The UEFA Champions League 2025/2026 League Phase features a crucial Matchday 5 clash as Borussia Dortmund hosts Villarreal at the iconic Signal Iduna Park. Scheduled for Tuesday, November 25, 2025, this fixture is a massive opportunity for the German side to secure their place in the knockout play-offs against a Spanish side struggling for form in Europe. Borussia Dortmund, under manager Niko Kovač, sits in a decent 14th position with 7 points from four matches, recording two wins, one draw, and one defeat.
The Black-and-Yellows are only two points shy of a direct top 8 qualification spot. Villarreal, managed by Marcelino, has endured a hugely disappointing European campaign, currently rooted near the bottom of the table in 32nd position with a meagre 1 point. The Yellow Submarine is desperate for their first Champions League win of the season to avoid an early and embarrassing exit. This match pits Dortmund’s formidable home record and aggressive attack against Villarreal’s recent domestic momentum and desperate need to translate it to the European stage, promising a high-scoring and intense battle.
Match Details
This Tuesday night encounter is a high-stakes fixture for both clubs, with Borussia Dortmund aiming to confirm their progression and Villarreal fighting for their European future.
| Detail | Information |
| Competition | UEFA Champions League |
| Phase | League Phase – Matchday 5 |
| Date | Tuesday, November 25, 2025 |
| Kick-off | 8:00 PM GMT (9:00 PM CET) |
| Venue | Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund, Germany |
Team Form and Analysis for Borussia Dortmund
Champions League Offense and Defensive Concerns
Borussia Dortmund currently holds 14th position in the Champions League League Phase standings with 7 points from four matches.
The Die Borussen have been an attacking force in the competition, boasting 13 goals scored—one of the highest tallies at this stage—and finding the back of the net in every match across all competitions this season. However, their defense has been a major concern, having conceded 11 goals in four Champions League matches, a vulnerability exposed by a recent 4-1 defeat to Manchester City. Domestically, they have also shown signs of instability, heading into this match on a three-match winless streak in all competitions, including a dramatic 3-3 draw against VfB Stuttgart. Despite the recent dip in form, Dortmund’s home record in the Champions League is immense: they have lost only one of their last 19 home games in the competition (12 wins, 6 draws). Coach Niko Kovač will demand a response from his side, focusing on their attacking fluency and the immense support from the home crowd to overwhelm Villarreal. Key defenders Niklas Süle and Ramy Bensebaïni remain sidelined with injuries.
Key Player: Serhou Guirassy
Striker Serhou Guirassy is the most significant attacking threat for Borussia Dortmund, continuing his brilliant form into the new season. The Guinean striker has an incredible home record in the Champions League, having scored ten goals in his last eight home games in the competition. Guirassy is a crucial focal point for the attack, combining power, clinical finishing, and excellent positioning inside the box. His ability to convert the chances created by the Dortmund midfield will be absolutely vital for securing the three points needed to push for a top 8 spot. Given Villarreal’s leaky defense in Europe, Guirassy’s goal-scoring prowess will be the biggest challenge for the visitors.
Team Form and Analysis for Villarreal
Champions League Disappointment and La Liga Consistency
Villarreal currently occupies a lowly 32nd position in the Champions League League Phase standings with just 1 point from four matches, a worrying record of one draw and three losses.
The Yellow Submarine has endured a disastrous campaign, being winless in their last seven Champions League outings and suffering losses to Tottenham, Manchester City, and most recently a shock 1-0 defeat to Pafos FC. Their European struggles are starkly contrasted by their strong domestic form, where they sit 3rd in the La Liga table and have won four of their last five matches across all competitions, including a recent 2-1 victory over Mallorca. Manager Marcelino will be hoping this domestic confidence finally translates to the European stage. Villarreal has historically maintained a balanced record against German teams but has lost their last three European away games overall. Their strategy will involve tactical discipline, strong central midfield presence, and relying on their forwards to be clinical on the counter-attack. The team will be without Willy Kambwala and Pau Cabanes due to injury.
Key Player: Gerard Moreno
Veteran forward Gerard Moreno is the key talisman and offensive leader for Villarreal. The Spanish international is a prolific scorer and creator, whose experience and intelligence are essential for unlocking defenses. Moreno’s ability to operate between the lines, provide incisive passes, and score crucial goals will be paramount for the Yellow Submarine. He was on the scoresheet in the recent domestic win over Mallorca. In a high-stakes European match where chances may be limited for the visitors, Moreno’s composure and clinical quality in the final third will be the deciding factor in any potential upset victory.
Head-to-Head Record between the Teams
This will be the first-ever competitive meeting between Borussia Dortmund and Villarreal in European competition.
| Metric | Borussia Dortmund Wins | Draws | Villarreal Wins |
| Total Competitive Meetings | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Last Meeting | N/A | ||
| Dortmund Home Record vs Spanish Opp. | W11, D7, L5 (Last 23 games) |
This match marks the first competitive encounter between Borussia Dortmund and Villarreal. However, Borussia Dortmund has a strong historical record against Spanish clubs at home, losing only one of their last eight home games against La Liga opposition (four wins, three draws). Conversely, Villarreal has an overall positive record against Bundesliga teams (six wins, five draws, three defeats) but their last three away games in Germany have all ended in draws (including 1-1 at Bayern Munich and 0-0 at Bayer Leverkusen). This suggests that while Dortmund holds a significant home advantage, Villarreal has the tactical acumen to be defensively stubborn on German soil.
Players to Watch
Borussia Dortmund
- Julian Ryerson (Wing-Back): The Norwegian wing-back provides crucial energy on the flank and is vital in both defense and attack. His work rate will be essential for managing Villarreal’s wide threats and linking up with the central attackers.
- Jobe Bellingham (Central Midfielder): The young English midfielder provides drive and control in the center of the park. His ability to break up play and quickly transition the ball forward will be crucial for maintaining Dortmund’s high-tempo attack.
Villarreal
- Thomas Partey (Central Midfielder): The Ghanaian midfielder’s experience and physical presence will be key in the central battle. His role will be to shield the defense and disrupt Dortmund’s fluid, high-pressing midfield.
- Tani Oluwaseyi (Forward): The forward has been effective in the domestic league, offering pace and directness. His ability to exploit spaces left by Dortmund’s attacking full-backs on the counter-attack will be the primary offensive outlet for the Yellow Submarine.
Prediction
Despite Borussia Dortmund’s recent winless streak, their incredible home record in the Champions League and overwhelming attacking firepower make them the clear favorites in this contest. Villarreal’s impressive domestic momentum is overshadowed by their disastrous European form, where they have consistently failed to win matches and secure points. While Villarreal’s history against German teams suggests they can be resilient, Dortmund’s desperate need for points and the scoring threat of Serhou Guirassy at Signal Iduna Park are likely to be the deciding factors. Expect a high-scoring affair with the home side ultimately prevailing.
Score Prediction: Borussia Dortmund 3-1 Villarreal
Live Stream and TV Broadcast Information
This UEFA Champions League League Phase fixture is scheduled for broadcast across various platforms globally.
The match kicks off on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 8:00 PM GMT (9:00 PM CET).
In the United Kingdom (UK), the match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 4 and a live stream will be available on Discovery+.
In the United States (US), the match will be available to watch and stream live on Paramount+ and ViX.
In Germany, the match will be broadcast live on Amazon Prime Video.
Check local TV and streaming listings in other regions, as the match will be shown across the UEFA Champions League’s international broadcast partners globally.
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