Sporting CP vs Dortmund

Sporting CP and Borussia Dortmund are set to clash at Estadio Jose Alvalade on Tuesday, with the home side looking to secure a much-needed UEFA Champions League victory, something they have not achieved since Ruben Amorim's departure. Rui Borges, the current head coach, is now tasked with steering his team through the knockout round playoffs against the visiting German club, who have recently appointed Niko Kovac as their new manager. Despite their struggles in European competition since Amorim's exit, Sporting CP have been in solid form domestically, maintaining an unbeaten record over their past seven matches across all competitions. Their only setback in this stretch was a draw against Bologna, but they have otherwise demonstrated resilience and consistency.

Borussia Dortmund, on the other hand, enter this encounter following a disappointing weekend defeat to Stuttgart, marking a rough start for Kovac in his new role. The loss against Stuttgart was their fifth in their last eight matches across all competitions, reflecting a turbulent spell for the German club. Currently situated in the lower half of the Bundesliga standings, Dortmund have found defensive stability elusive, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last 13 matches, a concerning statistic that dates back to November. However, despite their defensive frailties, Dortmund have displayed an impressive attacking output, having netted 22 goals in the league phase, a tally that places them just behind Barcelona in terms of offensive firepower.

When these two sides last met in the Champions League, it was Sporting CP who emerged victorious with a 3-1 win in late 2021. That encounter saw the Portuguese outfit assert their dominance, capitalizing on Dortmund’s defensive vulnerabilities. This time around, both teams find themselves in fluctuating form, with Sporting CP appearing to have the upper hand in terms of recent performances. However, the unpredictable nature of European knockout football ensures that Dortmund will not be written off easily.

With Rui Borges looking to continue Sporting CP's positive momentum and Niko Kovac aiming to turn around Dortmund's fortunes, this fixture is poised to be an intriguing battle. Sporting CP will seek to exploit their home advantage and maintain their solid run, while Borussia Dortmund will be desperate to shake off their poor form and make a strong statement under their new manager. Ultimately, the outcome of this match will be determined by which team can best capitalize on their strengths while mitigating their evident weaknesses.