Borussia Dortmund have had an unbelievable start under new manager Peter Bosz. The German club has won five out of a possible six games to currently top the Bundesliga table. They are coming off a terrific 6-1 thrashing of Borussia Monchengladbach. That one goal they conceded against Gladbach was their first in league play all season.
Dortmund’s one slip-up to date came in their first Champions League group game against Tottenham, where they were beaten 3-1 in London. But after outscoring their opponents 14-1 in the three games since, it’s safe to say the Germans will be confident in their chances of bouncing back at home, even if it is against defending champions Real Madrid.
Dortmund also faced Real during last year’s group stage and successfully managed to avoid defeat on both occasions. Star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored in both matchups against the Spaniards and will be in great form heading into this first group game after firing a hat-trick against Gladbach.
Dortmund has a ton of firepower going forward with Aubameyang, American wunderkind Christian Pulisic, Maximilian Philipp, and Andriy Yarmolenko. Meanwhile, their defense should be improved with the return of holding midfielder Julian Weigl, who is integral in keeping the team’s solidity. That solidity will be crucial in going up against Real’s outstanding midfield.
Real Madrid were able to get a much-needed 2-1 win against Alaves over the weekend. Prior to that win, the Spanish champions had been on a concerning run of form, as they had won only one of their previous four league games.
They had no problems starting their Champions League campaign, though. They easily disposed of Apoel, 3-0, in their opening group game.
Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals upon his return to the team, keeping up his amazing scoring run in the competition. Ronaldo has now scored an incredible 12 goals in his last six Champions League games dating back to last season’s knockout stage. Ronaldo also scored at Dortmund last season.
Dortmund employ a high-risk, high defensive line which was exposed by Tottenham in their first game. And with the likes of Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, and Isco, Real possess the attacking talent to also take advantage of that strategy.
Real’s incredible 73-game streak scoring at least a goal ended last week, but their run the Champions League is still intact. Real have found the net in their last 16 consecutive Champions League matches.
Writer’s Prediction
Real Madrid (+123) put some of their recent concerns behind them as they edge out Dortmund, 2-1.
