Overview
The departure of the Ruben Amorim coach left too much space for Sporting. After winning 10 points in the first 4 matches of the Champions League 2024-2025 and in the Top 8, they can only earn 1 more points in the remaining 4 matches. Even if there was no equalizer of Conrad Harder against Bologna in the last round, Sporting was able to be kicked out of this year's Champions League.
The new coach Rui Borges is trying to manage the situation and at least, Sporting still shows well in the domestic league. Not to mention, Estadio Jose Alvalade's home is also a fulcrum for Sporting with a series of 7 unbeaten matches in all competitions, including 6 victories. The last time Sporting lost at home took place from December 1, 2024.
For Dortmund, they are also in a state of unstable state after the departure of coach Nuri Sahin. The participation of the new "captain" Mike Tullberg in the last 4 matches could not help Dortmund improve the weakness in the defense.
The Ruhr team now has a series of 13 matches that cannot keep clean sheets in all competitions. Even when owning a superior attack with 22 goals in the Champions League this year, only Barcelona, they still cannot compensate for mistakes in the defense.
The two teams have only met four times ago and all have been happening in the past 9 years. Dortmund won the first three times but Sporting defeated the opponent 3-1 in Lisbon when the two teams clashed the last time 4 years ago.
Human resource situation
Sporting still has no midfielder Pedro Goncalves and striker Nuno Santos, while Geny Catamo is also suspicious of injury. Midfielder Morten Hjulmand was suspended after receiving all 3 yellow cards.
On the battle line, Dortmund had the return of Nico Schlotterbeck after the domestic ban. However, midfielder Felix Nemcha had to sit out because of injury.
Expected squad:
Sporting: Israel, Reis, St Just, Diomande, Quaresma, Morita, Trincao, Catamo, QuaDa, Braganca, Gyokeres.
Dortmund: Kobel, Anton, Schlotterbeck, Can, Ryerson, Brandt, Gross, Sabitzer, Adeyemi, Gittens, Guirassy.
The match between Sporting and Dortmund took place at 3:00 am 12.2 (Vietnam time).
