since April 21 (a 2-0 win over the New England Revolution) but their sixth overall in MLS play this year. Only Charlotte FC have more, with seven.

"When the big man is called on, he brings it," Herdman said after their win over the Union. "This man, he's starting to become a bit of an MLS legend. 

"He's on 400 games now in MLS and probably doesn't get the recognition he deserves… 10 clean sheets for TFC. 

"I can't say enough about the big man. He's done a hell of a job for us this season."

D.C. sit 10th in the standings after going four games without a victory, losing 4-2 at CF Montreal in midweek. 

Troy Lesesne criticised his side for making rookie mistakes after that game, saying: "We put ourselves in a hole and we can't make these types of mistakes, those are hard lessons to learn.

"Particularly on the road, with some of the form we've been in over the last three matches… it just sets the tone."

PLAYERS TO WATCH 

D.C. United – Christian Benteke

Benteke scored both of D.C. United’s goals in their midweek defeat, his fourth multi-goal MLS match of the season. 

The only D.C. United players with more in a single regular season are Luciano Emilio (five) in 2007 and Raul Diaz Arce (five) in 1996.

Toronto FC – Federico Bernardeschi 

Bernardeschi attempted five shots and set up four chances for team-mates on Wednesday. 

The Italian has been directly involved in 94 shots this season (57 shots, 37 chances created), the fourth-most in MLS.

MATCH PREDICTION – D.C. UNITED WIN

Toronto's scoreless draw with Philadelphia on Wednesday took them to 23 points for the season, surpassing their total from the entirety of last year (22). 

However, D.C. are unbeaten in their last seven home games against Toronto (three wins, four draws), also losing just one of their last four on home soil overall. 

Toronto have also won just one of their last five regular-season games after winning their previous three. D.C.'s energetic approach could catch them out. 

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

D.C. United – 48.8%

Toronto FC – 25.5%

Draw – 25.7%

Borussia Dortmund have not come this far in the Champions League to be mere witnesses to Real Madrid lifting the trophy for a record-extending 15th time, coach Edin Terzic vowed on Friday.

"You don't play a final, you win a final and that is our clear goal," Terzic, who will be up against his role model Carlo Ancelotti, told reporters before leading a training session at Wembley Stadium.

"We're happy to be here but we have to win at Wembley against Real Madrid, to hold that trophy in our hands."

Dortmund finished a distant fifth in the Bundesliga this season and few would have given them much hope of reaching their first Champions League final since 2013, when Wembley also hosted their defeat against domestic rivals Bayern Munich.

But Terzic's side stunned Atletico Madrid in a quarter-final thriller and then provided a tactical masterclass as they beat Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in both legs of the semi-final.

"Madrid have a role as the favourites, but we weren't favourites against Atletico or Paris either," Terzic added.

"If we are brave and not here to see Madrid win their next trophy, then we're going to have a chance.

"We are the team with the most clean sheets in the competition. You need to keep the opposition as far away from goal as possible. 

"We weren't at our highest level when we conceded goals in September, but we are a totally different team now and have shown we are ready to compete for the trophy."

One of the many threats to Dortmund's hopes will be a familiar one in the form of Jude Bellingham, who left the club for Madrid last year and has taken LaLiga by storm.

"Few players have had contact with Jude. Everyone is in the zone and concentrating on their task," Dortmund midfielder Julian Brandt, sitting alongside Terzic, said. 

Saturday's final, Dortmund's 300th major European game, will be the final match in the iconic yellow shirt for Marco Reus, while Madrid's Germany midfielder Toni Kroos is also preparing for his last club game before retirement.

"I was able to play with both of them. Toni is an absolute icon and a sensational guy who has won everything," Brandt said.

"Marco is also one of the reasons why I play for BVB. He was an idol for me as a child and teenager. It's still a lot of fun to train and play with him."

Adrian Reid Jr’s consistent showing throughout the recently-concluded Jamaica Premier League (JPL) has been rewarded with a senior team call-up, as Reggae Boyz Head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson named a 26-man squad for the upcoming Concacaf World Cup qualifying fixture against Dominican Republic at the National Stadium on June 6.

Reid Jr’s inclusion comes as Hallgrimsson will be without a number of his first choice players –Demarai Gray, Amari’i Bell, Joel Latibeaudiere, Ethan Pinnock, Andre Blake and Dujuan Richards –due to injury, while Leon Bailey remains unavailable.  

The 17-year-old Reid Jr, who assisted Cavalier to the JPL title, has represented Jamaica at the youth level, and is now on the cusp of following his father and former Reggae Boy Adrian Reid as senior team representatives.

Whether or not the central defender will be giving his debut, is left to be seen, as along with those injured, Hallgrimsson will also be without right-back Dexter Lembikisa and midfielder Kasey Palmer, who will both serve card suspensions for the opening World Cup qualifying contest.

After next Thursday’s game, the Reggae Boyz will then be on the road three days later for their second Group E fixture against Dominica.

The group also comprises British Virgin Islands and Guatemala.

Reggae Boyz Squad - Shaquan Davis, Jayden Hibbert, Coniah Boyce-Clarke, Jahmali Waite, Dexter Lembikisa, Di'Shon Bernard, Greg Leigh, Damion Lowe, Michael Hector, Richard King, Tayvon Gray, Jon Bell, Kasey Palmer, Karoy Anderson, Bobby Reid, Daniel Johnson, Alex Marshall, Adrian Reid Jr, Kevon Lambert, Shamar Nicholson, Renaldo Cephas, Michail Antonio, Deshane Beckford, Kaheim Dixon, Cory Burke, Devonte Campbell

Luka Modric has rejected the notion Real Madrid are clear favourites to beat Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final, describing the game as "50-50".

Modric could win his sixth Champions League title on Saturday, when Madrid take on Dortmund in the showpiece game of the European club season at Wembley Stadium.

With Madrid finishing 10 points clear of Barcelona at the top of LaLiga and Dortmund limping to a fifth-place finish in the Bundesliga, Los Blancos have been touted as overwhelming favourites.

Modric, however, does not see things that way.

"Everyone is saying that we're the favourites, but it's not like that, I see a 50-50," Modric said.

"Dortmund are a big club, they have had a great season in the Champions League and they will make it very difficult for us. We need concentration and to demonstrate on the field that we are capable of beating them."

As Madrid look to write another chapter in their love affair with Europe's elite club competition by winning a record-extending 15th title, boss Carlo Ancelotti says his players do not need any further motivation.

Heading to his eighth European Cup/Champions League final as a player or coach, three of which have come with Madrid, Ancelotti says it will be a case of business as usual. 

"The priority is to transmit clear ideas to the players. I will be as direct as possible because that’s how I feel my players react the best pre-game," he said.

"I will talk about tactics. Emotions come later and everyone deals with them according to their character. 

"Before the game there will be negative emotions, but fear is an important part of doing things well, we need to know that.

"I'm confident because over the season the team showed two important features: technical quality and sacrifice. They will be key tomorrow. 

"The more direct I am, the less nervous the team will be. We have shown the quality and the collective sacrifice. Both will be the keys to tomorrow's outcome."