Real Madrid vs. Borussia Dortmund lineups, team news, score prediction: Jobe Bellingham to miss brotherly clash
🔥 Team News & Line-ups
Real Madrid are largely at full strength under Xabi Alonso, despite a few absences: Eduardo Camavinga, David Alaba, Ferland Mendy, and Endrick all remain sidelined . Expected XI (3–5–2):
Courtois; RĂĽdiger, Tchouameni, Huijsen; Alexander‑Arnold, Jude Bellingham, Valverde, GĂĽler, Fran GarcĂa; MbappĂ©, Vini Jr. .
Borussia Dortmund, managed by Niko Kovac, will miss Jobe Bellingham due to suspension from yellow-card accumulation . Additional absentees include Emre Can, Salih Ozcan, and Nico Schlotterbeck . Strongly tipped replacements are Julian Brandt or Maximilian Beyer, shifting the midfield/directed build . Likely XI (3–5–2):
Kobel; SĂĽle, Anton, Bensebaini; Ryerson, Nmecha, Gross, Svensson, Brandt; Guirassy, Adeyemi .
🔄 Tactical Breakdown
Real Madrid’s balance is striking—they’ve adapted well to Alonso’s system, with Jude Bellingham orchestrating midfield moves around Valverde and Alexander‑Arnold. Madrid’s forwards, Mbappé and Vini Jr., offer relentless width and pace .
Dortmund, in contrast, rely heavily on their dynamic center‑forward duo: Serhou Guirassy, coming off a Marmalade-like brace vs Monterrey, and youthful Adeyemi pressuring defences . A three‑center back system stabilises their defence, though the midfield will miss Jobe’s energy and link-up play .
🧾 Impact of Jobe Bellingham’s Absence
Jobe’s suspension is a major blow; both player and club were eager for a rare sibling showdown with Jude . His absence weakens Dortmund’s transitional play—but Kovac emphasises future chances for the brothers to face off, potentially in the Champions League .
🎯 Score Prediction
Experts lean toward a tight win for Real Madrid: Sports Mole predicts 2–1 , while Khel Now and Sports Mole both see Los Blancos edging it, with some forecasting a 3–1 result . My verdict: Madrid’s midfield control and attack potency—despite some injuries—should trump Dortmund’s bout of chaos on transitions, although Guirassy may get on the scoresheet.
📍 Predicted Scoreline: Real Madrid 2–1 Borussia Dortmund
đź“ť Summary
Real Madrid: Nearly full squad; expect a 3–5–2 with Jude & Valverde pulling strings.
Dortmund: Adjusted midfield after Jobe’s suspension; Brandt likely comes in.
Key Matchup: Madrid’s midfield discipline vs Dortmund’s direct, intense frontline.
Outcome: Madrid’s consistency wins out—but expect a goal from Guirassy.