The Bundesliga is back, and there’s a barnstormer to reward fans for their patience over the winter break.
Defending champions Bayer Leverkusen are facing a fierce fight with Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich to retain their crown, and will need to hit the ground running as they travel to Signal Iduna Park to face an underperforming Borussia Dortmund. Nuri Sahin watched his side win just once in their last six matches prior to the Christmas break, and they sit a disappointing sixth in the table – 11 points adrift of table topping Bayern.
Having made history by winning their first ever Bundesliga title last year, Liverpool legend Xabi Alonso’s wouldn’t have wanted the break to fall when it did as Patrik Schick, scourge of Scotland at Euro 2020, netted four in a 5-1 rout against Freiburg. That was an eighth consecutive victory for Die Werkself, as they took full advantage of early pacesetters Bayern suffering a surprise defeat against Mainz to close the gap. Both sides have only lost once in league action so far this season though and, after going unbeaten for the entire 2023/24 campaign, Alonso knows his side can’t afford to slip up for a second time if they are to defend their title.
With players and fans fully recharged after three weeks on the sidelines, the stage is set for a pulsating 90 minutes – and Record Sport can ensure you catch all the drama.
When is Borussia Dortmund v Bayer Leverkusen?
Bundesliga action returns as Leverkusen make the trip to Dortmund on Friday January 10 with kick-off at 7.30pm
Is Borussia Dortmund v Bayer Leverkusen on TV?
Yes! The game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Ultra HDR with coverage beginning at 7.20pm and running until 9.30pm. If you don’t have a subscription you can sign up HERE. You can also sign up to NOW TV. A special six-month saver membership is available for £26 per month or you can pay £34.99 per month without being locked in and cancel anytime. Alternatively, a day pass can be purchased for £14.99.
Can I stream Borussia Dortmund v Bayer Leverkusen?
Yes, Sky Sports customers can stream the game live to their devices via the Sky Go app. Those with NOW TV can do similar via the NOW TV app.
Ref and VAR
Tobias Stieler is the man in the middle for this one, and that name might be familiar to fans of both Rangers and Celtic. He has taken charge of Rangers four times in European games, most recently in the 2-2 draw with Benfica last season. He was the man in the middle for Celtic’s 4-0 defeat to Sparta Prague during the Covid season of 2020/21 and has also taken charge of Scotland three times – most recently in the 4-0 defeat to France back in October 2023.
He is assisted by Christof Günsch and Frederick Assmuth with Florian Badstübner fourth official. Robert Schröder is on VAR duties.
Team news
Dortmund’s will be without Pascal Gross through suspension after he received a red card last time out, as well as Niklas Sule due to his ankle injury. For Leverkusen Amine Adli and Jeanuel Belocian are out, whilst Granit Xhaka is a doubt. Victor Boniface faces a late fitness test.