Sabasports Match Preview
UEFA Champions League: Sporting CP vs Borussia Dortmund
Kickoff Time: 2025-02-12 04:00(HKT)
Source:REUTERS/Pedro Nunes
Sporting CP drew 1-1 away against Porto in last weekend’s league match. The team has been in good form recently, remaining unbeaten in their last four matches with two wins and two draws. Since the appointment of their new coach, Rui Borges, Sporting CP’s performance has improved, showcasing resilience and strong attacking power. Under Borges, Sporting CP employs a 4-2-3-1 formation. In terms of tactical style, he is more pragmatic than his predecessor, Ruben Amorim, utilizing a simple and efficient approach that primarily exploits the flanks and quick counterattacks to score. It is noteworthy that Sporting CP has a strong home record, with nine wins and one loss in their 10 home league matches so far this season. Even in the Champions League, they have achieved a commendable record of two wins, one draw, and 1 one loss in their four home games, including a 4-1 victory over Manchester City.
Borussia Dortmund, on the other hand, suffered a 1-2 defeat at home against VfB Stuttgart last weekend, marking Niko Kovac’s disappointing start to his tenure as coach. Tactically, Kovac attempts to build gradually through a solid defense, using the width of the pitch to stretch the opponent’s defense and create attacking space. However, this strategy heavily relies on the players’ understanding and execution. There are still frictions between Kovac’s tactical philosophy and the playing habits of some veterans, leading to inevitable growing pains during this adjustment period. Additionally, Dortmund has struggled under high pressing this season, and their defensive line remains a weak point. Furthermore, Dortmund’s away performances have been disappointing this season, with only three wins, two draws, and five losses in their last 10 away matches.
Although Dortmund boasts greater strength and reputation than Sporting CP, the latter’s overall form is significantly better. Furthermore, Sporting CP has increasingly refined its tactical synergy with the new coach, while Dortmund is still in the process of adapting to Kovac’s tactics. Considering Sporting CP’s strong home advantage and Dortmund’s struggles on the road, it would be reasonable to expect Sporting CP to take the lead in this match.
Sporting CP’s Last 5 Games: DWDWL
25-02-08 FC Porto 1-1 Sporting CP
25-02-03 Sporting CP 3-1 Farense
25-01-30 Sporting CP 1-1 Bologna
25-01-26 Sporting CP 2-0 Nacional
25-01-23 RB Leipzig 2-1 Sporting CP
Borussia Dortmund’s Last 5 Games: LWWDL
25-02-08 Borussia Dortmund 1-2 VfB Stuttgart
25-02-01 FC Heidenheim 1-2 Borussia Dortmund
25-01-30 Borussia Dortmund 3-1 Shakhtar Donetsk
25-01-25 Borussia Dortmund 2-2 Werder Bremen
24-01-22 Bologna 2-1 Borussia Dortmund
Head To Head Record:
21-11-25 Sporting CP 3-1 Borussia Dortmund
21-09-29 Borussia Dortmund 1-0 Sporting CP
16-11-03 Borussia Dortmund 1-0 Sporting CP
16-10-19 Sporting CP 1-2 Borussia Dortmund
Prediction: Sporting CP to win