Wednesday 6th December 2017 Kickoff 1945hrs Real Madrid v Borussia Dortmund Football – Europe – Champions League When the draw was made back in August, this game on match day six would have been earmarked as a potential decider for who qualifies as the section winners. Instead, it marks the end of a group stage campaign which has seen both Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund underperform. Real have qualified for the last 16 once again but will do so as runners up to Tottenham, whilst Dortmund are likely – but not guaranteed – to be competing in the Europa League having failed to win a game up until this point. The need for points in this one is greater for the visitors but they could barley be in poorer form.
Real were considered favourites to retain the trophy they have won in each of the last two seasons but due to their stuttering campaign in both Europe and domestically, confidence is quickly waning. The Champions have struggled greatly for consistency all season and that’s been evident in their group stage games. Wins over Apoel were very much expected and a good victory in Dortmund has been the highlight, but managing just one point from the games against Spurs has been the difference in them finishing second compared to topping the group. In theory that would suggest a more difficult tie in the last 16, but no matter the opponent Zinedine Zidane will have to get his side playing at a much higher level when those games come around in February. They’ll also be looking for a morale boosting win on Wednesday.
Things looked so positive for Dortmund back in September when they were riding high in the Bundesliga following Peter Bosz arrival from Ajax as coach. Unfortunately, since beginning their Champions League campaign in London against Tottenham their situation has deteriorated dramatically. Since their loss at Wembley they have won just six games in all competitions, and none of those have been in Europe. Two extremely disappointing draws against the Cypriot minnows killed any hope they had of making it beyond this stage of the competition. Soundly beaten in the games against Spurs and Real Madrid thus far, Wednesday’s game does offer some opportunity to restore some pride by getting a much needed result but with no wins in their last six Bundesliga games they are very much up against it and it doesn’t appear to be a united camp at the moment.
Real Madrid v Borussia Dortmund Betting Tip
These two met back in September and are no strangers to each other in the Champions League. Indeed, this was the exact same fixture which concluded their 2016-17 group stage as both clubs qualified for the next round. That will not be the case this time round of course but Dortmund still have to make sure of their place in the Europa League. Their most realistic hope appears to be that Apoel do not get anything from their game against Tottenham otherwise the German’s will have to match or better that result.
Real remain undefeated at the Bernabeu since losing to Schalke in 2015 – a total of 17 games. Dortmund, on the other hand, have won just one of their precious 10 Champions League games. Interestingly though, they have managed at least a goal in 14 of their last 15 games in this competition. Putting those trends together and the selection for tomorrow’s game is Real Madrid to win with both teams to score.
Real Madrid win and both teams to score 29/20 @ Betvictor
