Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund Lineups – Predicted XIs, Injuries, Team News

Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund collide at MetLife Stadium on Saturday, July 5, 2025, with a place in the FIFA Club World Cup semifinals at stake. The quarterfinal meeting brings together two clubs with deep European pedigree, though neither enters in ideal condition. Both squads contend with notable absences, and while predicted lineups have emerged across multiple sources, official confirmed XIs remain unavailable at the time of publication.

The Spanish giants, under Xabi Alonso, have shown improvement following a mixed start to their campaign and arrive having won their last three matches across all competitions. Dortmund, meanwhile, advanced past Monterrey in the previous round but faces a significant injury list that has tested Niko Kovač’s tactical flexibility. The German side finished top of Group F and carries a reputation for delivering strong performances on the biggest occasions, even when the odds appear stacked against them.

This fixture marks the latest chapter in a rivalry that has produced memorable Champions League encounters in recent years. The clubs met most recently in October 2024, with Madrid prevailing 5-2 at the Santiago Bernabéu. For Saturday’s encounter, kickoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. BST (4 p.m. ET, 1 p.m. PT), with Ramon Abatti of Brazil officiating.

Predicted and Confirmed Lineups for Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund

Predicted lineups vary across sources, reflecting the tactical flexibility both managers are expected to employ. Sources indicate Xabi Alonso has worked with a 3-5-2 formation during recent fixtures, while an alternative 4-4-2 shape has also been deployed. No confirmed starting XIs have been officially released by either club as of publication.

Real Madrid Predicted XI

Madrid’s predicted lineup features several established names alongside younger players who have earned increased responsibility this season. Sources consistently place Thibaut Courtois in goal, with the defense built around Antonio Rüdiger and the emerging Dean Huijsen. Aurélien Tchouaméni drops back into the back three when required.

• 3-5-2 Formation: Courtois; Rüdiger, Tchouaméni, Huijsen; Alexander-Arnold, Valverde; Güler, Bellingham, F. García; G. García, Vinícius Júnior
• Alternative 4-4-2: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Rüdiger, Huijsen, F. García; Valverde, Tchouaméni, Bellingham; Vinícius Jr., G. García

Borussia Dortmund Predicted XI

Dortmund’s predicted shape mirrors Madrid’s flexibility, with sources suggesting a 3-5-2 approach. Gregor Kobel anchors the defense behind a back three that could include Niklas Süle, Waldemar Anton, and Ramy Bensebaini. In midfield, Marcel Sabitzer features prominently, likely stepping in for the unavailable Emre Can.

• 3-5-2 Formation: Kobel; Süle, Anton, Bensebaini; Ryerson; Groß, Sabitzer, Nmecha, Svensson; Guirassy, Adeyemi
• Alternative 4-2-3-1: Kobel; Ryerson, Hummels, Schlotterbeck, Maatsen; Can, Sabitzer; Adeyemi, Brandt, Sancho; Füllkrug

Latest Team News and Injuries for Both Sides

Both clubs enter Saturday’s quarterfinal dealing with substantial injury concerns. The absentees affect different areas of the pitch for each side, which may influence the tactical approaches both managers ultimately select.

Real Madrid Injury List

Madrid’s medical report reveals several long-term absentees who will not feature this weekend. Dani Ceballos, Eduardo Camavinga, David Alaba, and Ferland Mendy all remain sidelined with extended injuries. Endrick carries a hamstring problem and is listed as doubtful, creating uncertainty around his availability. Carvajal continues his recovery from a knee injury sustained earlier in the season.

On a positive note, several players have been cleared for selection following earlier assessments. Madrid heads into the match having won three consecutive fixtures, including a 1-0 victory over Juventus in the Round of 16 and a 3-0 win against RB Salzburg in group stage action.

Borussia Dortmund Injury List

Dortmund’s injury situation has grown more complex in recent weeks. Captain Emre Can, Salih Özcan, and Nico Schlotterbeck have all been ruled out through injury. Marcel Sabitzer is expected to replace one of the missing midfielders in the starting XI.

