The most recent official starting lineups for the high-stakes clash between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid occurred during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup quarter-finals on July 5, 2025, and the 2024–25 UEFA Champions League league phase on October 22, 2024. In the July 2025 meeting, Real Madrid deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation featuring Thibaut Courtois, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Arda Güler, while Dortmund countered with a 3-5-2 system led by Serhou Guirassy and Julian Brandt. Historically, these matchups are defined by tactical flexibility, with Real Madrid often favoring their traditional midfield control and Dortmund relying on high-intensity wing play and physical strikers.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the starting eleven, tactical shifts, and key player performances from their most iconic encounters, including the 2024 Champions League Final at Wembley and their recent 2025 Club World Cup showdown. You will find detailed formation maps, substitute impacts, and a historical look at how these two European giants have evolved their rosters to compete at the highest level.
Recent Starting Elevens (July 2025)
In the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup quarter-finals at MetLife Stadium, Real Madrid secured a 3–2 victory over Borussia Dortmund. The lineups reflected a “new era” for the Spanish side, integrating young talents and significant summer signings into their core structure.
Real Madrid utilized a 4-2-3-1 formation:
- Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
- Defense: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rüdiger, Dean Huijsen, Fran García
- Midfield: Federico Valverde (C), Aurélien Tchouaméni, Arda Güler, Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior
- Forward: Gonzalo García
Borussia Dortmund utilized a 3-5-2 formation:
- Goalkeeper: Gregor Kobel
- Defense: Niklas Süle, Waldemar Anton, Ramy Bensebaini
- Midfield: Julian Ryerson, Pascal Groß, Marcel Sabitzer, Julian Brandt (C), Dennis Svensson
- Forwards: Serhou Guirassy, Karim Adeyemi
2024 Champions League Final Lineups
The 2024 UEFA Champions League final at Wembley Stadium saw Real Madrid defeat Dortmund 2–0. This match was a tactical masterclass by Carlo Ancelotti, who successfully neutralised Dortmund’s early aggression.
Real Madrid (4-3-1-2)
Real Madrid’s lineup was built for control and counter-attacking efficiency. The midfield diamond allowed Jude Bellingham to operate as a playmaker behind the pace of Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo.
- GK: Thibaut Courtois
- Def: Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger, Nacho (C), Ferland Mendy
- Mid: Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, Toni Kroos (in his final club game)
- AM: Jude Bellingham
- For: Rodrygo, Vinícius Júnior
Borussia Dortmund (4-2-3-1)
Edin Terzić opted for a balanced 4-2-3-1, relying on the veteran leadership of Mats Hummels and the creative spark of Jadon Sancho on the wing.
- GK: Gregor Kobel
- Def: Julian Ryerson, Mats Hummels, Nico Schlotterbeck, Ian Maatsen
- Mid: Emre Can (C), Marcel Sabitzer
- Att: Jadon Sancho, Julian Brandt, Karim Adeyemi
- For: Niclas Füllkrug
Key Tactical Changes for 2026
As of the 2025/2026 season, both squads have undergone structural changes. Under coach Niko Kovač, Borussia Dortmund has moved toward a more flexible defensive unit, often alternating between a back four and a back five depending on the health of Nico Schlotterbeck and Waldemar Anton.
Real Madrid has leaned heavily into their “Galactico” depth, with Kylian Mbappé often rotating with Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo in a fluid front three. The emergence of Arda Güler as a regular starter in the attacking midfield role has also allowed Jude Bellingham to play a more box-to-box role, similar to his early days at Dortmund.
Historical Head-to-Head Lineups
The rivalry between these two is famous for high-scoring affairs, such as the 4–1 Dortmund victory in 2013 where Robert Lewandowski scored all four goals. That legendary BVB lineup featured:
- Weidenfeller; Piszczek, Subotić, Hummels, Schmelzer; Bender, Gündoğan; Błaszczykowski, Götze, Reus; Lewandowski.
In response, Real Madrid’s 2024–25 “remontada” in the Champions League league phase featured a 5–2 scoreline, where they fielded a team including Lunin, Lucas Vázquez, Militão, Rüdiger, and Mendy in defense.
Practical Information for Fans
If you are planning to attend a future match between these clubs or follow them live, here are the essential details:
- Primary Venues: Signal Iduna Park (Dortmund) and Santiago Bernabéu (Madrid).
- Ticket Prices: Category 1 seats for European nights typically range from €150 to €450.
- Transport: The Bernabéu is accessible via Metro Line 10 (Santiago Bernabéu station). Signal Iduna Park is served by U-Bahn lines U42 and U46.
- What to Expect: Dortmund’s “Yellow Wall” creates one of the loudest atmospheres in sport, while Madrid fans expect nothing less than a victory in high-pressure matches.
