A thrilling UEFA Champions League encounter awaits as Sporting CP takes on Borussia Dortmund on February 11, 2025. Both teams are aiming for a crucial victory in the group stage, with Sporting CP looking to capitalize on home advantage while Dortmund seeks to assert its European pedigree.
With Pedro Gonçalves and Viktor Gyökeres leading Sporting’s charge and Julian Brandt and Niclas Füllkrug spearheading Dortmund’s attack, this match promises an exciting tactical battle. In this comprehensive preview, we analyze team news, predicted lineups, tactical insights, key battles, head-to-head stats, and expert predictions.
Match Details
- Fixture: Sporting CP vs Borussia Dortmund
- Competition: UEFA Champions League – Group Stage
- Date: Tuesday, February 11, 2025
- Kickoff Time: 8:00 PM CET (Local Time)
- Venue: Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon, Portugal
- Broadcast: TNT Sports (UK), CBS Sports (USA), DAZN (Germany)
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Sporting CP
Manager: Rúben Amorim
Formation: 3-4-3
Predicted Starting XI:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Antonio Adán |
| Right Center-back | Gonçalo Inácio |
| Center-back | Sebastián Coates |
| Left Center-back | Ousmane Diomande |
| Right Wing-back | Ricardo Esgaio |
| Central Midfield | Hidemasa Morita |
| Central Midfield | Manuel Ugarte |
| Left Wing-back | Nuno Santos |
| Right Wing | Pedro Gonçalves |
| Left Wing | Francisco Trincão |
| Striker | Viktor Gyökeres |
Key Absences:
- Marcus Edwards (Injury)
Tactical Overview:
Sporting will look to control possession, utilizing Pedro Gonçalves’ creativity and Gyökeres’ finishing ability to unlock Dortmund’s defense. Their three-man defense will focus on absorbing pressure while counterattacking swiftly through the wings.
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Borussia Dortmund
Manager: Edin Terzić
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Starting XI:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Gregor Kobel |
| Right-back | Julian Ryerson |
| Center-back | Mats Hummels |
| Center-back | Nico Schlotterbeck |
| Left-back | Ramy Bensebaini |
| Defensive Midfield | Emre Can |
| Defensive Midfield | Marcel Sabitzer |
| Right Wing | Donyell Malen |
| Attacking Midfield | Julian Brandt |
| Left Wing | Karim Adeyemi |
| Striker | Niclas Füllkrug |
Key Absences:
- Salih Özcan (Suspension)
- Sebastien Haller (Injury)
Tactical Overview:
Dortmund will aim to dominate possession and press high, utilizing Brandt’s playmaking ability and Adeyemi’s pace on the counter. Emre Can will anchor the midfield, providing stability against Sporting’s quick transitions.
Recent Form & Head-to-Head Record
Sporting CP – Last 5 Matches
- ✅ Sporting CP 3-1 Benfica
- 🤝 Porto 1-1 Sporting CP
- ✅ Sporting CP 2-0 Braga
- ❌ Marseille 3-2 Sporting CP
- ✅ Sporting CP 4-0 Gil Vicente
Sporting has shown strong domestic form, but their European performances remain inconsistent.
Borussia Dortmund – Last 5 Matches
- ✅ Borussia Dortmund 4-1 Union Berlin
- ✅ RB Leipzig 2-3 Borussia Dortmund
- 🤝 Borussia Dortmund 2-2 Bayer Leverkusen
- ✅ Dortmund 3-0 Stuttgart
- ❌ Bayern Munich 2-0 Borussia Dortmund
Dortmund’s attacking form has been excellent, but their defensive vulnerability remains a concern.
Head-to-Head Record (Last 5 Meetings)
- Borussia Dortmund 3-1 Sporting CP (2023)
- Sporting CP 2-1 Borussia Dortmund (2022)
- Borussia Dortmund 1-0 Sporting CP (2021)
- Sporting CP 0-2 Borussia Dortmund (2016)
- Borussia Dortmund 1-0 Sporting CP (2016)
Dortmund historically dominates this matchup, but Sporting’s home win in 2022 proves they are capable of an upset.
Key Battles to Watch
Pedro Gonçalves vs Emre Can
Gonçalves’ dribbling and vision will be key to unlocking Dortmund’s defense, while Can’s defensive awareness will be crucial in stopping him.
Viktor Gyökeres vs Mats Hummels
Hummels’ experience and positioning will be tested against Gyökeres’ physicality and goal-scoring instinct.
Julian Brandt vs Manuel Ugarte
Brandt’s ability to create chances from midfield will be challenged by Ugarte’s defensive work rate and pressing.
Match Prediction & Betting Tips
Score Prediction:
Sporting CP 1-2 Borussia Dortmund
Dortmund’s attacking quality and experience in high-pressure games could give them the edge, but Sporting’s home form means this will be a closely contested match.
Betting Tips:
- Both Teams to Score (BTTS) – Yes ✅
- Over 2.5 Goals ✅
- Julian Brandt to Assist Anytime ✅
- Viktor Gyökeres to Score Anytime ✅
Disclaimer: Betting odds fluctuate; always gamble responsibly.
Where to Watch
- UK: TNT Sports
- USA: CBS Sports, Paramount+
- Portugal: Sport TV
- Germany: DAZN
Live streaming is available via official UEFA and club platforms.
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Conclusion
With Sporting CP’s home advantage and Borussia Dortmund’s attacking firepower, this Champions League clash promises to be an exciting encounter. Can Sporting secure a crucial win, or will Dortmund’s European experience shine through?
Stay tuned for kickoff at Estádio José Alvalade!
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