Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid Lineups – Predicted XIs and Team News

Borussia Dortmund meet Real Madrid in a FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final on Saturday, July 5, 2025, with kickoff scheduled for 20:00 UTC. The match marks a rapid reunion between the sides, who contested the recent UEFA Champions League final, and comes after Dortmund secured their place with a 2-1 victory over Monterrey.

Both squads enter the fixture carrying significant injury concerns that have complicated predicted lineups. Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti faces selection puzzles in defense and midfield, while Dortmund boss Edin Terzic must compensate for the absence of key personnel including his captain.

Analysts anticipate a tactical contest defined by Real Madrid’s possession dominance against Dortmund’s structured counter-attacking approach, though the exact compositions remain fluid until official team sheets are released.

When and Where Will the Quarter-Final Take Place?

• Dortmund advanced by defeating Monterrey 2-1 in the previous round
• This is the third meeting between the clubs in 2025
• Kickoff timing targets primetime European and evening Asian audiences
• Both teams are missing defensive anchors due to injury
• Kylian Mbappé returns after missing time with gastroenteritis
• Thibaut Courtois back in contention following injury layoff

What Are the Predicted Starting Lineups?

Confirmed lineups will not be available until approximately one hour before kickoff, with multiple sources presenting conflicting predictions based on varying tactical approaches and late fitness tests.

Real Madrid’s Probable Configuration

Thibaut Courtois is expected to return between the posts after recovering from injury. The defensive line remains a subject of debate, with reports suggesting either a back four featuring Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rüdiger, Dean Huijsen, and Fran García, or alternative arrangements utilizing Nacho Fernández or Aurélien Tchouameni in defensive roles.

In midfield, Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham appear certain starters, with support likely coming from Arda Güler and either Tchouameni or Luka Modrić, whose availability remains uncertain. The attacking trio is expected to feature Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior flanking either Gonzalo García or Rodrygo.

Borussia Dortmund’s Potential XI

Gregor Kobel will captain the side from goal. The defense is likely to deploy a three-man central unit of Niklas Süle, Waldemar Anton, and Ramy Bensebaini, with Julian Ryerson and Daniel Svensson providing width.

Marcel Sabitzer and Pascal Groß are favored to control midfield, allowing Julian Brandt and Karim Adeyemi to operate as secondary strikers behind Serhou Guirassy.

Formation Tendencies

Real Madrid are expected to utilize either a 4-2-3-1 or 4-1-2-1-2 diamond, while Dortmund may opt for a 3-4-2-1 or 4-2-3-1 depending on their defensive risk assessment.

How Will the Tactical Battle Unfold?

Dortmund’s Defensive Structure

Terzic’s side is anticipated to sit deep, utilizing Guirassy’s hold-up ability to relieve pressure and initiate counters. Wide threats from Jadon Sancho or Adeyemi aim to exploit space behind Madrid’s advancing full-backs.

Real Madrid’s Control Mechanisms

Ancelotti’s approach relies on a defensive shield—potentially Valverde paired with a recovering midfielder—to allow Bellingham’s forward runs to feed the front three. Despite injury absences, Madrid will seek to dominate possession and force transitions.

The tactical contrast sets up a classic possession-versus-counter dynamic, with Dortmund’s success historically coming against top sides through disciplined low blocks and rapid vertical passing.

Who Is Available and Who Is Ruled Out?

Borussia Dortmund Absences

Emre Can, Salih Özcan, and Nico Schlotterbeck are definitively ruled out through injury. Matthias Hummels’ experience remains available for selection despite prior fitness concerns, while bench options include Marco Reus, Youssoufa Moukoko, and Donyell Malen.

Real Madrid Injury Crisis

David Alaba, Endrick, and Ferland Mendy are sidelined. Eduardo Camavinga’s absence creates a significant gap, potentially necessitating Tchouameni’s deployment in defense. Luka Modrić faces a late fitness test, complicating the midfield rotation.

Positive news includes Courtois’s return to training and Mbappé’s recovery from illness, though Ancelotti must balance freshness against the demands of tournament progression.

How Has the Buildup Developed?

1. June 30, 2025

   Dortmund defeats Monterrey 2-1 to secure quarter-final berth

2. July 1, 2025

   Medical reports confirm Schlotterbeck and Can out for Dortmund

3. July 2, 2025 You can find the predicted lineups for the Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid match, along with details on the ${Champions League italiane 2024-25}, here. Champions League italiane 2024-25

   Real Madrid confirm Alaba and Camavinga unavailable; Courtois returns to training

4. July 3, 2025

   Mbappé clears gastroenteritis protocol; Modrić listed as doubtful

5. July 4, 2025

   Managers conduct pre-match media duties; predicted lineups published across outlets

6. July 5, 2025

   Official team sheets expected 60 minutes before kickoff

What Is Confirmed Versus Predicted?

What Does Recent History Reveal?

The teams met recently in a dramatic 3-2 encounter that featured an overhead kick from Mbappé and three stoppage-time goals. Statistical data from that match shows Real Madrid generated 2.54 expected goals from 15 shots despite holding only 48 percent possession, while Dortmund managed 1.39 xG from 12 shots with 52 percent control.

Historically, their most significant clash came in the UEFA Champions League final, where Real Madrid secured a 2-0 victory over Dortmund to claim the trophy.

What Are the Managers Saying?

No direct quotes from either Carlo Ancelotti or Edin Terzic were available in pre-match materials. However, tactical analyses suggest Terzic is preparing potential surprises from his bench options, while Ancelotti is expected to make late decisions based on fitness assessments within his depleted squad.

Analysts emphasize the contrast between Terzic’s resilience in adversity and Ancelotti’s experience managing tournament knockout stages.

— via NBC Sports

What to Expect on Saturday

The quarter-final promises a tactically intricate contest between Real Madrid’s star-power and Dortmund’s collective resilience, with injury-enforced changes likely to determine which system proves more adaptable. While Madrid hold favorite status, Dortmund’s proven ability to frustrate possession-heavy opponents suggests a closely fought encounter. For readers interested in other major sporting results, see the Grand National Winner 2025 – Nick Rockett Results and Recap.

Frequently Asked Questions