Borussia Dortmund vs Real Betis Preview: Team News & Prediction | 2026-27 UEFA Champions League | League Phase
by Alex Lawes ·
German giants Borussia Dortmund come up against an impressive Real Betis side in the league phase of the UEFA Champions League at Westfalenstadion.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV & online: UK – TNT Sports & HBO Max / USA – Paramount+
Borussia Dortmund preview: In a title race
Borussia Dortmund kept themselves in the title race of the Bundesliga at the weekend as they earned themselves a creditable 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena in the game commercially known as ‘Der Klassiker’ in Bavaria.
In the UEFA Champions League, Dortmund defeated Villarreal in their opener before a frustrating 1-0 loss to Bodo/Glimt in Norway. They did bounce back from that with a fairly unconvincing victory against Azeri champions Sabah, though.
Real Betis preview: Three from three
In their first UEFA Champions League campaign in over 20 years, Real Betis have managed three victories from three matches in the league phase as Los Verdiblancos get close to all but confirming spring time European football in Seville.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side come into this one on the back of an Andalusian derby defeat of Malaga at La Cartuja at the weekend, defeating the strugglers by two goals to one with first half strikes scored by Marc Bartra and Pablo Fornals.
Borussia Dortmund team news: Nothing fresh
There are no fresh injury concerns for Dortmund to deal with ahead of this one. Jobe Bellingham may well have forced his way into a consistent starting spot after a strong performance against Bayern but Niko Kovac is blessed with a deep squad.
Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Kobel; Gadou, Anton, Schlotterbeck, Beier, Veerman, Nmecha, Svensson; Bellingham, Sabitzer; Guirassy
Unavailable: Can (Injured), Lerma (Injured), Konstantelias (Injured)
Questionable:
Real Betis team news: Couple could return
Left-back Junior Firpo is working his way back to full fitness with Cucho Hernandez also seeking to shake off an injury. Defensive midfielder Facundo Bernal could be a preferred fresh option as he has been missing through suspension in La Liga.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Valles; Bellerin, Bartra, Natan, Garcia; Bernal, Roca; Antony, Isco, Abde Ez; Parrott
Unavailable:
Questionable: Firpo (Fitness), Cucho (Injured)
Borussia Dortmund vs Real Betis prediction
While comfortable enough against Malaga the other day, it was perhaps a continuation of a slight dip in their performance level for Betis after what has been a brilliant opening few months to this campaign. They head to Germany aware that they can punish an often fallible and frustrating Dortmund side but perhaps siding with the Germans to end Betis’ three-match winning streak in this competition is good value.
Borussia Dortmund vs Real Betis Tip: Borussia Dortmund to win & both teams to score
