Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Champions League match.
Both Sporting Lisbon and Borussia Dortmund have struggled this season due to managerial changes, which have left their squads in transition. Despite leading the Portuguese league, Sporting are still adapting to life after Rúben Amorim, while Borussia Dortmund have fallen well behind the Bundesliga’s top four.
Sporting Lisbon
Since the start of 2025, Sporting Lisbon have won just four of their nine matches, struggling in the Champions League with a loss to Leipzig (1:2) and a draw against Bologna (1:1), conceding a concerning 3.44 xGA. The major issue within the squad has been the handling of their star striker Viktor Gyökeres, who has started just once in the past month under Rui Borges. Further squad problems include the injury to João Simões and the suspension of captain Morten Hjulmand, who is out due to yellow card accumulation.
Borussia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund, on the other hand, are only missing Felix Nmecha and Ramy Bensebaini for this trip to Lisbon. Their defeat to Stuttgart (2:1) on Saturday ended a two-game winning run, but they were unlucky, as refereeing decisions went against them despite dominating in terms of chances (1.28 vs 0.35 in xG). The key weapon for Dortmund remains Serhou Guirassy, who has recorded 5+1 since 21 January and is the leading scorer of the Champions League group stage (9+2).
Sporting Lisbon vs Borussia Dortmund Prediction
Borussia Dortmund appear more stable heading into the Champions League knockout rounds, whereas Sporting Lisbon may be better off prioritising their domestic title charge. The visitors have enough firepower to take control of the tie ahead of the second leg in Germany.
