The Matchday 3 encounter in the Champions League 2025/26 between Copenhagen (Denmark) and Borussia Dortmund (Germany) is set to take place on October 21 at the Parken Stadium. Copenhagen vs. Borussia Dortmund: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Copenhagen
The Danes suffered a 0-2 defeat away to Qarabag in the last round. This loss was their first in the last eight Champions League matches (4 wins, 3 draws). Additionally, Jakob Neestrup's side ended their four-match scoring streak in this tournament. In both group stage matches of the Champions League 2025/26, the club conceded exactly two goals. After two rounds, Copenhagen is positioned 28th in the overall standings with one point.
- At least one opponent failed to score in 6 of the last 8 Champions League games for the Scandinavians.
- At home in this tournament, the Danes have not lost in 6 of their last 7 matches (5 wins, 1 draw).
- In 5 of the last 7 home matches in the Champions League, the club scored at least two goals.
Predicted lineup for Copenhagen (4-4-2)
Dominik Kotarski – Jun Nishikawa, Gabriel Pereira, Pantelis Hatzidiakos, Marcos Lopez – Jordan Larsson, Viktor Claesson, Lukas Lerager, William Clem – Youssoufa Moukoko, Robert Silva.
Midfielders Magnus Matsson, Thomas Delaney, defender Rodrigo Ueska, and forward Andreas Cornelius will miss the match due to injuries.
Borussia Dortmund
Niko Kovac's team followed up a 4-4 draw with Juventus by thrashing Athletic 4-1 at home. Dortmund has lost only one of their last nine Champions League matches (5 wins, 3 draws), but they have kept a clean sheet in only two of those games. Moreover, in this Champions League campaign, the Germans have already conceded five goals, a tally worse than only six other teams. However, with eight goals scored, Borussia ranks in the top two for scoring. In the overall standings, the club occupies the 7th position.
- At least one goal has been scored in 5 of the last 6 matches for the Germans in the Champions League.
- The team has conceded in 5 of their last 7 away games in this tournament.
- Dortmund opened the scoring in 7 of their last 9 away matches in the Champions League.
Predicted lineup for Borussia Dortmund (3-4-3)
Gregor Kobel – Nico Schlotterbeck, Waldemar Anton, Ramy Bensebaini – Yan Couto, Felix Nmecha, Job Bellingham, Daniel Svensson – Karim Adeyemi, Serhou Guirassy, Maximilian Bayer.
Defender Emre Can and midfielder Julien Duranville will not play due to injuries.
Referee
Referee: Danny Makkelie (Netherlands)
Matches – 6 (International matches, 2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 14;
Average yellow cards per match – 2.3;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 25;
Penalties – 33%.
Match Prediction: Copenhagen vs. Borussia Dortmund
The Danes showcased excellent defensive play in the qualifying rounds, keeping clean sheets in 5 of 6 matches. However, upon reaching the group stage, where the opponents' quality is significantly higher, their defensive game has been lacking. This is a familiar scenario for Copenhagen. In their previous Champions League season, the Scandinavians conceded in 6 of 8 matches. However, it's worth noting that the club scores regularly at all stages, especially at home, where the Danes have scored in 8 consecutive Champions League games.
Dortmund impresses with their attacking prowess. In the first two rounds, the team scored 8 goals, and the Germans have scored at least twice in 4 of their last 5 Champions League matches. However, by favoring attacking football, Borussia often encounters problems at their own end. Niko Kovac's side has conceded in 6 consecutive matches in this tournament.
Copenhagen hosted Bayer in the first round, playing to a high-scoring draw. I think the hosts will exchange goals with another German team. My prediction: Both teams to score – yes
