The UEFA Champions League is back with a blockbuster clash on Wednesday midnight, as Real Madrid hosts Borussia Dortmund at the iconic Santiago Bernabeu.
Both teams have experienced mixed form this season, making this Group Stage encounter one to watch. While Los Blancos aim to maintain their strong home record, Dortmund looks to continue their 100% winning streak in this year’s competition.
Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund: Preview
Real Madrid enters this match on the back of inconsistent performances both domestically and in Europe. A recent loss to Lille in the Champions League has left fans questioning the team’s stability, especially in a season where injuries and tactical challenges loom large. Dortmund, on the other hand, has shown an attacking flair that has delivered consecutive victories in the Champions League, yet their Bundesliga form has been erratic. As two European giants collide, this game promises excitement for fans around the globe.
Despite having just one defeat in their first 13 matches across all competitions this season, Real Madrid has been far from their best. Carlo Ancelotti’s side has scraped through several games, including a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Celta Vigo at the weekend. The absence of right-back Dani Carvajal due to a long-term injury has left the defense vulnerable, prompting tactical changes, such as the possible deployment of a back three.
Ancelotti’s tactical flexibility will be tested further, as the likes of Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, and Kylian Mbappé all thrive in similar areas of the pitch, leading to positional dilemmas. Bellingham, who has been a key figure, was even deployed in the front three in their last domestic game, highlighting the need for balance within the squad. Real Madrid’s home record, however, will give them confidence. They are unbeaten in their last 14 UEFA Champions League home matches and have won their last nine group stage games at the Bernabeu.
Borussia Dortmund’s campaign has been a tale of two competitions. Nuri Sahin’s side has excelled in the Champions League, delivering comprehensive victories over Celtic and Club Brugge. Their 7-1 demolition of Celtic sent a statement across Europe, solidifying their place as one of the tournament’s early favorites. However, their Bundesliga form has been less convincing, with just four wins in seven matches, leaving them outside the top six in the standings.
While Dortmund’s domestic struggles might suggest vulnerability, their European form is a different story. They are currently unbeaten in the Champions League, and their attack continues to create numerous chances. This attacking threat will be key as they travel to the Spanish capital. Historically, though, Dortmund has found it difficult to win on Spanish soil, managing just three wins from 19 UEFA away matches in Spain.
Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund: Head-to-head
Real Madrid boasts an impressive record against German opposition in the UEFA Champions League. Los Blancos have lost only one of their last eight UEFA competition matches against Dortmund, and their home form against German teams is even stronger. Real Madrid has lost just one of their last 24 UEFA home games against German opponents, remaining unbeaten in the last 11.
Dortmund’s away record in Spain is less promising, with only three wins from their previous 19 visits. However, they have been in strong form in this season’s competition, having won five of their last six UEFA Champions League matches.
- Total Matches –12
- Real Madrid wins – 6
- Borussia Dortmund wins – 3
- Draws – 3
Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund: Team News and Predicted Line-up
Real Madrid: Team News
Kylian Mbappe, having fully recovered from a muscle issue and netting a stunning goal against Celta Vigo, is back in form. Dani Ceballos also made a brief appearance late in the match. For Wednesday’s game, Real Madrid will be without their three long-term absentees: Dani Carvajal (ACL), David Alaba (recovering from ACL surgery), and Brahim Diaz (abductor), though Diaz has resumed team training ahead of the Dortmund fixture.
Carvajal’s season-ending surgery has sparked rumors that Real may target Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold in January, but for now, Lucas Vazquez continues to fill the role. A possible change to the starting lineup could occur on the left side of defense, with Ferland Mendy likely replacing Fran Garcia. Rodrygo may also return to the XI, possibly replacing Aurelien Tchouameni, who left last training session before the Dortmund clash early due to discomfort.
Real Madrid: Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
- Goalkeeper – Thibaut Courtois
- Defenders – Lucas Vazquez, Antonio Rüdiger, Militao, Ferland Mendy
- Midfielders – Eduardo Camavinga, Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham
- Forwards – Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinícius Júnior
Injuries/Doubts: David Alaba (Injured), Aurelien Tchouameni (Injured), Brahim Diaz (Injured), Dani Carvajal (Injured)
Dortmund: Team News
On the other hand, Adeyemi’s stunning hat-trick against Celtic came at a price, as he suffered a significant hamstring injury early in the second half and is not expected to return until late November.
He is joined in Dortmund’s injury list by Julien Duranville (thigh), Giovanni Reyna (groin), and Yan Couto (muscle). Pascal Gross and Niklas Sule are both considered doubtful; Gross had to be substituted at halftime during the victory over St. Pauli, though both have participated in training sessions.
If needed, either Nmecha or the rising star Jamie Bynoe-Gittens is likely to replace Gross. Should Bynoe-Gittens play and find the back of the net, he would become the youngest English player to score against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, breaking the record previously held by Alan Smith, who was 20 when he scored for Leeds United in 2001.
Dortmund: Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper – Kobel
- Defenders – Ryerson, Anton, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini
- Midfielders – Can, Sabitzer, Brandt
- Forwards – Nmecha, Bynoe-Gittens, Guirassy
Injuries/Doubts: Sule (Illness), Couto (Injured), Gross (Injured), Reyna (Injured), Duranville (Injured), Adeyemi (Injured)
Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund: Match Prediction
Carlo Ancelotti and Real Madrid will be looking for improved performances to accompany their positive results, which would set them up nicely for the second half of the season. Borussia Dortmund, known for their quick counter-attacks, will likely exploit Madrid’s right flank and the insufficient defensive support from the forwards on the left side. While a goal from Dortmund is plausible, Madrid is expected to prevail at the Bernabeu.
Prediction- Real Madrid 3-1 Dortmund
Where to Watch the Match LIVE in India? Streaming Details
The UEFA Champions League 2024-25 group stage match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid will be available for live streaming on SonyLiv. In India, viewers can catch the live telecast of the Dortmund vs Madrid UCL game on the Sony Ten 2 and Sony Ten 2 HD TV channels.
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When is the Real Madrid vs Dortmund match?
Real Madrid will face Dortmund at home on Wednesday, October 23 from 12:30 am (IST).
