Dortmund will host Real Madrid at home in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16. The German team is in impressive form, but their opponents are an experienced and resilient Real Madrid in the European arena.
Odds information
Asian Handicap: 0.93 : 0.75 : 0.87 European Handicap: 4.62 : 3 : 1.72 Over/Under Odds: 0.87: 2 3/4 : 1.03
Opinions of the bookmaker 5
Real Madrid’s goal to defend the Champions League title is driving them in the final against Dortmund tonight. Los Blancos have won the European Cup 14 times, more than any other team in history. This is only the 3rd time Dortmund has made it to the prestigious Champions League final. Real Madrid has won 14 out of 17 Champions League finals, asserting their true dominance in European football. The resilience of Los Blancos is evident from the coaching staff to the players in every match.
Dortmund has had a season full of instability, finishing 5th in the Bundesliga and scoring the fewest goals in the top 5. However, they have shown a different face in the Champions League, being tenacious and hard to beat. Dortmund’s journey has been surprising, as they surpassed PSG, Newcastle, and Milan in the group stage to claim the top spot. Then, they continued to defeat PSG and Atletico Madrid to reach the semi-finals. Dortmund is not an easy opponent to intimidate, and the final promises to be dramatic. They may play defensively and counter-attack to gain an advantage. However, Dortmund’s opponent is Real Madrid – the “kingpin” of the tournament, according to Edin Terzić. Los Blancos have many individuals who can change the course of the match, such as Valverde, Bellingham, Rodrygo, and Vinicius. It will be difficult for Dortmund to stand firm for 90 minutes against Real Madrid as they did against PSG.
Match odds
Dortmund has had an emotional journey in this season’s Champions League, overcoming many strong opponents to reach the final. After keeping a clean sheet and winning two matches in the semi-finals against PSG, they have proven their strength. In the head-to-head history, Dortmund has not been inferior to Real Madrid with a record of 4 wins, 4 draws, and 6 losses in 14 encounters. Currently, Dortmund is in good form, winning 4 out of the last 5 matches, with standout performances from key players like Mats Hummels and Marco Reus.
Real Madrid has reached the semi-finals 12 times in the last 14 seasons. The burden of defending the Champions League title weighs heavily on the shoulders of Real Madrid players as they face Dortmund. Unlike Dortmund, Real Madrid had a perfect season, winning La Liga 2023/24 and the Spanish Super Cup, entering the final as the favorites.
Team information
Under the leadership of coach Edin Terzic, Dortmund is very stable and confident before the final. They have maintained a successful lineup from previous matches in the UEFA Champions League. Kobel in goal has shown reliability, while defenders like Ryerson, Hummels, and Schlotterbeck have helped create a solid defense. In midfield, Sabitzer and Emre Can are quality players. Julian Brandt leads Dortmund’s attack. Support from two players, Sancho and Adeyemi, will create pressure on Real Madrid’s defense. Real Madrid, under the guidance of coach Carlo Ancelotti, is ready for the final and confident in the ability of their strong lineup. In goal, Thibaut Courtois is an impenetrable wall, while the defensive quartet of Carvajal, Mendy, Militao, and Rudiger form a solid defense. With three central midfielders Valverde, Ca Mavinga, and Toni Kroos, Real Madrid will control the midfield and put pressure on Dortmund’s attack. Jude Bellingham will play a supporting role behind the Brazilian duo Vinicius and Rodrygo, creating dangerous attacks for Real Madrid.
Predicted Lineups
Dortmund (4-2-3-1): Gregor Kobel, Giovanni Ryerson, Mats Hummels, Nico Schlotterbeck, Tyrell Malacia (substitute for Maatsen), Emre Can, Marcel Sabitzer, Karim Adeyemi, Julian Brandt, Jadon Sancho, Niclas Füllkrug.
Real Madrid (4-3-3): Thibaut Courtois, Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger, Nacho Fernandez, Ferland Mendy, Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Toni Kroos, Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo Goes, Vinicius Junior.
Prediction: Real Madrid 2-1 Dortmund
Over/Under: Choose Over
Conclusion
The match between Dortmund vs Real Madrid promises to bring a lot of drama with the presence of top stars. With the current form of both teams, it’s difficult to predict the final result. However, an exciting match with many goals is something that fans can look forward to.
