BETTING GUIDE: Bayer Leverkusen Vs Borussia Dortmund match preview, team news and betting tip
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Reading Time: 5min | Sat. 29.11.25. | 11:45
With just a single point separating the sides heading into matchday 12, and with Bayern Munich establishing a strong cushion at the top, both clubs know that any dropped points here could have major implications for Champions League qualification
A blockbuster Bundesliga encounter awaits at the BayArena as Bayer Leverkusen host Borussia Dortmund in a clash that could significantly shape the top-four race.
With just a single point separating the sides heading into matchday 12, and with Bayern Munich establishing a strong cushion at the top, both clubs know that any dropped points here could have major implications for Champions League qualification.
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Leverkusen enter the weekend third with 23 points (W7, D2, L2), two behind Leipzig, while Dortmund sit fourth with 22 points (W6, D4, L1).
The margins among the chasing pack are razor-thin, and this matchup arrives at a moment where form, momentum, and tactical execution could prove decisive.
Both sides produced morale-boosting Champions League victories during the week, with Leverkusen securing an impressive 2–0 win away at Manchester City, extending their strong run in Europe.
Dortmund were equally dominant, dismantling Villarreal 4–0 at home to end a three-game winless streak. Those continental results inject confidence into both camps but also raise questions about rotation, squad freshness, and tactical adjustments heading into this high-intensity domestic showdown.
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Leverkusen have been one of the Bundesliga’s form teams across the past two months.
Kasper Hjulmand’s men have won eight of their last ten matches in all competitions, including four straight victories coming into this fixture. Their league run has been particularly convincing, with six wins in their last seven Bundesliga matches, built on fluid attacking patterns, reliable finishing, and a press structure that suffocates opponents’ buildup phases.
Even more impressive is their strength at home: Leverkusen have won four of their last five league games at the BayArena, drawing the other, and have scored heavily during that stretch while keeping their defensive metrics relatively stable.
Dortmund arrive in Leverkusen with confidence restored after their European win, but their domestic form remains inconsistent.
Their last two Bundesliga fixtures ended in draws - 1–1 against Hamburg and 3–3 against Stuttgart - reflecting a side capable of explosive moments but struggling with defensive concentration and stability in key match phases.
Their away record has also been mixed, with just one win in their last three league trips, including a narrow defeat to Bayern Munich.
However, Dortmund can take encouragement from having won 4–2 in their last visit to this stadium in May, a match where transitions and individual brilliance tilted the contest in their favour.
In terms of form analysis, Leverkusen’s recent performances suggest they enter the clash with better rhythm and control.
Their ability to dominate possession, create high-quality chances, and manage game tempo has improved markedly under Alonso.
The 6–0 demolition of Heidenheim and 3–1 win away to Wolfsburg underline their attacking firepower, with Patrik Schick rediscovering his sharpness - scoring four goals in his last four appearances.
Dortmund’s form line, meanwhile, shows resilience but also instability.
They have scored in all but one of their last six matches but have conceded at least once in five of those, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities that could be punished by Leverkusen’s dynamic front line.
Team news provides another layer of intrigue. Leverkusen have no major new injuries but continue to assess goalkeeper Janis Blaswich, who remains doubtful after missing the trip to Manchester City.
Axel Tape, though back in training, is not expected to feature. Hjulmand has alternated between a 3-4-3 and 3-4-2-1 structure depending on opponent dynamics, though his side has generally maintained fluid rotations, aggressive wing-back positioning, and central overloads through Malik Tillman and Christian Kofane supporting Patrick Schick.
Dortmund, on the other hand, remain without Niklas Süle, while Maximilian Beier is expected to return after missing the midweek fixture.
Niko Kovać is likely to continue with a 3-4-3 system also, using Serhou Guirassy - now on five league goals - as the spearhead, supported by Brandt, Adeyemi, and potentially Beier drifting between lines.
Dortmund’s midfield balance will rely heavily on Sabitzer and Nmecha, especially against Leverkusen’s aggressive central press.
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Tactically, this matchup promises a battle of contrasts: Leverkusen’s structured, possession-centric approach against Dortmund’s more vertical, transition-oriented threat.
This Leverkusen side will aim to dominate the midfield through numerical superiority, using Alex Grimaldo and Ernst Poku as attacking wing-backs to pin Dortmund’s wide players deep.
Dortmund will depend on rapid moments of acceleration through Karim Adeyemi and Guirassy, looking to exploit Leverkusen’s high defensive line.
The key question is which team controls the central corridors - if Leverkusen dictate the rhythm, Dortmund could be forced into deeper defending phases; if Dortmund find early transition moments, they can unsettle Leverkusen’s positional structure.
Home and away form further leans towards the hosts. Leverkusen have been one of the league’s most reliable home sides, undefeated in their last five at the venue. Dortmund’s away form, by contrast, has fluctuated, with defensive fragility showing in several matches.
Historically, Dortmund hold the upper hand in recent head-to-head meetings, winning five of the last nine, including the 4–2 triumph here last season. But Leverkusen have evolved significantly since that period, and their current metrics - higher goal output, improved defensive structure, and better balance - suggest a more competitive foundation than previous campaigns.
Key pointers
Leverkusen won eight of their last ten matches in all competitions, losing only two.
In the Bundesliga, Leverkusen won six of their last seven fixtures.
At home, Leverkusen won four of their last five league games, drawing the other.
Dortmund failed to win four of their last six league games.
Away from home, Dortmund could win only one of their last three league trips.
Considering recent form, tactical patterns, and venue influence, Leverkusen enter this encounter with clearer momentum and structural stability.
Dortmund will threaten, as they always do, but their vulnerability in defensive rest phases could prove costly against a Leverkusen side in sharp attacking form.
Prediction; Leverkusen to win & Over 2.5 goals.
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