Timely Injury Update (April 2026)
Heading into late April 2026, Borussia Dortmund has faced a minor injury crisis. Karim Adeyemi is currently sidelined with muscular problems, and Emre Can and Felix Nmecha remain unavailable. However, striker Serhou Guirassy has been cleared to play following a knock. Real Madrid recently dealt with a hamstring issue for Endrick, while David Alaba continues his long-term recovery from a knee injury.
2024 Champions League Final Lineups
In the 2024 Champions League final, Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid both fielded cautiously balanced starting XIs reflecting the importance of the occasion. Dortmund’s lineup centered around a compact 4‑2‑3‑1, with a double pivot in front of the back four, a central attacking midfielder roaming behind a lone striker, and overlapping full‑backs offering width without overcommitting.
Real Madrid typically lined up in a 4‑3‑3, anchored by a deep‑lying midfielder who dropped between the centre‑backs, two more advanced central players moving box‑to‑box, and a front trio built around a left‑winger cutting inside, a central striker holding play, and a right‑winger stretching the defense. The substitutes’ bench for both sides featured impact pace and defensive cover, with energy‑based attackers and experienced central midfielders waiting to tilt the game in extra‑time.
Dortmund’s Starting XI Overview
For Borussia Dortmund, the core of recent Champions League matches against Real Madrid usually includes a reliable goalkeeper and a back four built on discipline rather than raw adventure. The center‑back pair combines physicality and pace, while the full‑backs are selected for stamina and the ability to contribute in both attack and defense.
In midfield, Dortmund typically opts for a double pivot, with one holding screener and one more mobile, box‑to‑box operator, supporting an attacking midfielder who drops into pockets or pushes higher depending on the phase of play. Up front, a central striker’s work rate enables quick transitions, often flanked by wide players who can cut inside or stay wide to drag Real’s full‑backs out of position.
Real Madrid’s Starting XI Overview
Real Madrid’s typical lineup against Dortmund is built around control and game‑management, usually in a 4‑3‑3 framework. The back line features a composed central pair and attack‑oriented full‑backs, with the entire four‑man unit instructed to hold shape and limit Dortmund’s direct runs through the middle.
In midfield, a deep‑lying midfielder acts as the metronome, directing the tempo while two more mobile partners provide both defensive cover and forward runs, creating passing triangles between the lines. The forward line is constructed to exploit space behind Dortmund’s high press, with one winger capable of sudden bursts, a central striker capable of linking play, and a second wide‑runner stretching the pitch from the opposite flank.
Blanket Tactical Principles
Ahead of Borussia Dortmund vs. Real Madrid fixtures, both managers anchor their lineups in distinct tactical identities. Dortmund emphasizes a high, intense press, trying to win the ball early and transition quickly into the attacking half by overloading central corridors and using energetic midfielders to surge forward.
Real Madrid, by contrast, generally prefers a lower‑block or balanced mid‑block approach, inviting Dortmund to push, then using quick transitions and one‑touch combinations through the central zone to break the press. These contrasting philosophies determine lineup choices, such as which midfielders are selected for pressing, which full‑backs are picked for their defensive or attacking profiles, and how many creative operators are placed in central areas.
Dortmund’s Captain and Key Leaders
In Dortmund vs. Real Madrid lineups, the captain’s armband often sits on an experienced central defender or a senior midfielder whose composure under pressure helps regulate the team’s rhythm. This player is usually tasked with organizing the high press, coordinating the back line, and communicating with the goalkeeper during set‑pieces and high‑stake situations.
Beyond the official captain, Dortmund relies on vocal leaders in midfield and attack, with one or two box‑to‑box players setting the tone through work rate and decision‑making. These leaders also influence substitution timing and behavior in the final minutes, especially in games that go to extra‑time or are decided by late‑stage intensity.
Real Madrid’s Captain and Key Leaders
Real Madrid traditionally leans on an experienced central defender or a long‑serving midfielder as captain in their Champions League matches, including encounters against Dortmund. This leader helps maintain shape during Dortmund’s pressing phases and acts as the on‑pitch strategist when the manager cannot directly dictate every change.
The attacking trio and central midfielders often provide emotional leadership, with one or two long‑time Real stars setting the tone through composure in front of goal and calmness in tight spaces. Their presence in the lineup reassures younger players and can sway the outcome of key one‑on‑one or two‑on‑two situations in the attacking third.
Dortmund’s Usual Formation
In recent Champions League meetings with Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund has most often lined up in a 4‑2‑3‑1, with two holding midfielders, a central attacking midfielder, and a lone striker leading the line. This system allows Dortmund to press collectively upfront while still retaining structure in the center of the pitch.
The 4‑2‑3‑1 shape supports quick transitions, with one or both central midfielders surging forward after winning the ball and the number‑10 dropping into space between the lines to receive passes under pressure. Full‑backs stay disciplined yet available, joining attacks in controlled waves to avoid leaving exploitable gaps for Real’s counters.
