In this preview, we see the DFB-Pokal take center stage this Tuesday night as Borussia Dortmund welcome Bayer Leverkusen to Signal Iduna Park on December 2, 2025. These two German heavyweights meet for the second time in just four days, following their Bundesliga clash over the weekend. With the “Yellow Wall” in full voice, this cup tie offers a perfect opportunity for instant revenge or a confirmation of dominance in what is becoming a fierce rivalry.
The atmosphere in North Rhine-Westphalia will be electric as Dortmund look to capitalize on their recent momentum under Niko Kovac. Having just edged Leverkusen in the league, the hosts will be confident, but cup football is notoriously unpredictable. For bettors, this match preview highlights a fixture that typically guarantees goals, drama, and high-intensity football, making it a prime candidate for the Over 2.5 goals market.
Borussia Dortmund vs Bayer Leverkusen Match Preview
Team Recent Form
Borussia Dortmund: WWDDL
Dortmund are finding their stride at the perfect time. They are fresh off a gritty 2-1 away victory against Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga just this past Saturday. Prior to that, they dismantled Villarreal 4-0 in the Champions League and played out a wild 3-3 draw with Stuttgart. Their only recent blemish was a defeat to Manchester City, but their response since then has been unbeaten.
Bayer Leverkusen: LWWWW
Leverkusen’s form has been a rollercoaster. Saturday’s 1-2 home loss to Dortmund snapped a strong run that included a massive 2-0 victory over Manchester City in the Champions League and a dominant 3-1 win against Wolfsburg. Kasper Hjulmand’s side has proven they can beat the best on their day, but consistency remains their biggest hurdle as they head into this knockout tie.
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Key Stats
- Quick Turnaround: Dortmund defeated Leverkusen 2-1 just three days ago (Nov 29, 2025), giving them a significant psychological edge heading into this immediate rematch.
- Fortress Signal Iduna: Dortmund are unbeaten at home in domestic competitions since March, turning their stadium into a fortress under Kovac.
- Goals Expected: 4 of the last 5 meetings between these sides have seen Over 2.5 Goals land, and both teams have scored in 5 consecutive head-to-head fixtures.
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Correct Score Prediction
Borussia Dortmund 3-2 Bayer Leverkusen
Cup ties often produce open, chaotic games, and given the quick turnaround, tactical familiarity usually breeds offensive risks. While Dortmund won the tighter league affair 2-1, Leverkusen will be forced to chase this game more aggressively in a knockout format. With Patrik Schick in scoring form and Dortmund’s defense occasionally leaking goals (conceding 3 vs Stuttgart), we expect a high-scoring thriller where the home side’s momentum and crowd support edge it late on.
Borussia Dortmund vs Bayer Leverkusen H2H
- Dortmund have won 2 of the last 5 meetings against Leverkusen in all competitions.
- Both Teams To Score (BTTS) has landed in the last 7 consecutive matches between these two clubs.
- Leverkusen have not kept a clean sheet at Signal Iduna Park since 2016.
- The last DFB-Pokal meeting between these sides saw Dortmund advance.
Pre-game Odds
- Borussia Dortmund to win: 1.95
- Draw: 3.90
- Bayer Leverkusen to win: 3.60
Check the latest odds on Betano
Team News: Borussia Dortmund
Niko Kovac has some injury headaches to manage. Niklas Süle remains out with a persistent toe injury, meaning Waldemar Anton will continue in central defense. There are concerns over Maximilian Beier, who missed the weekend game with muscle stiffness, though he could make the bench. Serhou Guirassy is available and expected to start, despite a visible disagreement with Kovac after being subbed off in the weekend’s win.
Team News: Bayer Leverkusen
Kasper Hjulmand is dealing with a congested treatment room. Exequiel Palacios (groin) and Lucas Vazquez (muscle) are both ruled out for this clash. Youngster Ezequiel Fernandez is also sidelined with a knee problem. Arthur is a doubt with back issues, which likely means Nathan Tella will need to put in a heavy shift on the flank. Patrik Schick is fit and will lead the line, looking to add to his 5 goals this season.
Predicted Line-ups
Borussia Dortmund Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Kobel; Anton, Schlotterbeck, Anselmino; Ryerson, Sabitzer, Nmecha, Svensson; Brandt, Adeyemi; Guirassy.
Bayer Leverkusen Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Flekken; Tapsoba, Tah, Bade; Frimpong, Xhaka, Garcia, Grimaldo; Wirtz, Terrier; Schick.
Borussia Dortmund vs Bayer Leverkusen Betting Tips
Tip 1 – Result: Borussia Dortmund to Win
Back Dortmund to win on Betano
Tip 2 – Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 2.5 Goals
Tip 3 – Both Teams to Score: Yes
Bet on BTTS at Betano
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