Match Preview: Borussia Dortmund vs Ulsan HD FC
Date: Wednesday, 25 June 2025
Time: 20:00 BST (15:30 IST)
Venue: TQL Stadium, Cincinnati
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🟠 Dortmund Outlook
BVB are in solid form, unbeaten in nine competitive matches (seven wins, two draws) :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}. Their 4‑3 thriller over Mamelodi Sundowns showcased both attacking flair and defensive fragility :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}. With two clean sheets in their last five matches across competitions :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}, Dortmund only need a draw to secure progression to the Round of 16; a win would crown them Group F leaders :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
Team News & Tactics
- Defensive absentees: Emre Can, Nico Schlotterbeck, Salih Özcan :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
- Possible back‑three setup: Süle, Anton, Bensebaini :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
- Jobe Bellingham expected to start in midfield :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
- Attacking threats: Serhou Guirassy netted in last match; Adeyemi and Brandt also key :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
🔵 Ulsan HD FC Outlook
Ulsan are out of the tournament with two losses (0 points) but will aim for pride :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}. Their defense has been porous, conceding three goals per game :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}. Key counter‑attacking duo: Um Won‑sang and Erick Farias :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}. Goalkeeper Jo Hyeon‑woo, a hero in South Korea’s 2018 World Cup run, could provide leadership at the back :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
Lineup & Players to Watch
- Likely formation: 3‑5‑2 or 5‑3‑2.
- Attack led by Um Won‑sang (pacey winger), with Lacava as an option :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
- Centre‑backs: Trojak, Kim, Jung; midfield engine: Bojanic, Lee :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
📊 Match Predictions
High‑scoring contest expected: odds favor over 2.5–3.5 goals :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}. Predicted scorelines range from 3‑1 to 3‑0 in Dortmund’s favor :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}. Betting dashboards highlight Guirassy as first scorer contender, Jobe Bellingham a livewire midfield threat, and Adeyemi as a pace threat :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
Key Battles
- Dortmund attack vs Ulsan’s shaky backline.
- Midfield battle—Dortmund’s control vs Ulsan’s counter‑attack speed.
- Weather & stamina—Cincinnati heat (~41 °C felt) could impact pacing :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
A win sends Dortmund through in style; Ulsan chase respect and a strong finish.
Match Start's In