Introduction
When two football powerhouses like Borussia Dortmund and Sporting CP face off, the excitement is guaranteed — and for fans searching “Borussia Dortmund vs Sporting CP lineups”, this guide covers everything you need to know.
From confirmed starting XI and substitutes to tactical analysis, team news, and standout players, this article dives deep into the match that showcased high-intensity European football, skillful strategy, and tactical brilliance.
Match Overview: Borussia Dortmund vs Sporting CP
The UEFA Champions League clash between Borussia Dortmund and Sporting CP drew attention from fans worldwide. Both teams came into the match with momentum — Dortmund with their fast, attacking football, and Sporting CP with their disciplined defensive structure and sharp counterattacks.
Competition: UEFA Champions League 2024/25
Stage: Knockout Play-offs
First Leg Venue: Estádio José Alvalade (Lisbon)
Second Leg Venue: Signal Iduna Park (Dortmund)
Aggregate Result: Borussia Dortmund 3 – 0 Sporting CP
Borussia Dortmund Lineup (First Leg)
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Starting XI:
Gregor Kobel (GK)
Julian Ryerson (RB)
Nico Schlotterbeck (CB)
Emre Can (CB)
Daniel Svensson (LB)
Pascal Groß (CDM)
Marcel Sabitzer (CM)
Karim Adeyemi (RW)
Julian Brandt (CAM)
Jamie Bynoe-Gittens (LW)
Serhou Guirassy (ST)
Manager: Edin Terzić
Tactical Insight:
Dortmund deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation, designed to balance defensive stability with attacking fluidity. Pascal Groß and Sabitzer controlled the midfield tempo, allowing Brandt freedom to orchestrate play behind Guirassy. Adeyemi and Gittens added pace and creativity on the flanks, keeping Sporting’s full-backs under pressure.
Sporting CP Lineup (First Leg)
Formation: 3-4-3
Starting XI:
Rui Silva (GK)
Ousmane Diomandé (RCB)
Gonçalo Inácio (CB)
Matheus Reis (LCB)
Ricardo Esgaio (RM)
João Simões (LM)
Morten Hjulmand (CM)
Geovany Quenda (CM)
Francisco Trincão (RW)
Maximiliano Araújo (LW)
Conrad Harder (ST)
Manager: Rúben Amorim
Tactical Insight:
Sporting’s 3-4-3 formation aimed to dominate midfield and transition quickly into attack. With Hjulmand anchoring and Trincão pushing wide, Amorim’s system focused on width and pressing. However, Dortmund’s midfield duo neutralized this approach by cutting off passing lanes and controlling possession.
Second Leg Lineups
Borussia Dortmund (4-2-3-1):
GK: Gregor Kobel
DEF: Ryerson, Schlotterbeck, Emre Can, Svensson
MID: Groß, Sabitzer, Brandt
FWD: Adeyemi, Bynoe-Gittens, Guirassy
Sporting CP (3-4-3):
GK: Rui Silva
DEF: Diomandé, Inácio, Reis
MID: Esgaio, Hjulmand, Quenda, Simões
FWD: Trincão, Araújo, Harder
Match Result: 0-0 (Aggregate: 3-0 Dortmund)
How the Lineups Shaped the Match
Dortmund’s Control Through Midfield
Dortmund’s use of two central midfielders (Groß and Sabitzer) allowed them to dominate possession. Their ability to transition quickly from defense to attack suffocated Sporting’s rhythm.
Julian Brandt played the “No. 10” role to perfection, dropping deep to assist in build-up play and creating space for Guirassy to exploit.
Sporting’s Defensive Structure
Sporting’s three-man backline was effective in parts but left gaps when Dortmund’s wingers inverted. Diomandé and Inácio were strong aerially but struggled with the speed of Adeyemi and Gittens cutting inside.
Tactical Substitutions
In the second half, Dortmund introduced Youssoufa Moukoko to stretch Sporting’s defense further. Amorim brought on Pedro Gonçalves and Marcus Edwards to add creativity, but Dortmund’s defensive wall stood firm.
Key Players Who Defined the Lineups
Borussia Dortmund
Gregor Kobel: Commanded his box brilliantly, making crucial saves that secured a clean sheet.
Serhou Guirassy: Dortmund’s clinical finisher, his movement off the ball constantly troubled Sporting’s defense.
Julian Brandt: The creative hub, constantly finding pockets of space and threading dangerous passes.
Karim Adeyemi: His pace and directness opened up the flanks, creating numerous scoring opportunities.
Sporting CP
Morten Hjulmand: Shielded the backline effectively and distributed with composure under pressure.
Gonçalo Inácio: Showed why he’s one of Europe’s most promising young defenders with solid positioning.
Francisco Trincão: Looked lively on the right but struggled against Ryerson’s defensive discipline.
Statistical Breakdown
| Metric | Borussia Dortmund | Sporting CP |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 57% | 43% |
| Shots (on target) | 15 (6) | 8 (3) |
| Pass Accuracy | 88% | 82% |
| Fouls | 10 | 12 |
| Corners | 7 | 4 |
| Big Chances Created | 4 | 1 |
Dortmund’s superior ball control and shot accuracy reflect how their lineup complemented their tactical plan — to dominate possession and press high.
Tactical Comparison: Terzić vs Amorim
| Aspect | Borussia Dortmund | Sporting CP |
|---|---|---|
| Formation | 4-2-3-1 | 3-4-3 |
| Tactical Approach | High press, ball progression through midfield | Compact defense, counter-attacks |
| Strength | Midfield control, creativity | Defensive solidity, transitions |
| Weakness | Vulnerable to quick counters | Struggled against fast wingers |
Edin Terzić’s flexibility gave Dortmund the edge. While Amorim’s Sporting CP showed structure, they couldn’t find penetration in the final third due to Dortmund’s compact shape.
Match Highlights
1st Leg: Serhou Guirassy scored twice, with Brandt adding a third, sealing Dortmund’s 3-0 win.
2nd Leg: A tactical stalemate where both teams showcased defensive discipline.
Aggregate Result: Dortmund advanced 3-0 on aggregate, displaying European maturity.
What the Lineups Reveal About Each Club
Borussia Dortmund
Their young, dynamic lineup shows the club’s focus on developing talent while maintaining competitiveness.
The mix of experience (Groß, Can) and youth (Gittens, Adeyemi) defines Dortmund’s modern identity.
Guirassy’s emergence as a consistent scorer adds much-needed finishing power.
Sporting CP
Despite the loss, Sporting’s structure and youth integration reflect Rúben Amorim’s long-term project.
The team’s 3-4-3 formation is bold and modern, but it needs attacking depth to compete at top UCL levels.
What’s Next for Dortmund and Sporting?
Borussia Dortmund: With this victory, Dortmund advanced to the quarter-finals, confident in their system and squad depth.
Sporting CP: Eliminated but with plenty of positives — strong defense, promising young players, and tactical clarity.
Conclusion
The Borussia Dortmund vs Sporting CP lineups not only shaped the outcome but also showcased two contrasting football philosophies — Dortmund’s dynamic and fast-paced approach versus Sporting’s structured tactical balance.
In the end, Dortmund’s superior midfield control and clinical finishing made the difference, sealing their dominance in both legs.
For fans and analysts alike, this matchup serves as a perfect study of how formations, player choices, and in-game tactics decide the outcome at the highest level of European football.

