Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund: UCL Clash at Santiago Bernabéu
Real Madrid vs Dortmund would be surely one of the most thrilling encounters of the group stage of the UEFA Champions League (UCL) slated for October 22, 2024. Moreover, Real Madrid’s home record is potent, especially in UCL. They have not lost at home in a UCL game since April 2022, outclassed with impressive results including 11 wins and three draws. This becomes more pertinent considering that three of their last four home games were against German teams, most notably Borussia Dortmund. The reigning European champions would surely want to run this unbeaten streak to further style, given the recent 2-1 triumph at Celta Vigo in La Liga.
Conversely, Borussia Dortmund has struggled at the Santiago Bernabéu, never winning there. Five losses and two draws speak to their uphill battle. However, they may spring a surprise given their high-scoring form in UCL this season.
Real Madrid: A Fortress at Home
Real Madrid enjoys one of the best home records in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) history, their last loss dating back to April 2022. Undefeated in 14 home matches (W11, D3), they have recently faced quite some German opposition during last season’s campaign in the UCL. Madrid has an added advantage in history as they have not lost to Dortmund while playing in the Bernabéu (W5, D2).
Madrid began on a shaky note to their season, including a shocking 1-0 defeat to Lille but then have quickly rebounded with a 2-1 victory at Celta Vigo in La Liga. Carlo Ancelotti’s side have stayed strong, and with key players like Vinícius Júnior in fine form, they will aim to maintain their home record.
Borussia Dortmund: An Offensive Powerhouse
The Dortmund attack is on fire; 10 goals in two UCL games this season. The 7-1 thrashing of Celtic sends a clear warning to the top club in Europe. However, a recent Bundesliga loss to Union Berlin might raise concerns over their consistency. Nevertheless, they did rectify themselves quickly with a 2-1 win over St. Pauli.
Dortmund has also shown solid form for away matches, having lost just once in their last six UCL away fixtures. Sadly, that loss came in Madrid against Atlético. Going to Real Madrid’s home ground should be a tough test, but with the rise of Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and other young talents, Dortmund will be eager to score what would feel like a giant-slaying upset.
Key Players to Watch
- Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid): Apart from the crucial goals he has scored in the two previous games, he was indeed indispensable for Madrid. He will be of great aid in breaking down the defense of Dortmund with his speed and crafty dribbling.
- Jamie Bynoe-Gittens (Dortmund): The young Englishman has been an astonishment for Dortmund so far, providing two assists in consecutive matches. He is setting himself up to potentially become the youngest English player to score against Real Madrid in the UCL.
Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund: Predicted Lineups
Real Madrid Starting XI: Courtois; Vazquez, Militao, Rudiger, Mendy; Bellingham, Tchouameni, Valverde; Rodrygo, Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior.
Borussia Dortmund Starting XI: Kobel; Ryerson, Anton, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini; Can, Sabitzer; Malen, Brandt, Bynoe-Gittens; Guirassy.
Betting Opportunities
If you’re looking to place bets, here are the key odds for this match as reflected on the GSB platform:
- Real Madrid win (1.46): Real Madrid are firm favorites, and optimism is high for their victory.
- Borussia Dortmund win (5.70): This makes it rather risky yet more winning to place a bet with implications of an upset on Borussia Dortmund.
Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund: Predictions
This match suggests that at home, Real Madrid’s dominance, along with their form, shows that they may ultimately conquer. Given the occasional instability of Borussia Dortmund, Madrid appears to be winning 3-0.
