While the reunion carries personal significance for Diomande and Konate following their spells with the German side, it also conjures vivid memories for Real Madrid. That European campaign was fraught with jeopardy as Los Blancos endured an unconvincing tie, yet they gradually hit their stride before ultimately lifting the Champions League trophy at Wembley against Borussia Dortmund.

Against RB Leipzig, Carlo Ancelotti's men seized a vital first-leg advantage in Germany courtesy of a sensational solo goal from Brahim Diaz. Much like today, an injury crisis had decimated the Madrid defence. Tchouameni filled in at centre-back alongside Nacho, while Camavinga partnered Valverde and Kroos—who retired months later—in midfield. Up front, the Brazilian tandem of Rodrygo and Vinicius led the line, with the Malaga-born playmaker starting only because Jude Bellingham was nursing an ankle injury.

Three weeks later in March, the Englishman returned to spearhead the attack and Antonio Rudiger was also passed fit, yet Real Madrid produced an uncharacteristically disjointed display. Leipzig frequently outplayed the hosts, but a blistering run from Bellingham set up Vinicius to break the deadlock. Leipzig struck back just three minutes later, however, when defender Willi Orban headed home the equaliser.

Ancelotti's charges weathered a fierce storm against a dangerous Leipzig side boasting the likes of Xavi Simons (Tottenham), Lois Openda (Lyon), Benjamin Sesko (Manchester United), and current Barcelona playmaker Dani Olmo, who rattled the crossbar in the 92nd minute—a strike that would have knocked Real Madrid out. Crucially, Andriy Lunin stood tall throughout the tie whilst Thibaut Courtois continued his rehabilitation from a severe knee injury, returning just in time for the final in London.