Prediction: Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid

Verdict: Over 2,5 goals scored – yes

Best Odds: 2/5

Bookmaker: bet365

The second matchweek of the UEFA Champions League will feature some big games, and several contending teams will collide between each other. However, few games might be bigger than the one we will see this Tuesday when Real Madrid travel to Germany to face Borussia Dortmund. The match will be played at Signal Iduna Park, and kick-off is scheduled at 19:45 BST.

Borussia Dortmund

If anyone wants to analyse Dortmund’s current form, then the analysis would have to be tied to the competition Dortmund are currently playing. They are coming off a 1-3 loss against Tottenham in their UEFA Champions League opener, so they have their backs against the wall at the moment. They need a positive result against Real Madrid if they want to keep their qualification chances alive, because starting with two losses would likely condemn them to play for a UEFA Europa League berth. But they have enough reasons to believe they can pull the upset against Los Merengues. After all, Dortmund have been impressive at the domestic level, and are riding an impressive three-game winning streak. Peter Bosz’s men have netted 14 goals over that span. And if they can carry that momentum to the European stage, they could have a shot against the two-time reigning title holders. Especially since they will play in front of their fans at Signal Iduna Park.

Team News

Dortmund will have at least four absent players ahead of this pivotal European clash. Erik Durm (hip), Raphael Guerreiro (ankle), Marco Reus (knee) and Marcel Schmelzer (ankle) have all been ruled out by the coaching staff.

To make things slightly more complicated, Sebastian Rode and Andre Schurrle are doubtful due to thigh injuries. Both will need to undergo late-fitness tests to determine their availability.

Real Madrid

Real Madrid have been on the opposite spectrum when compared to Dortmund. They started the title defence with a comfortable 3-0 win over APOEL Nicosia at home. And they also clinched the UEFA Super Cup against Manchester United early in the season. But their Liga form has not been even remotely close to the pre-season expectations. With two wins, one draw and one loss over their last four matches, Zinedine Zidane’s men sit seven points behind the league-leaders FC Barcelona in the Liga standings after six games. With that in mind, Los Blancos need a convincing win on the European stage to prove they remain as one of the top squads in the world. Plus, defeating Dortmund would put them one step closer to reach the next round on their quest for a third-straight Champions League title.

Team News

Dortmund might be depleted, but Real Madrid are not less affected by injuries. In fact, Los Blancos will also have four players absent for this match. Karim Benzema (muscle injury), Theo Hernandez (shoulder), Mateo Kovacic (groin), and Marcelo (muscle strain) have been ruled out.

Toni Kroos (ribs) will likely be a game-time decision for the coaching staff. Although recent reports have him as unlikely to play.

Key Factors to Consider

• Real Madrid started their UCL campaign with a 3-0 win over APOEL at home. Meanwhile, Dortmund lost 1-3 to Tottenham at Wembley Stadium.
• Dortmund have been sizzling hot in the Bundesliga of late. They have three straight wins at the domestic level while scoring 14 goals over that span.
• On the other hand, Real Madrid have been a bit inconsistent at the league level. They have a 2W 1D 1L mark in their past four matches.
• The last two games between these two clubs ended with 2-2 draws. Both matches came in the UEFA Champions League last season.
• There have been at least three goals in three of the past four meetings between both clubs.
• Dortmund have lost just one of their past seven home encounters against Real Madrid. They register a 3W 3D 1L mark over that span.

Conclusion

Dortmund have been one of the best teams in the Bundesliga this season, and have been clicking on all cylinders at the domestic level. Meanwhile, Real Madrid have not been very good in La Liga, but they have enough talent to turn a corner in any given match.

With the confirmed presence of world-class stars such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale on the pitch, it is fairly easy to believe we will see lots of goals. Backing down over 2.5 goals sounds like a feasible outcome in this match at Signal Iduna Park.

Verdict: Over 2,5 goals scored – yes

Best Odds: 2/5

Bookmaker: bet365