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Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid: UCL Preview, toughest test of the season for BVB

By Navjot Kasukurthy

DORTMUND, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 25: Head coach Peter Bosz talks to the players during a Borussia Dortmund training session ahead of their UEFA Champions League Group H match against Real Madrid at the BVB training center on September 25, 2017 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
DORTMUND, GERMANY - SEPTEMBER 25: Head coach Peter Bosz talks to the players during a Borussia Dortmund training session ahead of their UEFA Champions League Group H match against Real Madrid at the BVB training center on September 25, 2017 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images) /
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Dortmund will once again host their European rivals Real Madrid in what is expected to be a scintillating UCL match. Dortmund dropped some crucial points in London against Tottenham and a win at home will do a ton of good for their confidence.

Match Informatiion

Date: September 26th 2017

Time: 07:45 p.m CET/ 02:45 p.m EST

Venue: Signal Iduna Park

Form Guide

Borussia Dortmund:

Last 5 matches: DLWWW

Last match: Dortmund 6-1 Bor. M’Gladbach

Analysis: Borussia Dortmund are on a roll since their minor slump against Freiburg and Tottenham. Die Borussen have been absolutely lethal in front of goal and it shows in the way the side holds on to the ball and keeps the opposition pressed up high. Dortmund are on a hot-streak.

Real Madrid:

Last 5 matches: DWWLW

Last Match: Alaves 1-2 Real Madrid

Analysis: Sitting 8th in the league table is not something that Real Madrid are happy about.  Los Blancos dropped points against Real Betis and looked uncomfortable against Alaves, having rotated heavily. With their strikers struggling for consistency, Madrid have failed to look sharp in their recent matches. Former Betis man Ceballos lead Madrid to the win with a brace but will most likely be dropped in favour of experienced veterans.

Opposition star man

Whether we want to admit it or not, Cristiano Ronaldo remains the main man for the Spanish side. The Portuguese has not been his clinical self lately but will do his best to harass BVB’s back-line.

Matchup History

The last two times these two giants met, the scores were an even 2-2. Dortmund have always been a thorn in Real Madrid’s side. Despite having faced each other quite often, Dortmund will be a very different team from the past (partly due to injuries).

Possible lineups

Dortmund 4-3-3

Bürki – Piszczek (C), Sokratis, Bartra, Toprak – Sahin – Castro, Götze – Yarmolenko, Aubameyang, Philipp

Peter Bosz has been very clear about his selections. The Dutchman has a very settled line-up at the moment and will mostly avoid heavy rotations. Toprak is the senior and has a better chance of being in the XI but Zagadou has been a solid performer on the left. Sahin will face his former side, reprising his defensive role in midfield. Castro and Gotze are first choice at the moment, but I’d prefer seeing Dahoud and Weigl together at some point. The front three picks itself.

Real Madrid 4-3-3

Navas – Carvajal, Varane, Sergio Ramos (C), Nacho – Casemiro – Modric, Kroos – Isco – Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo

Madrid have a solid XI this season. With Marcelo and Hernandez injured, Nacho Fernandez will reprise his role as the left-sided defender. Casemiro, Kroos and Modric are a staple for Los Blancos but Dani Ceballos could get a chance based on his form. Isco and Bale have been in exceptional form for club & country which makes them the automatic choice to flank star-man Cristiano Ronaldo.

Final Prediction

Borussia Dortmund 3-1 Real Madrid

Dortmund are in a purple patch while Real Madrid are struggling due to a lack of depth in the striker department. BVB have all the tools to score especially at home. If Peter Bosz’s men can keep up their form, this should be a pretty one-sided tie bar the possession battle which will go Madrid’s way.

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