Champions League 2025/26: Predicted lineups for return legs of knockout play-offs

Two German clubs – Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen – will be in action as the 2025/26 Champions League continues with the second leg of the knockout phase play-off ties this midweek. Below, we examine the predicted starting XIs that could decide which sides advance to the round of 16.

Borussia Dortmund are expected to stick with the 4-2-3-1 shape that served them well in the first leg, relying on a high-tempo press and rapid transitions. The back four should remain unchanged, with the centre-back pairing providing aerial dominance and the full-backs pushing high to overload the flanks. In midfield, the double pivot will be tasked with shielding the defence while quickly springing attacks. The creative hub sits in the No. 10 role, supplying the in-form striker who has already bagged four goals in this season’s competition.

Bayer Leverkusen, meanwhile, are likely to mirror the 3-4-2-1 that earned them a narrow first-leg advantage. A back three offers extra cover against Dortmund’s wing play, while wing-backs provide width on both sides. The midfield box will look to control tempo through crisp passing sequences, and the dual attacking midfielders are expected to roam between the lines to create overloads. Up front, the leading scorer is set to lead the line again, hunting the away goal that could prove decisive.

With progression on a knife-edge, tactical tweaks from either bench could swing the tie. Dortmund may introduce fresh legs on the flanks to stretch Leverkusen’s back three, whereas Leverkusen could opt for an additional holding midfielder if they need to protect a slender lead. Regardless of the scenarios, the midweek return legs promise high drama as both German sides chase a place among Europe’s last 16.