Borussia Dortmund return to Champions League action with home advantage when they welcome an in-form Real Betis side to Signal Iduna Park.
Niko Kovač’s men have collected six points from their opening three fixtures, beating Villarreal and Sabah while suffering a narrow defeat against Bodø/Glimt. Their recent 2–2 draw against Bayern Munich further demonstrated their ability to compete against top-level opposition.
Dortmund’s home form is another encouraging factor. They have won five of their last six home matches across all competitions and will be confident of extending that run against the Spanish visitors.
However, Real Betis arrive with an impressive European record. Manuel Pellegrini’s side have secured nine points from three Champions League matches, defeating Lille, Porto and Feyenoord. Their attacking quality makes them a dangerous opponent, particularly against a Dortmund defence that has conceded in each of its three league-phase fixtures.
Despite the visitors’ excellent start, Dortmund’s home advantage and greater attacking depth give them the edge ahead of this encounter.
Guirassy Could Be the Difference
Serhou Guirassy is expected to play a central role in Dortmund’s attacking plans.
The forward has recorded eight goals and two assists in 13 competitive appearances this season, including four goals in three Champions League outings.
His recent European performances have been particularly impressive, with braces against Villarreal and Sabah highlighting his ability to deliver in important moments.
Against a Betis side that has shown attacking ambition but can be vulnerable defensively, Guirassy’s movement and finishing could prove decisive.
Team News
Dortmund are expected to be without Kauã Prates, who is sidelined with a muscular injury.
Real Betis will be without Cucho Hernández and Junior Firpo, both unavailable through injury. Manuel Pellegrini otherwise has several established attacking options available, including Isco, Antony and Abde Ezzalzouli.
Official starting line-ups should be confirmed before kick-off.
Final Prediction
Real Betis have earned considerable respect with their perfect Champions League record, but their trip to Dortmund presents a different level of challenge.
The German side have been particularly strong at home, while Guirassy’s impressive scoring form gives them a reliable source of goals.
With both teams possessing enough attacking quality to find the net, Dortmund are backed to secure a narrow victory in what should be an entertaining encounter.
Main Prediction: Borussia Dortmund to Win
Alternative Prediction: Both Teams to Score – Yes
Total Goals Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals
Score Prediction: Borussia Dortmund 2–1 Real Betis
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