Borussia Dortmund vs Bayer Leverkusen Match Preview - Dec 2, 2025

The stakes are sky-high as Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen clash in the DFB Pokal Round of 16 at Signal Iduna Park on December 2, 2025. Both teams come into this knockout fixture with conflicting narratives-Dortmund, fresh off a stunning Champions League triumph, aims to build momentum; while Leverkusen, following their impressive win against Manchester City, looks to solidify its status as a serious contender. It's not just about advancing; it's about establishing dominance.

Predicted Lineups: For Dortmund, expect a familiar structure: GK: Gregor Kobel, DEF: Nico Schlotterbeck, Waldemar Anton, Ramy Bensebaini, MID: Felix Nmecha, Daniel Svensson, Marcel Sabitzer, Jobe Bellingham; FWD: Serhou Guirassy and Karim Adeyemi. Meanwhile for Leverkusen: GK: Mark Flekken, DEF: Edmond Tapsoba, Loïc Badé, Jeanuël Belocian; MID: Alejandro Grimaldo and Aleix García alongside Ibrahim Maza and Jonas Hofmann; and up front: Patrik Schick supported by Malik Tillman.

Dortmund's recent form tells two contrasting tales within a single match-a comfortable victory against Villarreal followed by a defensive struggle in the Bundesliga. They recorded an impressive 64% possession against Villarreal with an astonishing pass accuracy of 89%. However, their slip-ups against VfB Stuttgart (3-3) showed vulnerabilities in defense and inability to convert opportunities into points-despite dominating expected goals (xG of 2.91), they failed to secure all three points.

In contrast, Bayer Leverkusen appears formidable lately. Their tactical consistency using the 3-4-2-1 formation allows them flexibility in both offense and defense. Against Manchester City, they executed their game plan flawlessly: absorbing pressure while creating quick transitions that resulted in significant scoring chances-evident through their remarkable xG of 0.28 despite limited ball possession (46%). Leverkusen's recent performances exhibit clinical finishing too; Patrik Schick has been instrumental with seven goals across competitions this season.

As we analyze both squads' strengths and weaknesses through the lens of their statistics:

Tactical Battles

1. Possession & Passing Accuracy:

Dortmund historically thrives on ball possession and swift passing sequences-they've consistently dominated this category with a total pass accuracy above 80% in most matches recently. In stark contrast lies Leverkusen's methodical approach focused on transition play rather than sustained possession.

This matchup will be decided in midfield where the likes of Emre Can and Felix Nmecha need to assert control against Alejandro Grimaldo's aggressive pressing style.

1. Offensive Output:

Both teams boast potent attacking threats but with distinct styles-Dortmund's reliance on width provided by wingers like Adeyemi allows them to stretch defenses thin. Meanwhile, Leverkusen utilizes direct approaches via short passes around the box which can create space for players like Schick.

Keep an eye on how well Dortmund deals with those quick movements from Leverkusen when they transition from defense to offense. If Tapsoba or Badé push up too aggressively for set plays or overlaps down the wings without adequate cover from midfielders like Andrich or Hofmann tracking back-it could leave them vulnerable at the back.

1. Defensive Actions:

Defensive discipline could prove critical given recent stats showing that both teams have occasionally faltered defensively under pressure-with Dortmund conceding three times against Stuttgart recently highlighting lapses that could easily be exploited by Leverkusen's pacey forwards.

Players To Watch

Look out for Serhou Guirassy-having netted 15 times this season already-he is becoming an unstoppable force for Dortmund up front alongside Karim Adeyemi who contributes vital assists (seven so far). On the flip side, keep tabs on Patrik Schick whose movement is incisive enough to pull defenders out of position while also capitalizing on any sloppy defending from Dortmund.

Furthermore, it's crucial for Dortmund's backline led by Anton to maintain compactness; if they do not address Schick effectively during pivotal moments of counterattacks or set pieces-the results could be catastrophic!

Ultimately, these are two teams riding highs yet navigating tactical puzzles that each coach must solve effectively-and therein lies our prediction dilemma.

Final Thoughts

Dortmund may have home advantage but considering Bayer Leverkusen's momentum following stellar performances against top-tier opposition-it wouldn't be shocking if we see an upset here! The tactical chess match between coaches adds layers of intrigue as both will tweak formations throughout play based upon developments-but given current forms with both sides having slight edge offensively over defensive solidity elsewhere-it tips slightly toward an explosive draw leading into extra time... but then again one team might break free! Expect late drama as they try to avoid penalties!

Ultimately though-with defensive cracks exposed from both ends-you'd likely see more goals here than anyone expects because as both managers scramble tactically towards survival mode... It's all set up perfectly for Borussia Dortmund versus Bayer Leverkusen-the knockout stage awaits!