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How 5ft 8in Dani Carvajal outjumped everyone to win Real Madrid the Champions League

 It's the same old story you've seen before.




Real Madrid are second best in a Champions League knockout match for most of the game. Their opponent misses chances, Thibaut Courtois makes some crucial saves, and then Madrid scores, leading to the familiar chant: "Asi, asi, asi, gana El Madrid" — 'Like this, like this, Madrid win like this.'


While Carlo Ancelotti celebrated his fifth Champions League trophy as a manager, and Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Nacho, and Dani Carvajal earned their sixth, another narrative featured Carvajal himself.


After a challenging first half, Ancelotti’s adjustments improved Madrid defensively. It was Carvajal’s header from a corner that shifted the momentum, followed by Ian Maatsen’s error that gifted Madrid their second goal.


At 5ft 8in (173cm), Carvajal is one of Real Madrid’s shortest players and an unexpected scorer of a crucial headed goal. This decisive moment, 17 minutes from the end, was the result of strategic planning.


Carvajal’s near-post runs on corners were integral to Madrid’s set pieces. Against Borussia Dortmund’s defensive approach of six man-markers and four zonal defenders, Carvajal’s timing and positioning proved effective.


On Madrid’s first corner, Carvajal started by the edge of the box to defend against counter-attacks. Federico Valverde was marked towards the back post by Maatsen. As Kroos began his run-up, Carvajal made a late move into the penalty area, confusing Maatsen. Although this corner led to nothing, Carvajal’s positioning was threatening.


Dortmund’s defensive setup with six man-markers and four zonal defenders was vulnerable. Manipulating one of the man-markers gave Madrid an advantage because only two zonal players, Mats Hummels and Niclas Fullkrug, defended the cross.


In subsequent corners, Carvajal consistently beat Maatsen to the near post. His clever movements and timing created separation, allowing him to attack the cross effectively. Although not all attempts were successful, they set the stage for his decisive goal.


Madrid’s final corner routine saw five attackers in the penalty area. Carvajal's clever positioning and separation from Maatsen allowed him a free run at the ball. His momentum and leap resulted in a crucial header into the far corner, giving Madrid the lead.


“It’s not all about height,” Carvajal remarked after winning his sixth Champions League title. “You need to be there, jump for the ball, and show determination. Sometimes the shortest players can score headers too.”


Height can be an advantage on set pieces, but Carvajal’s ability to free himself from his man-marker was essential. Madrid's corner routines effectively exploited Dortmund's defensive setup.


Carvajal’s near-post runs were a recurring theme, culminating in Madrid’s 15th European championship. It was a fitting end to both stories, with Real Madrid once again crowned champions of Europe.



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