Borussia Dortmund vs Sporting CP Lineups: UEFA Champions

Introduction

The Borussia Dortmund and Sporting CP lineups are always a subject of intense attention when these two teams compete in the European stage. This UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match, Dortmund holds a solid 3-1 advantage after the first match, however Sporting CP will be hoping to make a comeback in the second leg at Signal Iduna Park. This article we’ll look at each of the Borussia Dortmund vs Sporting CP Lineups, look at the tactics that each team could employ and give insight on the most important players to observe during the game.

Table of Contents

Confirmed Lineups: Borussia Dortmund vs Sporting CP

The Borussia Dortmund vs Sporting CP Lineups showcase distinct strategies from both teams. Dortmund will try to preserve their lead, while Sporting CP will need to be aggressive in order to overtake their disadvantage. Below is an overview of each team’s starting line-up for this high-risk Champions League fixture.

Borussia Dortmund Starting XI (4-2-3-1 Formation)

Position	Player	Notes
Goalkeeper	Gregor Kobel	The key shot-stopper, a strong player in aerial duel and in distribution
Right Back	Julian Ryerson	Speedy, attacking full-back important for overlap runs
Center Back	Emre Can (C)	Proficient, skilled in tackles and an exemplary coach in defense
Center Back	Nico Schlotterbeck	Quick and calm, excellent in analyzing the game.
Left Back	Daniel Svensson	It is a good defensive tool, and can be overlapped to give the width
Defensive Mid	Pascal Gross	He is strong in both attack and defense, he also distributes effectively
Defensive Mid	Marcel Sabitzer	High work rate that interferes with the opponent’s game
Attacking Mid	Julian Brandt	The ability to be creative is the key to Dortmund’s offensive set-up
Right Wing	Karim Adeyemi	Quick, direct player on the wing, constantly a threat at the break
Left Wing	Jamie Bynoe-Gittens	A skilled dribbler, and a unique spark in the left
Striker	Serhou Guirassy	The man who is the target Strong in the air and precise on the ground

Tactics of Borussia Dortmund:

Afflicting damage via the Wings The speed that is played by Adeyemi and Bynoe-Gittens is employed to extend the defense of Sporting and open up an opening for the central attack.
The Pressing High Dortmund’s midfield, with the help of Sabitzer and Gross is looking to take the ball high above the field to allow for quick counter-attacks.
Solid Defense: With Can as leader with Schlotterbeck‘s calmness, Dortmund aims to stay solid and stop Sporting from gaining any space in the last third.

Sporting CP Starting XI (4-2-3-1 Formation)

Position	Player	Notes
Goalkeeper	Rui Silva	Affordable in goal, excellent shot-stopping ability and distribution
Right Back	Ivan Fresneda	Full-back with energy, he can be a strong support for defense and attack
Center Back	Ousmane Diomande	He is powerful in the air and quick to get up on his feet
Center Back	Goncalo Inacio	The toughness of tackles is a crucial part of the build-up phase
Left Back	Matheus Reis	A solid defensive line, which helps to defend the attack to the left
Defensive Mid	Morten Hjulmand	Secures the defense Distributes passes to deep
Defensive Mid	Joao Simoes	The tough tackler provides stability to midfield
Attacking Mid	Francisco Trincao	A creative playmaker who is capable of opening defenses
Right Wing	Geovany Quenda	Fast, adept in one-on-one situations, and creates opportunities
Left Wing	Maximiliano Araujo	Direct winger that is quick, fast, capable of cutting through
Striker	Viktor Gyokeres	The player is strong aerially, excellent holding-up, and a slick finisher.

Tactics of Sporting CP:

Counter-Attacking football: Sporting CP relies on quick changes, using Quenda as well as Araujo to take advantage of spaces in the wings.
Small Midfield With Simoes, Hjulmand Simoes and Hjulmand Simoes, Sporting aims to block Dortmund’s passageways and stop them from monopolizing possession.
set-pieces that target The physicality of sports and agility, especially when it comes to Gyokeres can be a benefit for aerial battles and set-pieces.

Tactical Breakdown: How Both Teams Played

Borussia Dortmund’s High Press and Possession Play

Dortmund’s tactical strategy concentrates on pressing Sporting CP high in the field. Their offense is characterized by rapid ball movement, and players with wide feet like Adeyemi and Bynoe-Gittens seeking to extend the field. They rely heavily on Markt to carry balls towards Guirassy who is the central point of the attack.

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Strengths:
- Pace in the wings Dortmund’s wide players played a key role in securing any open space left by the Sporting defense.
- High-pressing Dortmund’s capability to get the ball high in the field interrupted Sporting’s building up game.
Weaknesses:
- Afflicts on counter-attacks With a strong defense, Dortmund was susceptible to fast counters, particularly Araujo and Gyokeres. as well as Araujo.
- A high reliance on attack wingsmen Dortmund’s reliance on flanks made the central areas inactive.

Sporting CP’s Resilience and Counter-Attacking Game

Sporting CP employed a compact defensive system, aiming to take pressure off Dortmund before unleashing quick counter-attacks. The midfield pair comprising Hjulmand Simoes and Hjulmand Simoes were crucial in securing Dortmund’s game as well as Gyokeres served as an attacking outlet.

Strengths:
- A compact defense: With Diomande and Inacio in a strong defensive unit, Sporting was able to limit Dortmund’s potential.
- Counters that are quick: Trincao, Quenda, and Araujo gave pace in the counter, testing Dortmund’s defensive weaknesses.
Weaknesses:
- Insufficient control: Sporting struggled to keep the game under control for long time and with Dortmund having the upper hand in possession.
- Reliance on counter-attacks Sports’ ability to penetrate Dortmund’s defense was restricted by prolonged possession.

Match Prediction and Potential Outcomes

Given Dortmund’s advantage of 3-0 coming from the opening match, they’re likely to be playing a sane game in order to secure their spot into the Champions League quarterfinals. The other side, Sporting CP who play a counter-attacking style is expected to take advantage of any defensive mistakes made by Dortmund.

Possible Scoreline:

Borussia Dortmund 2-1 Sporting CP
Average score: 5-1 for Borussia Dortmund

Conclusion

The Borussia Dortmund vs Sporting CP Lineups show distinct styles of play with Dortmund focused on pressing high and speedy wide-play, while Sporting CP looks to capitalize on counter-attacks. Dortmund’s advantage from the beginning of the phase gives them a superior position, however Sporting CP’s tenacity and the ability to strike in the open field could create a thrilling game. Both teams have important players playing pivotal positions, the game is likely to be a fascinating tactical clash.

Also Read: Sporting CP vs Man City Lineups: UEFA Champions League

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