Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid – Champions League Semi-Final Preview and Betting Tips

Betting Tips | Article posted on April 22nd, 2025

While the main focus during this week’s Champions League may be on the tie in Munich, there is no doubt that this tie between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund could be a very attractive one. Both teams will be hoping to progress to a final against their personal rivals.

If Real start as favourites to win then it should be borne in mind that Dortmund had the better of Real during the group stages, beating them 2-1 at home and securing a more than useful 2-2 draw in the Bernabeu. Since then, though, Real have found their feet and form, having had a very disappointing start to the season, and one feels that Dortmund would be more than happy to settle for a repeat of the 2-1 scoreline that they achieved during the group stages.

The match provides an opportunity for the Champions League’s top scorer for this season, Cristiano Ronaldo, to cement his position at the top of the scoring charts. Ronaldo would doubtless love to do this, as he has so frequently been upstaged by Lionel Messi, despite his own brilliant scoring achievements.

This game may be decided in midfield, where Borussia are particularly strong, but Real have their own formidable trio as well. It seems inevitable that the two teams will match each other up in midfield, and take a patient and probing approach to this first leg. Often first legs in important Champions League ties are very cagey, but this particular Real Madrid outfit – in common with many Real teams – is not renowned for its defensive approach, and this could open out into a more end-to-end game than one would usually associate with such a tense fixture.

Borussia Dortmund (possible 4-2-3-1)

Weidenfeller

Piszczek • Subotic • Hummels • Schmelzer

Bender • Gundogan

Reus • Gotze • Grosskreutz

Lewandowski

Real Madrid (possible 4-3-3)

López

Arbeloa • Varane • Pepe • Coentrão

Khedira • Modrić

María • Özil • Ronaldo

Higuaín

Betting Prediction

Borussia Dortmund are a very capable side, with an excellent midfield containing one of the world’s most promising creative players in the shape of Mario Gotze. But Real have phenomenal attacking talent, and it is almost impossible to keep Ronaldo quiet on occasions like this. Add into the mix a manager that has immense Champions League pedigree, and the ability to set big teams up to win games time and time again, and I just fancy that Real might edge an invaluable victory in this game.

So my money is on Real to come away from Germany with a narrow win. They sometimes show a little defensive vulnerability, so I will tip Dortmund to score, but for Real Madrid to win this match by two goals to one. I also recommend the over 2.5 goals and both teams to score bets, and any goalscoring bet involving Cristiano Ronaldo is worth a look.

Final Scoreline Prediction:Borussia Dortmund 1 – 2 Real Madrid

Other Recommended Bets: Over 2.5 Goals, Both Teams to Score.

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