Fixture: Bayer 04 Leverkusen vs Borussia Dortmund — Bundesliga
Kick-off: Saturday, 29 November 2025 — BayArena (evening kick-off). ESPN.com
This is one of the standout fixtures of the weekend: two title-chasing sides, similar on points and both carrying strong European form into the domestic game. Leverkusen arrive with real momentum under their current coaching team and a BayArena run that has frustrated visiting sides; Dortmund are dangerous on the counter and remain a threat through a blend of pace and clever attacking rotations. Below is a publication-ready preview that pulls together the latest team news, tactical keys, likely lineups and a clean prediction.
What’s changed this week — form and context
Leverkusen have been impressing recently and are seen by many pundits as genuine Bayern challengers after a string of positive results in both the Bundesliga and Europe. That rhythm — including a notable win over Manchester City in the Champions League this month — has given Kasper Hjulmand’s side a confidence boost going into this top-of-the-table clash. Dortmund, meanwhile, come off a big midweek win in Europe and have scored freely in recent matches, but they’ve also dropped unexpected points in the league and can be vulnerable when Leverkusen press in waves. This matchup is therefore about Leverkusen’s energetic structure versus Dortmund’s transitional firepower. TalkSport+1
Team news & injuries (what matters)
Leverkusen’s injury list is relatively light but with a few notable absentees: reports this week flagged doubts around Exequiel Palacios, Lucas Vázquez and Equi Fernández — all sidelined or monitored — while other players are being carefully managed to avoid midseason flare-ups. Dortmund’s camp looks healthier on paper, although manager selection will be influenced by recent minutes and recovery after European fixtures; expect a near-full strength lineup but with careful rotation options on the bench. These availability notes shape how both managers will approach pressing triggers and substitution windows. Bulinews+1
Likely XIs & tactical shapes
Preview sites converge on similar templates for both sides; treat these as informed predictions rather than confirmed team sheets:
Leverkusen (probable, 3-4-2-1 / 3-4-3 hybrid): Mark Flekken; Jarell Quansah, Loïc Badé, Edmond Tapsoba; Alejandro Grimaldo, Aleix García, Ibrahim Maza, Jonas Hofmann; Ernest Poku, Malik Tillman; Patrik Schick. This shape allows Leverkusen to press aggressively through the midfield double pivot, overload the half-spaces and create chances for Schick through quick vertical combos. Sportsgambler
Dortmund (probable, flexible 3-4-2-1 / 3-4-3): Gregor Kobel; Nico Schlotterbeck (or Emre Can), Waldemar Anton, other centre-back options; wide midfielders supplying width; Julian Brandt and a creative partner behind a central striker (Guirassy/other). Dortmund usually transition from a compact defensive block into lightning counters; the wide midfielders must balance crosses with inside runs to stretch Leverkusen’s backline. Yahoo Sports
Both sides can tweak into a back four in possession or move to a narrower midfield if the coach wants to control central areas — the managers’ in-game adjustments will be decisive.
Tactical keys — how the game will be won
Pressing triggers and turnovers: Leverkusen’s success often comes from forcing turnovers high up the pitch and immediately exploiting the resulting imbalance. If Dortmund avoid giving the ball away in dangerous zones, they can turn the tide by launching fast counters. Fear The Wall
Midfield control: The duel in central areas (Aleix García / Maza for Leverkusen vs Dortmund’s pivots) will determine who gets first access to the half-spaces. Whoever wins those contacts dictates the tempo. Sportsgambler
Set pieces & second balls: Both teams have aerial quality and physical forwards who profit from loose balls; set pieces and late runs into the box are likely to produce chances in a tight affair. TheHardTackle.com
Expect a fast, open start with Leverkusen probing early and Dortmund looking to hit back through direct counters and behind-the-defence runs.
Players to watch
Patrik Schick (Leverkusen): focal point for attacks — his movement and hold-up play will be crucial in creating overloads and bringing the advancing midfielders into play. Sportsgambler
Jonas Hofmann / Malik Tillman (Leverkusen): threat from the flanks and in the half-spaces; their timing on diagonal runs could be decisive. Bulinews
Dortmund creative outlet (Brandt / number 10): the player who finds the vertical pass to the striker or times the ball for a wide runner will be the match-winner. Dortmund’s speed on the break gives them a constant chance to punish a single misplaced pass. Yahoo Sports
Prediction & match script
This is finely balanced on form and fitness. Leverkusen’s home run and ability to press make them marginal favourites at the BayArena, but Dortmund’s counter-attacking potency means a high-intensity, end-to-end game is likely. Statistical models and prediction engines are leaning to a close scoreline (forecasts range from 2-2 to a Leverkusen 2-1 win), reflecting the attacking strengths of both sides and the chance for defensive mistakes to decide the match. My realistic forecast is a 2–1 win for Bayer Leverkusen or a 2–2 draw if Dortmund execute quick transitions and both sides convert set-piece moments. Forebet Predictions+1
What to watch live
The first 20 minutes for which team grabs possession momentum.
Substitution windows around 60–70 minutes — both managers use fresh legs to change tempo and close or open the game.
Set-piece sequences and who wins the second ball in the final third — that often produces the decisive goal in high-intensity fixtures.
