The UEFA Champions League 2025 round of 16 features an electrifying encounter as Borussia Dortmund hosts Lille at the BVB Stadion Dortmund on 4 March. With two of Europe’s most in-form strikers – Serhou Guirassy and Jonathan David – going head-to-head, this first-leg clash promises goals and drama. Here’s a comprehensive preview, including where to watch, predicted line-ups, team news, form guides, and insights from the coaches.
Match at a Glance
- When: 4 March (21:00 CET)
- Where: BVB Stadion Dortmund, Dortmund
- What: UEFA Champions League 2025 Round of 16 – First Leg
- Who: Borussia Dortmund (1997 Champions League winners) vs Lille (standout league phase performer)
Where to Watch Borussia Dortmund vs Lille
Fans can catch the action live on UEFA’s official broadcasting partners and leading streaming platforms. Check your local listings for broadcast information.
Head-to-Head: Key Insights
- Previous Meetings: This is the third UEFA competition encounter between Borussia Dortmund and Lille.
- Key Strikers: Serhou Guirassy leads the Champions League scoring charts with 10 goals, while Jonathan David has netted 6 goals in the competition.
- Tactical Duel: Niko Kovač’s Bundesliga experience vs Bruno Génésio’s tactical knowledge from Ligue 1.
Predicted Line-Ups
Borussia Dortmund (4-2-3-1):
- Goalkeeper: Kobel
- Defenders: Ryerson, Can, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini
- Midfielders: Sabitzer, Gross
- Attacking Midfield: Adeyemi, Brandt, Gittens
- Striker: Guirassy
Lille (4-3-3):
- Goalkeeper: Chevalier
- Defenders: Meunier, Diakité, Alexsandro, Gudmundsson
- Midfielders: Mukau, André, Bouaddi
- Forwards: Haraldsson, David, Bakker
Team News
Borussia Dortmund:
- Injury Concerns: No significant injuries reported. Guirassy is fit to lead the attack.
- Key Player: Serhou Guirassy – top scorer in the Champions League this season with 10 goals.
Lille:
- Injury Concerns: No major injuries. Bruno Génésio is expected to field a full-strength squad.
- Key Player: Jonathan David – with 6 goals in the Champions League, his finishing ability will be crucial for Lille.
Form Guide
Borussia Dortmund: WWDLWL
- Latest Result: 2-0 vs St Pauli (Bundesliga, 01/03)
- Strength: Efficient attack with Guirassy leading the line.
- Weakness: Occasional defensive lapses.
Lille: LWWLDW
- Latest Result: 1-4 vs Paris (Ligue 1, 01/03)
- Strength: Quick transitions and clinical finishing.
- Weakness: Defensive vulnerabilities, as seen against Paris.
Coaches’ Views
Niko Kovač, Borussia Dortmund:
“Lille’s versatile football will test our concentration and defensive organization. They have beaten top teams like Real Madrid, which shows their quality. We have to stay compact and make the most of our chances.”
- Tactical Focus: High pressing and quick transitions to capitalize on Lille’s defensive weaknesses.
Bruno Génésio, Lille:
“Reaching the last 16 of the Champions League is a significant achievement for us. Playing at the BVB Stadion is a challenge, but we believe in our attacking strength. Handling the atmosphere and managing key moments will be crucial.”
- Tactical Focus: Compact defense and quick counter-attacks through Jonathan David.
Key Battles to Watch
- Serhou Guirassy vs Diakité: Aerial duels and physical battles in the box.
- Julian Brandt vs Mukau: Midfield creativity and control.
- Jonathan David vs Schlotterbeck: Speed and finishing vs defensive positioning.
Key Stats
- Borussia Dortmund: Unbeaten in their last 5 home Champions League matches (W4 D1).
- Lille’s Away Record: One win in their last 5 away Champions League games (W1 D2 L2).
- Head-to-Head: Borussia Dortmund and Lille have met twice before in UEFA competitions, with one win each.
Did You Know?
- Borussia Dortmund: Won the UEFA Champions League in 1997, defeating Juventus 3-1 in the final.
- Lille: Reached the Champions League knockout stages for only the second time in their history.
- BVB Stadion Dortmund: Known for its intense atmosphere and the iconic “Yellow Wall.”
Prediction
With home advantage and Guirassy’s goal-scoring form, Borussia Dortmund are slight favorites. However, Lille’s counter-attacking threat led by Jonathan David cannot be underestimated.
- Predicted Score: Borussia Dortmund 2-1 Lille
Conclusion
The UEFA Champions League 2025 round of 16 clash between Borussia Dortmund and Lille promises to be a thrilling encounter with two attacking teams. With a place in the quarter-finals at stake, both sides will look to seize the advantage in the first leg. Stay tuned for more UEFA Champions League news, updates, and expert analysis!
