Frank Christian
One of the exciting aspects of the revamped UEFA Champions League is the chance for top clubs to face off early in the tournament. This Tuesday promises a thrilling encounter.
The Santiago Bernabeu will host a significant rematch as Real Madrid takes on Borussia Dortmund, the German powerhouses, following last year’s Champions League final.
During that final in June, Real Madrid secured a 2-0 win at Wembley, reinforcing their status as Europe’s most decorated club. Despite Dortmund’s strong efforts under manager Eden Terzic, they couldn’t overcome the challenge posed by the La Liga giants.
Both teams have changed significantly since that matchup, with injuries and transfers impacting their rosters considerably for the new season.
Preview: Real Madrid vs. Borussia Dortmund
- Betting Favoritism: Real Madrid (-200)
- Expected Score: Real Madrid 3-1 Borussia Dortmund
Though injuries have affected both teams, Real Madrid appears better positioned to cope, thanks to their depth. Dortmund is notably weaker due to the absence of key players like Karim Adeyemi and Niklas Fullkrug, contributing to their current struggles in the Bundesliga, where they sit seventh.
While Real Madrid is not at their peak, they are undeniably the stronger team, especially with the home advantage.
| BetMGM (USA) |
|
| Real Madrid win | -200 |
| Draw | +375 |
| Dortmund win | +475 |
| Both teams to score |
Y: -185 N: +125 |
| Over / Under 3.5 goals |
O: +105 U: -145 |
| Real Madrid -1.5 goals |
+115 |
| Dortmund +1.5 goals |
-165 |
Key Match Information
- Date: Tuesday, October 22, 2024
- Kickoff Time: 9 PM local (3 PM ET / 12 PM PT)
- Venue: Santiago Bernabeu (Madrid, Spain)
- Referee: Istvan Kovacs (Romania)
- Previous Encounter: Borussia Dortmund 0-2 Real Madrid (June 1, 2024 | Champions League final)
Best Betting Options
- Recommendation: Over 3.5 total goals
- Odds: +100 (BetMGM)
These teams historically produce high-scoring matches. In their last five encounters, only one game, the recent Champions League final, ended below four goals, but that is common in finals which tend to be tighter. Even then, they racked up an impressive combined expected goals (xG) of 3.21.
Even without Adeyemi, Dortmund should still manage to score against a Madrid side known to occasionally lapse defensively. Conversely, Dortmund’s weaknesses have shown in the Bundesliga, where they have conceded 12 goals in seven matches, including one in a dominant 7-1 victory over Celtic.
Prop Betting Suggestions
- Recommendation: Real Madrid over 2.5 goals
- Odds: +115 (BetMGM)
The Real Madrid attack, consisting of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, and Jude Bellingham, hasn’t reached its full potential, but they could exploit Borussia Dortmund’s defense. Dortmund’s defensive vulnerabilities are alarming, evidenced by their recent performance, including 2.20 xG conceded even in a 7-1 victory against Celtic.
Coach Eden Terzic will likely adopt a cautious approach, but once behind, Dortmund will be compelled to push forward.
