Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | Champions League, October 22, 2024

Preview

• Date: Tuesday, October 22
• Kick-off Time: 7:00 pm GMT
• Venue: Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain

The UEFA Champions League will be back after a three-week break. One of the biggest clashes will be Real Madrid welcoming Borussia Dortmund for a matchday three fixture. The contest will be a repeat of last season’s Champions League final. Madrid is at the 17ᵗʰ place in the league table while the German outfit is all the way at the top of the pile on the back of six points so far. Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund is guaranteed to be a blockbuster encounter with a plethora of world-class players involved on both sides.

Real Madrid fans have been extremely disappointed and dismayed with the performances this season. The reigning European champions have not found their best level yet. More than two months into the season the Spanish giants are struggling with tactical weaknesses and complacency-related issues. Carlo Ancelotti is still trying to find the best possible XI and combination. Madrid is second in the La Liga table, trailing rivals, Barcelona by three points. Lille delivered a shocking defeat to the Los Blancos on matchday two which will require the hosts to make a statement on Tuesday evening. The statistics back Real Madrid’s chances though, with the club unbeaten at home since April 2023.

Borussia Dortmund has endured inconsistent results in recent matches. In the last six games, the club has managed four victories accompanied by two defeats. During this period, Dortmund scored 18 goals while conceding 11. Nuri Sahin’s men have been in a bit of turmoil in the Bundesliga. However, Borussia Dortmund has been the leader of the pack in the Champions League. The Germans began the competition with a 3-0 victory over Club Brugge followed by a 7-1 thrashing of Celtic. The two big wins have blessed Dortmund with a sizeable goal difference. The club displayed a strong performance against Madrid in the previously mentioned Champions League but a lot has changed within the team since then and it will be an uphill task to defeat Real Madrid away from home.

Real Madrid Team News

Just before the international break, Real Madrid was hit with the devastating news of Dani Carvajal’s long-term injury. The Spaniard will be out for more than a year owing to an ACL injury. David Alaba, on the other hand, is close to making a return from his ACL injury but will not be available against Borussia Dortmund. Brahim Diaz is another name on the injury list. The 25-year-old is back in training and is expected to return soon. The likes of Thibaut Courtois, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., Eder Militao, and Andriy Lunin will be available for selection after having missed their international duties.

Borussia Dortmund Team News

Former La Liga player, Yan Couto has been ruled out for the game due to a muscle injury. He will be joined by Giovanni Reyna, Julien Duranville, Karim Adeyemi, and Niklas Süle on the injury list. Maximilian Beier’s participation is also uncertain on the back of an illness. Nuri Sahin will once again line his team in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund Predicted Lineups

Real Madrid Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Courtois

Defenders: Vasquez, Militao, Rudiger, Mendy

Midfielders: Valverde, Tchouameni, Bellingham

Forwards: Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius Jr.

Borussia Dortmund Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Kobel

Defenders: Ryerson, Anton, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini

Midfielders: Gross, Can, Brandt

Forwards: Malen, Sabitzer, Guirassy

Also Read: Barcelona vs Sevilla Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | La Liga, October 20, 2024

Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund H2H Record

The most recent encounter between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund happened in June 2024 in the Champions League final with Madrid winning 2-0. Overall, in the last five head-to-head meetings, Real Madrid has emerged victorious thrice with the remaining two outings ending as draws.

Key Players to Watch in Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund

Federico Valverde (Real Madrid)

Amidst the sky-high expectations from Real Madrid’s richly talented frontline, it is Federico Valverde who has been the best player for the Spanish champions this season. The Uruguayan has featured in every game this season so far. His ability to cover long distances on the pitch and be a constant engine has made him one of Carlo Ancelotti’s most trusted options. In the absence of Toni Kroos, Valverde has unlocked a new dimension to his game and become a controller in midfield. Fede Valverde enjoys a long ball completion rate of 81% in La Liga, one of the highest in the league. The 26-year-old is also enjoying a productive season, having already registered two goals and assists each.

Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid)

Many expected Vinicius Jr to take a back seat at Real Madrid following the arrival of Kylian Mbappe. That has certainly not been the case with Kylian Mbappe still finding his feet at the club while Vinicius Jr. has continued to lead the attack. The Brazilian found the back of the net in the last game against Villarreal where he also suffered a minor neck injury. The winger stayed in Madrid during the international break and will be ready to go once again for his club. Vinicius has an impeccable record in the Champions League and will be eager to open his European account for this season. The 24-year-old was one of the goalscorers for Real Madrid against Dortmund in the Champions League final. Vinicius Jr., who is preparing himself for a potential Ballon d’Or win in the coming week, has four goals and four assists this season.

Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund Prediction

Borussia Dortmund will certainly feel a more than outside chance to cause Real Madrid significant damage, considering the host’s underwhelming displays this season. Nonetheless, Real Madrid is used to facing adversity in the Champions League and still coming out on top. If the front three of Madrid are able to click and connect with each other then the record European champions should be in for a comfortable night at the Bernabeu.

Predicted Score: Real Madrid 3-1 Borussia Dortmund

Also Read: Roma vs Inter Milan Prediction, Preview, Lineups and Team News | Serie A, October 20, 2024

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