As the Bundesliga season enters its final stretch, Borussia Dortmund is set to host Borussia Monchengladbach in what promises to be an electrifying encounter at BVB Stadion Dortmund on Sunday, April 20, 2025, at 11:30 AM ET. This matchup, often referred to as the Borussen derby, not only features two of the league's most storied clubs but also boasts some of the league's top talents, including Dortmund's Sehrou Guirassy and Gladbach's Tim Kleindienst.
Currently, Borussia Dortmund sits in eighth place with 42 points, trailing fourth-placed RB Leipzig by six points. The Black and Yellow are looking to secure a European spot after a rocky season, which has seen them struggle with inconsistency. Just last week, they managed to hold league leaders Bayern Munich to a 2-2 draw, a result that has boosted their confidence as they head into this crucial match. "In this stadium, with the fans, you can beat any team in the world. [Missing out] on that would hurt a lot," said Dortmund's Pascal Gross. He emphasized the importance of the remaining matches, stating, "The next five games are all finals for us."
On the other hand, Borussia Monchengladbach finds itself in a slightly better position, sitting seventh with 44 points. However, they come into this match on the back of a disappointing 2-1 loss to SC Freiburg, which has raised questions about their form heading into a critical period of the season. With European spots at stake, both teams are eager to secure all three points.
Dortmund's top scorer this season, Sehrou Guirassy, has netted 15 goals on 52 shots, making him a pivotal figure in their attacking lineup. Maximilian Beier and Pascal Gross have also contributed significantly, with Beier adding eight goals and Gross providing seven assists along with 45 chances created this season. The team has shown offensive prowess, ranking fourth in the league with an average of 1.9 goals scored per game and second in pass completion percentage at 89.9%.
In comparison, Gladbach's Tim Kleindienst has matched Guirassy's goal tally, also scoring 15 times this season. He has been a vital player for Gladbach, demonstrating his scoring ability with 59 shots across 27 games. Another key player for the visitors is Alassane Plea, who has contributed 10 goals and will be looking to support Kleindienst in the final third.
As both teams prepare for the match, injuries have affected their lineups. Dortmund will be without midfielders Carney Chukwuemeka and Marcel Sabitzer, while key defenders Emre Can and Nico Schlotterbeck are also sidelined. This will likely lead to Felix Nmecha and Pascal Gross anchoring the midfield, with a back three of Niklas Süle, Waldemar Anton, and Ramy Bensebaini expected to start. Guirassy will lead the attack, flanked by the speedy Karim Adeyemi and promising forward Maximilian Beier.
For Gladbach, injuries to Franck Honorat and Nathan N'Goumou have forced a reshuffle in their attacking options. Tomas Cvancara, Alassane Plea, and Robin Hack are anticipated to support Kleindienst up front. In goal, Tiago Pereira Cardoso will step in for Moritz Nicolas, who is out for the season due to a groin injury. The center-back pairing of Ko Itakura and Nico Elvedi will be crucial in containing Dortmund's attacking threats.
Historically, Dortmund has had the upper hand in this derby, winning 17 of their last 18 home matches against Gladbach, including their last 10 encounters. A victory on Sunday would not only boost Dortmund's chances of climbing the table but would also serve as a significant morale booster as they aim for a European spot. However, they must address their defensive frailties, having conceded 45 goals this season, the most they have allowed after 29 league games since the 2007-08 season.
Dortmund manager Nico Kovac has called for more passion and aggression in the closing matches of the season, acknowledging the pressure on his squad. "We need to do everything in our power in the final five games to get as many points as we possibly can," he stated. The players will need to step up and deliver a cohesive performance against a determined Gladbach side.
As the match approaches, anticipation is building among fans and analysts alike. Both teams have much to play for, and with European qualification on the line, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Dortmund's home support at the iconic Signal Iduna Park will play a crucial role, as they look to inspire their team to victory in this pivotal clash.
Kickoff is set for 11:30 AM ET, and fans can catch the action live on ESPN+. With both teams looking to secure vital points, this matchup is sure to deliver excitement and drama as the Bundesliga season heads into its final weeks.
