This week, football fans are in for a treat as Real Madrid host Borussia Dortmund in a highly anticipated UEFA Champions League encounter on October 23, 2024. The clash at the Santiago Bernabéu promises to be a thrilling affair, with both teams seeking to strengthen their positions in Group F. With Real Madrid aiming to maintain their dominance in the competition and Borussia Dortmund hoping to make a statement, the stakes are high as these European powerhouses go head-to-head.
Form and Context
Real Madrid come into this game unbeaten in their Champions League campaign, with two wins from two matches. Their form in La Liga has been solid, sitting near the top of the table under manager Carlo Ancelotti. The club has maintained a perfect record at home, making the Santiago Bernabéu a fortress once again.
Borussia Dortmund, meanwhile, are also in good form, with a win and a draw in their first two group matches. Domestically, they are near the top of the Bundesliga, showcasing a consistent run of performances under new manager Edin Terzić. While the challenge of facing Real Madrid away from home is significant, Dortmund have shown they can rise to the occasion in big European nights.
Key Players to Watch
Real Madrid:
- Jude Bellingham: The English midfielder has been a revelation for Los Blancos since his summer transfer from Borussia Dortmund. He has quickly adapted to Ancelotti’s system, often finding himself in advanced positions where he can influence the game with goals and assists. Facing his former club adds an intriguing subplot to this match.
- Vinícius Júnior: The Brazilian winger continues to be a driving force in Real Madrid’s attack, using his pace and dribbling to create havoc for defenders. His ability to stretch the Dortmund defense could be a key factor in breaking down the opposition.
- Antonio Rüdiger: With Real Madrid dealing with injuries in defense, Rüdiger’s leadership and physical presence will be vital in keeping Dortmund’s attack at bay. His experience in big games could make the difference.
Borussia Dortmund:
- Sebastien Haller: The Ivorian striker will be crucial to Dortmund’s hopes of causing an upset at the Bernabéu. Haller’s strength and aerial ability make him a constant threat, especially from set pieces and crosses.
- Julian Brandt: As a creative force in midfield, Brandt’s vision and passing will be essential for Dortmund in transitioning from defense to attack. His ability to pick out key passes could help unlock Real Madrid’s defense.
- Niklas Süle: The center-back will have the challenging task of organizing Dortmund’s defense against a potent Real Madrid attack. His physicality and ability to read the game will be tested against players like Bellingham and Vinícius.
Tactical Overview
Real Madrid will likely look to control possession and dictate the tempo of the game. Ancelotti may deploy a 4-3-3 formation, with Bellingham playing a box-to-box role, allowing him to support both defense and attack. The team’s full-backs, Dani Carvajal and Fran García, are expected to provide width, with Vinícius and Mbappe operating as inverted wingers.
Borussia Dortmund, under Terzić, will need to find the right balance between pressing high to disrupt Real Madrid’s build-up and maintaining a solid defensive structure. A 4-2-3-1 formation is likely, with Haller as the focal point up front, supported by the likes of Brandt, SabitzerMpappe, and Donyell Malen. Dortmund may try to exploit Real Madrid’s potential vulnerability on the counter-attack, using their pace in wide areas.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Real Madrid are the clear favorites to win at home, especially given their recent form and the depth of quality in their squad. Here are the latest betting odds for the match:
- Real Madrid to win: 1.60 (3/5)
- Draw: 4.20 (16/5)
- Borussia Dortmund to win: 5.00 (4/1)
Player-focused betting options also present some intriguing possibilities:
- Jude Bellingham to score against his former club: 2.50 (6/4)
- Vinícius Júnior to score anytime: 2.00 (1/1)
- Donyel Malen to score for Dortmund: 3.25 (9/4)
Players to Highlight
Jude Bellingham will be a focal point, as his recent form has made him indispensable for Real Madrid, and facing his former team adds a layer of drama. Vinícius Júnior will also be key, with his ability to break down defenses and create scoring opportunities. For Dortmund, Donyel Malen and Julian Brandt need to shine if they are to cause problems for the hosts.
The stage is set for an exciting Champions League night in Madrid, where the stars will need to align for Borussia Dortmund to pull off a result. Meanwhile, Real Madrid will look to stamp their authority and continue their pursuit of another European crown.