Real Madrid’s Usual Formation
Against Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid has commonly used a 4‑3‑3 formation, emphasizing central control and numerical advantages in the middle of the pitch. The back four remains compact, with one central midfielder sitting deep while the other two operate higher and wider, creating passing lanes between the defensive and attacking units.
The front three are typically arranged as a central striker, a left‑winger cutting inside onto their stronger foot, and a right‑winger offering pace and directness. This structure allows Real to absorb Dortmund’s early pressure and then exploit spaces behind the high full‑backs through rapid one‑touch combinations and diagonal switches.
Dortmund’s Likely Substitutes
In Borussia Dortmund vs. Real Madrid fixtures, substitutes are usually chosen to either add energy late in the game or to reinforce defensive stability if Dortmund is leading or protecting a narrow advantage. Common bench options include a pacey winger, a physical midfielder capable of late tackling and pressing, and a defensive‑minded full‑back who can tuck in if Real start dictating play.
A second central striker is often kept on the bench, ready to enter the match if Dortmund needs a more direct route to goal or wants to hold the ball in the final stages. Goalkeeping and center‑back options may also sit on the sidelines, in case of injuries or early disciplinary issues affecting the starting XI.
Real Madrid’s Likely Substitutes
Real Madrid’s bench in Dortmund clashes typically carries a mix of attackers, midfielders, and defenders to preserve a 4‑3‑3‑style balance even after multiple changes. Coaches usually keep one or two attacking alternatives—such as wingers or a supporting striker—ready to inject pace or creativity when the game starts to cage.
In midfield, substitutions often focus on fresh legs who can retain possession under pressure or win physical duels in the central zone. Defensive options may include a center‑back or full‑back who can help tighten the shape if Dortmund begins to dominate wide areas or presses high in the final 20 minutes.
Injury‑Affected Lineup Shifts
Injuries can significantly reshape Borussia Dortmund vs. Real Madrid lineups, especially in the days leading up to a high‑profile encounter. Missing a key central midfielder or a starting full‑back might push Dortmund into a more compact 4‑4‑2 or a narrower 4‑2‑3‑1, while the absence of a main striker could lead to a more fluid front‑three setup.
For Real Madrid, losing a central defender or holding midfielder may prompt a tactical shift toward a deeper block, with an extra layer of midfield cover and more cautious use of the full‑backs. Attack‑line injuries, on the other hand, often force Real to move a winger into a central role or bring on a backup striker earlier than planned, altering the way they exploit Dortmund’s high press.
Suspensions and Tactical Adjustments
Suspensions from previous Champions League matches also influence Dortmund vs. Real Madrid lineups, particularly in central midfield and at center‑back positions. When a key screening midfielder is ruled out, Dortmund might deploy a more conservative double pivot, with one player staying closer to the back line while the other handles ball‑progression.
Real Madrid, similarly, can lose a central defender or a holding midfielder due to yellow‑card accumulation, prompting a reshuffle in the back three or adjustments in the midfield trio. These changes often lead to more conservative lineups overall, with both managers prioritizing defensive solidity over attacking flair in the early stages of the tie.
Home and Away Variations
Lineup choices can differ between Dortmund’s home leg and Real Madrid’s home leg in a two‑legged Champions League tie, reflecting each side’s strategic priorities. In BVB’s home game at Signal Iduna Park, managers often opt for a more aggressive 4‑2‑3‑1, pushing full‑backs higher and encouraging midfielders to support the attack heavily in the first leg.
In the away leg at the Bernabéu, Dortmund may shift to a slightly more compact structure, with one central midfielder dropping deeper and wingers tracking back more to blunt Real’s wide threats. For Real Madrid, the home‑leg lineup usually emphasizes control and verticality, while the away‑leg configuration may include a greater degree of defensive discipline to protect any lead or avoid conceding early goals.
Typical Guardiola‑Style vs Klopp‑Style Influence
Although managers change over time, Dortmund vs. Real Madrid lineups still reflect broader tactical philosophies reminiscent of Klopp‑era Liverpool and post‑Zidane‑era Real. Dortmund’s high‑pressing 4‑2‑3‑1 channels the kind of aggressive, coordinated pressing once associated with Klopp, with synchronized triggers and compact lines.
Real Madrid’s 4‑3‑3 carries echoes of Guardiola‑derived positional play, with central midfielders rotating between the lines, full‑backs staying disciplined, and wide players cutting inside to overload the center. These underlying influences affect how managers pick players: Dortmund favoring dynamic, high‑work‑rate units, Real choosing technically refined, possession‑oriented operators.
