Preview: Sporting CP v Borussia Dortmund – UCL Playoffs

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Sporting CP have progressed beyond the UEFA Champions League (UCL) group stage just three times in ten attempts, advancing this time on goal difference despite failing to win any of their last four matches (D1, L3).

They last defeated Borussia Dortmund 3-1 at home in the 2021/22 UCL campaign and remain unbeaten at Estádio José Alvalade under Rui Borges (W4, D1).

Sporting are aiming for only their second UCL last-16 appearance since 2008/09.

Dortmund have won five of their eight UCL matches this season (W5, L3) and ranked second in goals scored during the league phase, behind only Barcelona.

Historically, Dortmund have a strong record against Portuguese clubs, their best win rate against any nation they have faced more than ten times.

However, they have won just two of their last 12 UCL away knockout legs (D1, L9), with their most recent success coming last season against PSG (1-0).

New boss Niko Kovač has never lost in six UCL away games as a manager (W4, D2), the longest unbeaten streak in the competition’s history.

Sporting and Dortmund are among just four teams to score in all eight of their league phase games this season.

Photo: Gualter Fatia/Getty Images

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