Reigning Champions League winners Real Madrid host Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League next week, with the home side having already confirmed their qualification from Group H. Despite their German opponents having little to play for in Spain, clashes between the two teams generally produce hugely entertaining matches.
Champions League – Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid – Wednesday 6th December – 19:45 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 16/5 at Ladbrokes |
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Real Madrid
Borussia DortmundMatch Preview
Real Madrid take on Borussia Dortmund at the Santiago Bernabeu next week, with Zinedine Zidane and his players still harbouring hopes of finishing tip of their Champions League group. The Spanish giants are the undoubted favourites ahead of kick-off, with Dortmund having failed to find their best form throughout the campaign. Despite this, the German Bundesliga side are a team capable of beating anyone on their day, ensuring that this clash is set to attract a large amount of interest from punters and neutral football fans. For those still unsure of who to back ahead of kick-off in Madrid, be sure to check out our top betting tip below. However, let’s first take a closer look at the two teams, starting with the home side.
Real Madrid Team News & Form
Real Madrid come into this clash off the back of a comfortable 6-0 win over APOEL Nicosia in Cyprus last week, a result that confirmed their place in the knockout phase of the Champions League once again. However, the reining La Liga and European champions have been far from their best this season, with Real struggling to a narrow 3-2 over relegation threatened Malaga over the weekend. Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winning goal, however the Ballon d’Or winner is himself struggling for goals, as Madrid’s attack continues to falter. Gareth Bale is still absent through injury for the home side, with Zidane potentially resting some of this star names next week.
Borussia Dortmund Team News & Form
Dortmund prepare for this match after being stunned by Schalke at the weekend, with their rivals coming back from 4-0 behind in order to claim a point at the Westfalenstadion. The result added to their defeat against Group H leaders Tottenham Hotspur last week in Europe, meaning that they are still without a win in the Champions League this season. Having often pined for a move to Madrid, striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang should lead the line for the visitors, with wonderkid Christian Pulisic also in contention.
Head to Head
The two teams are very evenly matches when it comes to their head-to-head record, with Real Madrid having won four of their ten previous meetings, while Dortmund have three wins to their name. However, Madrid’s 3-1 in Germany earlier in the season certainly shows why they are the favourites next week, with Dortmund’s last success coming back in 2014.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Given their status as the home team and their win earlier in the season, it comes as little surprise that it is Real Madrid who are the firm favourites for victory with the majority of bookmakers. The hosts can be backed at odds of 1/2 with Skybet, while those looking to bet on an away win for Dortmund can take advantage of 5/1 with Ladbrokes.
Top Betting Tip
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on there being over 2.5 goals during the 90 minutes in Madrid, with odds of 2/5 available at William Hill.