Jamie Gittens has been sidelined by illness, though some reports suggest his absence may relate to transfer speculation surrounding the player. Carney Chukwuemeka’s involvement remains under evaluation, with the Chelsea loanee potentially staying with the squad through the tournament.

Despite these setbacks, Dortmund advanced past Monterrey with a 2-1 victory and finished Group F in first position. The German club has demonstrated resilience in big matches throughout the season, a trait that could prove valuable against a strong Madrid side.

Key Players and Tactical Insights

Saturday’s quarterfinal features several individual matchups that could determine the outcome. Both managers have built squads capable of adapting during matches, making the tactical battle a significant subplot heading into the fixture.

Real Madrid’s Offensive Threats

Jude Bellingham returns to face his former club, having left Dortmund for Madrid in 2023. The England international has developed into a pivotal figure in Alonso’s midfield, combining box-to-box energy with an eye for goal. His connection with Arda Güler and Federico Valverde has given Madrid control in central areas during recent fixtures.

Vinícius Júnior remains Madrid’s primary creative outlet and top scorer this season. The Brazilian winger leads the attack and poses a constant threat on the counter, using his pace and dribbling to unsettle organized defenses. His partnership with the midfield trio provides Alonso with multiple attacking options.

Dortmund’s Counter-Attack Philosophy

Serhou Guirassy and Karim Adeyemi form a dangerous strike partnership at the top of Dortmund’s predicted lineup. Both players excel in transition, using speed to exploit spaces left by opposition defenses. Sabitzer’s advancing runs from midfield add another dimension to Dortmund’s attacking play.

Under Kovač, Dortmund has developed a disciplined defensive shape, often operating in a 4-5-1 out of possession. The wingers, whether Adeyemi or Jadon Sancho depending on the lineup, tuck inside to create numerical superiority in central areas while remaining ready to burst forward on the flanks. Füllkrug serves as the focal point in alternative formations, offering a target man option for longer passes.

Head-to-Head Record

The historical record favors Madrid decisively. Across their recent meetings, Madrid have won four matches compared to Dortmund’s single victory, with no draws recorded. The most recent encounter came in October 2024, when Madrid won 5-2 at the Bernabéu in Champions League group stage action.

Dortmund’s solitary win in this sequence dates to the 2013 Champions League semifinal first leg, a 4-1 victory that remains one of the most memorable performances in the club’s recent history. The most significant recent meeting came in the 2024 Champions League final, where Madrid prevailed at Wembley.

While Madrid dominate the overall record, Dortmund have proven capable of rising to the occasion in high-stakes matches. Their group stage performance and Round of 16 victory over Monterrey demonstrate a capacity for delivering results when margins are smallest.

Match Details: Time, Venue and How to Watch

The quarterfinal will be played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The venue, home to the NFL’s New York Giants and Jets, has hosted several major sporting events and provides significant capacity for the Club World Cup’s expanded format.

Broadcast information for the Club World Cup varies by region. Viewers are advised to check local sports broadcasters and streaming platforms for specific coverage details. The expanded tournament format has led to partnerships with multiple networks, so availability differs depending on geographic location.

For fans seeking additional context around major matchups and statistical breakdowns, resources covering player statistics across different sports and box score analysis offer comparable frameworks for understanding team and individual performance metrics.

Summary

Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund meet at MetLife Stadium on July 5, 2025, in a FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinal that carries significant stakes for both clubs. Madrid enter as historical favorites given their head-to-head record, recent form, and deeper squad options, though significant injuries to key players create uncertainty around their lineup. Dortmund face an even more challenging medical report but have demonstrated throughout the season that they perform best when written off. The predicted lineups suggest an attacking contest between Madrid’s creative midfield and Dortmund’s counter-attacking threats, with tactical adjustments from both Alonso and Kovač likely to play a decisive role in determining which side advances to the semifinals.

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