Leverkusen are riding high after four straight wins, including a 2‑0 triumph over Manchester City, while Dortmund seek to end a shaky November with confidence from a 4‑0 demolition of Villarreal.
Match Preview
Bayer Leverkusen have finally clicked into gear under Kasper Hjulmand. After a slow start and a 3‑0 thrashing by Bayern Munich, they’ve strung together four consecutive victories – Benfica (1‑0), Heidenheim (6‑0), Wolfsburg (3‑1) and Manchester City (2‑0).
The Danish coach called the Manchester night “a night to remember,” with stand‑out performances from Mark Flekken, Jarell Quansah, Ernest Poku and Christian Kofane, plus goals from Alex Grimaldo and Patrik Schick.
Yet Leverkusen haven’t beaten Dortmund at home since January 2021, making this clash a test of whether the recent surge can break a stubborn hoodoo.
Borussia Dortmund, on the other hand, have been shaky in November, culminating in a 3‑3 draw with VfB Stuttgart where they squandered leads three times.
However, a 4‑0 win over Villarreal in the Champions League gave them a morale boost and re‑opened Guirassy’s goal vein.
Team News
There are few injury worries for both teams. Exequiel Palacios (adductor), Lucas Vazquez (muscular problems) and Equi Fernandez (ligament) are out.
Hjulmand is expected to keep the same XI that won in Manchester, with Flekken in goal, a back four of Quansah, Bade and Tapsoba, midfield quartet Hofmann, Garcia, Maza, Grimaldo, and up front Tillman, Poku and Schick.
For Dortmund, there are doubts Niklas Süle (bruised toe) and Maximilian Beier (muscle stiffness). Otherwise, Niko Kovac has a near‑full squad.
Bayer Leverkusen XI
Flekken – Quansah, Bade, Tapsoba – Hofmann, Garcia, Maza, Grimaldo – Tillman, Poku – Schick.
Borussia Dortmund XI
Kobel – Anton, Can, Schlotterbeck – Ryerson, Nmecha, Bellingham, Svensson – Adeyemi, Chukwuemeka – Guirassy.