Likely Probable Starting XI (Dortmund)
In hypothetical or upcoming Dortmund vs. Real Madrid matchups, Borussia Dortmund’s probable starting XI often lines up as follows: a reliable goalkeeper; a central‑defensive pair with a quick, aggressive left‑back and a more composed right‑back; two central midfielders, one holding, one box‑to‑box; a central attacking midfielder; a left‑winger; a central striker; and a right‑winger. This setup preserves the 4‑2‑3‑1 spine while allowing individual players to adapt within the structure—such as the winger drifting inside or the attacking midfielder dropping to receive.
The exact names in that lineup depend on injury status, recent form, and the manager’s preference for balance versus aggression. In hotter games, a more conservative full‑back can be selected over an attacking one, while a physically strong central midfielder might replace a creative but less defensive‑minded option.
Likely Probable Starting XI (Real Madrid)
Real Madrid’s likely starting XI against Borussia Dortmund typically follows a 4‑3‑3 template: a world‑class goalkeeper; a central‑defensive pair; a dependable left‑back and a more attacking right‑back; a deep‑lying midfielder screening in front of the back four; a central midfielder driving forward; an interior or wide‑central midfielder; a central striker; and wingers on either side.
These players are selected not just for their individual quality, but for how they fit together in passing triangles and transitional sequences. In tight ties, substitutions often bring on a second central striker or a tempo‑setting midfielder to maintain dominance in the middle or add a direct threat in the box.
Left‑Sided Matchups to Watch
In Borussia Dortmund vs. Real Madrid lineups, the left‑flank duel often becomes a barometer for who controls the game. Dortmund’s left‑back and left‑winger must cope with Real’s right‑back’s attacking runs and the central midfielder or winger drifting into that zone, while still staying compact enough to support the center‑backs.
For Real, the left‑winger frequently targets the space between Dortmund’s right‑back and central defender, timing runs to stretch BVB’s high defense. How well each side’s left‑sided players perform in one‑on‑one duels, tracking runs, and recovery pace can determine which team dominates possession in the attacking half.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the last match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid?
Real Madrid won the most recent meeting 3–2 during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup quarter-finals on July 5, 2025.
What was the Real Madrid starting XI in the 2024 Champions League Final?
The lineup was: Courtois; Carvajal, Rüdiger, Nacho, Mendy; Valverde, Camavinga, Kroos; Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinícius Júnior.
How many goals did Vinícius Júnior score against Dortmund in the 2024/25 season?
In the 2024/25 Champions League league phase, Vinícius Júnior scored a spectacular hat-trick in a 5–2 comeback victory at the Santiago Bernabéu.
What formation did Dortmund use in the 2025 Club World Cup?
Dortmund utilized a 3-5-2 formation, focusing on a compact midfield and the striking partnership of Serhou Guirassy and Karim Adeyemi.
Did Jude Bellingham play for both clubs?
Yes, Jude Bellingham played for Borussia Dortmund from 2020 to 2023 before transferring to Real Madrid for a fee exceeding €100 million.
What is the “Yellow Wall”?
The “Yellow Wall” (Gelbe Wand) refers to the South Stand (Südtribüne) of Signal Iduna Park, which holds 25,000 standing fans and is world-famous for its intense atmosphere.
Who scored the goals in the 2025 Club World Cup match?
For Real Madrid, goals were scored by Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Arda Güler. Dortmund’s goals came from Serhou Guirassy and Julian Brandt.
What are the ticket prices for a match at the Santiago Bernabéu?
For high-profile European nights, tickets typically start at €120 for general admission and can exceed €600 for VIP or Category 1 seating.
Is the “remontada” common in this fixture?
Yes, Real Madrid has a history of “remontadas” (comebacks) against Dortmund, most notably their 5–2 win in October 2024 after being 0–2 down at halftime.
Final Thoughts
The tactical rivalry between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid has reached a sophisticated equilibrium as of April 2026. While historically defined by Dortmund’s high-octane “heavy metal” football and Real Madrid’s individual brilliance, the modern era sees both teams embracing structural fluidity. Real Madrid, under their stable leadership, has successfully integrated Kylian Mbappé and Arda Güler into a system that can dominate possession or strike on the break with equal lethality. Conversely, Dortmund’s shift under Niko Kovač toward a more pragmatic, defensively sound 3-5-2 or 4-3-3 has made them a much harder unit to break down in European competition.
As we look toward future encounters in the 2026/27 Champions League and beyond, the lineups will likely be dictated by the physical longevity of veterans like Dani Carvajal and the continued ascent of Dortmund’s young core, including Jamie Gittens and Nico Schlotterbeck. The 2025 Club World Cup quarter-final proved that even in a neutral setting like the United States, the competitive fire between these two remains the gold standard for European football. Whether it is a final at Wembley or a league phase clash in the new format, a glance at the starting eleven of these two giants remains the best indicator of the tactical trends currently shaping the world’s most popular sport.
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