The Daily Star Ireland
FC Copenhagen host Borussia Dortmund at Parken Stadium in a key Champions League group-stage encounter. The Danish champions are still chasing their first win in this campaign, while Dortmund arrive unbeaten and full of attacking confidence. Both sides need points for different reasons — Copenhagen to stay in contention, and Dortmund to tighten their grip on qualification.
Match Preview
FC Copenhagen have struggled to find their rhythm in Europe this season. After opening with a 2–0 defeat to Qarabag and a 2–2 home draw with Bayer Leverkusen, the Danes find themselves under pressure. Their form across all competitions has dipped, with just two wins in their last seven matches — against Lyngby (2–0) in the Danish Cup and SønderjyskE (2–1) in the league. Before the international break, they battled to a 1–1 draw with Midtjylland, showing defensive resilience but lacking attacking sharpness.
At home, Copenhagen have been competitive but inconsistent, often relying on set pieces and transitions. Their inability to convert chances has cost them valuable points, and defensive injuries continue to limit their options. A positive result here would be a major confidence boost.
Borussia Dortmund, on the other hand, are flying. After a thrilling 4–4 draw away to Juventus in their Champions League opener, they followed up with a commanding 4–1 victory over Athletic Bilbao at Signal Iduna Park. That brings them to eight goals in two European fixtures, a clear statement of intent from Niko Kovac’s men.
In the Bundesliga, Dortmund remain unbeaten heading into this clash. Their balance between defensive solidity and attacking flair has improved markedly, with Serhou Guirassy, Karim Adeyemi, and Marcel Sabitzer all contributing heavily to their recent scoring form. The German side will aim to continue their high-tempo pressing game and secure another three points to strengthen their knockout-stage position.
Team Form & Recent Results
FC Copenhagen (Last 5 Matches): D–W–L–D–W
- Goals Scored: 7
- Goals Conceded: 6
- Clean Sheets: 1
Borussia Dortmund (Last 5 Matches): W–W–D–W–W
- Goals Scored: 14
- Goals Conceded: 5
- Clean Sheets: 2
Copenhagen’s recent results highlight their inconsistency, while Dortmund’s unbeaten streak shows a team peaking at the right time.
Head-to-Head Record
This will be only the third-ever European meeting between these clubs. Dortmund won both previous encounters convincingly.
- Last Meeting: Dortmund 3–0 Copenhagen
- Aggregate Record: Dortmund 5–1 Copenhagen
- Copenhagen Home Record vs BVB: 0W, 0D, 1L
The numbers favor Dortmund, who have historically handled Copenhagen’s compact style with ease.
Lineups, Injuries & Team News
FC Copenhagen (expected lineup):
Grabara – Jelert, Diks, Vavro, Kristiansen – Lerager, Falk, Claesson – Elyounoussi, Achouri, Moukoko
Injured: Rodrigo Huescas (hamstring), Andreas Cornelius (thigh), Magnus Mattsson (ankle), Oliver Højer (calf), Jonathan Moalem (ankle)
Doubtful: Thomas Delaney (muscle strain)
Key Players:
- Mohamed Elyounoussi: Brings European experience and creativity in the final third.
- Viktor Claesson: Captain and top scorer, key to Copenhagen’s transitions.
- Achouri: Offers width and pace on the counterattack.
Borussia Dortmund (expected lineup):
Kobel – Ryerson, Hummels, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini – Sabitzer, Brandt, Reus – Adeyemi, Guirassy, Malen
Injured: Emre Can (thigh), Aaron Anselmino (ankle), Donyell Malen (slight knock), Patrick Drewes (not registered)
Unavailable: Salih Özcan (not listed in UEFA squad)
Key Players:
- Serhou Guirassy: Red-hot form with 10 goals in his last seven appearances.
- Karim Adeyemi: Adds pace and unpredictability down the flanks.
- Julian Brandt: Creative engine, dictating tempo from midfield.
Tactical Analysis & Key Battles
Copenhagen’s Approach:
Manager Jacob Neestrup is expected to rely on a compact 4-3-3 setup, focusing on deep defensive organization and quick breaks. The midfield will need to stay tight to contain Dortmund’s fluid attacking movements. Claesson and Elyounoussi will look to exploit space behind Dortmund’s full-backs, while set pieces could offer Copenhagen’s best scoring chances.
Dortmund’s Strategy:
BVB will press high and dominate possession, aiming to stretch Copenhagen through wide overloads. Their front three of Adeyemi, Guirassy, and Malen thrive on movement and pace, while Sabitzer’s forward runs will test Copenhagen’s defensive discipline. Expect Dortmund to maintain a high defensive line, banking on quick recoveries and midfield control.
Key Tactical Duels:
- Claesson vs Sabitzer: Midfield control and leadership on both sides.
- Guirassy vs Vavro: Strength and aerial duels inside the box.
- Elyounoussi vs Bensebaini: Creativity versus containment on Copenhagen’s right flank.
Odds, Markets & Betting Tips
1X2 Odds: FC Copenhagen 5.75 | Draw 4.25 | Borussia Dortmund 1.55
Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 1.65 | Under 2.20
Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Yes 1.80 | No 1.95
Top Betting Picks:
- Dortmund to Win & Over 2.5 Goals (2.00): The visitors’ attack looks too strong for Copenhagen’s defense.
- Guirassy to Score Anytime (1.75): In red-hot form and leading BVB’s frontline.
- Both Teams to Score (1.80): Copenhagen rarely go scoreless at home in Europe.
Quick Facts (Featured Snippet):
- Venue: Parken Stadium, Copenhagen
- Kickoff: October 25, 2025 – 21:00 CET / 20:00 BST / 15:00 EST
- Competition: UEFA Champions League 2025/26 – Group Stage, Matchday 3
- Broadcast: TNT Sports / Paramount+ / DAZN
Where to Watch Online & Kickoff Time
Live Broadcast: TNT Sports (UK), Paramount+ (US), DAZN (Europe)
Kickoff Time: Wednesday, October 25, 2025 – 21:00 CET
Prediction: FC Copenhagen vs Borussia Dortmund, UEFA Champions League 2025/26
FC Copenhagen will rely on home support and counterattacks to trouble Dortmund, but the German side’s firepower and depth make them overwhelming favorites. Expect the hosts to put up a fight early, but BVB’s attacking quality should prevail as the game opens up.
