Sporting CP will host Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League playoffs on February 11, 2025, at the Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon. The matchup presumably poses significant stakes for both teams seeking to advance to the knockout stages based on their respective performances.
The Portuguese side enters with strong confidence, having gone undefeated at home across their last eight matches. They aim to leverage this advantage against Borussia Dortmund, who is grappling with inconsistency and has recently changed management.
The match kicks off at 17:00 local time and will be broadcasted on Space and Max, drawing attention not only from fans but also from betting markets where Sporting is seen as the slight favorite.
Sporting CP's recent run includes notable victories and solid performances, albeit they have seen mixed results during the Champions League group stage. They managed to secure three wins, two draws, and three losses for a total of 11 points, finishing 23rd. After their latest fixture, which ended in a 1-1 draw against FC Porto, they swiftly pivot their focus onto this key clash with Dortmund.
Viktor Gyökeres shines as one of Sporting’s danger men, flaunting impressive statistics with six goals scored this Champions League season. If the team is to find success on home soil, they will count on him to continue his scoring prowess.
Conversely, Borussia Dortmund’s recent form showcases struggles, marked by only two victories over eight games, leading to their eleventh-place standing. Following the departure of manager Ruben Amorim, the team hopes Niko Kovač can muster encouragement to reverse their downward trend after suffering a 2-1 defeat at home to Stuttgart.
On the head-to-head front, Dortmund holds the edge over Sporting, having emerged victorious three times out of their four historical encounters. Notably, they have claimed two wins during the 2016/17 season and one during the 2021/22 season, which culminated between the two clubs.
Weathering injuries to key players, Dortmund will be without Bensebaini and Nmecha, key components of their game design. Even so, they will rely on their primary striker, Serhou Guirassy, who poses considerable threat with his remarkable output of nine goals across eight Champions League games.
Both teams are understandably under various pressures as they strive to solidify their positions, aiming for the coveted advancement toward the Champions League knockout stages. Betting odds indicate Seahorses with approximately 43% win probability against the 32% chance for the visitors, showcasing the competitive balance of this near toss-up affair.
Analysts predict less than 3.5 goals, signifying expectations for a closely-fought encounter. Many past matches involving both clubs have yielded higher scores, though Sporting’s stability at home may play against Dortmund’s newer adaptation under Kovač.
No matter the outcome, the anticipation surrounding this playoff clash promises exciting football and valuable insights leading toward each team’s quest for European glory. Don't miss this pivotal game scheduled for broadcast on Space and streaming on Max.