Road to the Quarter-finals
Real Madrid topped Group H after an opening 1-1 draw with Al Hilal, back-to-back wins over Pachuca (3-1) and RB Salzburg (3-0), before edging Juventus 1-0 in the Round of 16.
Borussia Dortmund finished first in Group F with victories over Mamelodi Sundowns (4-1) and Monterrey (2-1), plus a scoreless draw with Fluminense, then progressed by beating Monterrey again 2-1 in the last-16 thanks to a Serhou Guirassy brace.
Team News
Real Madrid
- Kylian Mbappé has recovered from illness and returned to the bench against Juventus; he’s pushing for a start.
- David Alaba, Ferland Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga and Endrick remain sidelined through injury.
Borussia Dortmund
- Jobe Bellingham will serve a one-match suspension after booking his second yellow.
- Jamie Bynoe-Gittens is unlikely to feature as he finalises a transfer to Chelsea.
Key Players
Real Madrid
- Jude Bellingham: the midfield engine, driving transitions and breaking lines.
- Vinícius Júnior: electric on the wing, capable of unlocking deep blocks with pace.
- Kylian Mbappé: if he starts, his finishing and movement will stretch Dortmund’s backline.
Borussia Dortmund
- Serhou Guirassy: clinical striker, already on three goals in four matches.
- Gregor Kobel: commanding presence in goal, crucial for organising the defence.
- Karim Adeyemi: direct winger whose explosive runs can turn counters into goals.
Tactical Battle
Real Madrid under Xabi Alonso have adopted a deliberate, possession-based approach—patient build-up and overloads in midfield aim to draw opponents out before unlocking space.
Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovač will look to press high and force turnovers, but Gregor Kobel warned that without better balance between attack and defence they risk being exposed on the break.
Prediction
Real Madrid’s superior depth and tactical discipline should prove decisive in a tight, high-tempo affair. Expect them to edge Dortmund thanks to individual brilliance in transition.
Predicted Scoreline: Real Madrid 2-1 Borussia Dortmund
