Borussia Dortmund vs Sporting CP: Preview, Predictions & Lineups

Dortmund Aim to Secure Knockout Stage Spot Against Struggling Sporting CP

Borussia Dortmund take a commanding 3-0 lead into the second leg of their Champions League play-off tie against Sporting CP, with a place in the round of 16 firmly in sight.

Last season’s Champions League finalists delivered a dominant performance in Lisbon, led by Serhou Guirassy’s outstanding display. However, domestic struggles under new coach Niko Kovac have raised concerns, with Dortmund suffering a disappointing 2-0 loss to Bochum at the weekend.

Sporting CP, meanwhile, continue to struggle after Ruben Amorim’s departure. Their form has dipped significantly, and under interim manager Rui Borges, the Portuguese side failed to bounce back after last week’s defeat, drawing 2-2 against Arouca despite playing at home.

Can Dortmund cruise into the next round, or will Sporting pull off a stunning comeback at Signal Iduna Park?

Match Details: Borussia Dortmund vs Sporting CP

• Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2025
• Kick-off Time: 17:45 GMT / 12:45 ET / 09:45 PT
• Location: Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund, Germany
• Referee: Davide Massa (Italy)
• VAR: Aleandro Di Paolo (Italy)
• TV Broadcast:
  • UK: discovery+, discovery+ App, TNT Sports 4
  • USA: Paramount+
  • Canada: DAZN Canada

Head-to-Head Record (Last 5 Meetings)

• Borussia Dortmund: 4 Wins
• Sporting CP: 1 Win
• Draws: 0
• Last Meeting: Sporting CP 0-3 Borussia Dortmund (February 11, 2025)

Current Form (All Competitions)

Borussia Dortmund Team News & Predicted Lineup

Injury Update:
Niko Kovac’s squad remains mostly fit, but Felix Nmecha and Ramy Bensebaini are ruled out until March. Marcel Sabitzer struggled in the loss to Bochum and could be replaced by Salih Özcan in midfield.

Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Kobel; Ryerson, Can, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini; Özcan, Gross; Adeyemi, Brandt, Gittens; Guirassy

Key Player: Serhou Guirassy
The summer signing was instrumental in the first leg and will be Dortmund’s main attacking threat once again.

Sporting CP Team News & Predicted Lineup

Injury Update:
Morten Hjulmand returns from suspension and should feature in midfield. However, Daniel Bragança’s ACL injury is a major setback, and Zeno Debast may be forced into a midfield role. Geny Catamo and Nuno Santos remain unavailable.

Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Silva; Fresneda, Diomande, Quaresma, Reis; Debast, Hjulmand; Trincao, Simoes, Biel; Gyokeres

Key Player: Viktor Gyokeres
If Sporting have any hope of turning the tie around, their star striker must deliver a top-class performance.

Match Prediction: Borussia Dortmund vs Sporting CP

Sporting CP have struggled to regain their identity after Amorim’s departure, and their confidence has taken a hit following back-to-back poor performances. Dortmund, despite their domestic inconsistency, are strong at home and hold a significant first-leg advantage.

While Sporting might find the net, Dortmund’s attacking power—led by Guirassy—should be enough to secure another victory and confirm their place in the Champions League round of 16.

Prediction: Borussia Dortmund 2-1 Sporting CP

Join the Conversation

• Can Sporting CP pull off an unexpected comeback?
• Will Serhou Guirassy continue his goal-scoring form?
• Who will be Dortmund’s key player in this crucial match?

Drop your predictions in the comments below!