Champions League League Phase Preview: Borussia Dortmund vs Villarreal, Lille vs Real Betis

The 2026-27 Champions League league phase is about to begin. At 3:00 a.m. Beijing time on September 9, two highly anticipated matches will kick off simultaneously: Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund will host La Liga club Villarreal at Signal Iduna Park, while Ligue 1 club Lille will face Real Betis at Stade Pierre-Mauroy.

1. Borussia Dortmund vs Villarreal

Form comparison: The Black and Yellows are surging, while the Yellow Submarine are struggling

Borussia Dortmund have been in excellent form recently. Although they lost 1-2 to Bayern Munich in the German Super Cup on August 22, they quickly bounced back and won three consecutive matches in all competitions. In the first two Bundesliga rounds, Dortmund defeated Hamburg 2-0 and beat Hoffenheim 3-2 away, while they crushed HEBC Hamburg 5-0 in the German Cup. They scored 10 goals across those three games, showing a powerful attack. Dortmund have recorded 6 wins, 1 draw and 3 losses in their last 10 matches, averaging 2.1 goals per game and maintaining strong form.

In contrast, Villarreal have had a nightmare start to the new season. They have failed to win any of their first four La Liga matches, with two draws and two losses, and were overturned 3-2 at home by newly promoted Deportivo La Coruna in the previous round. Although their last 10 matches show 4 wins, 3 draws and 3 losses, their league struggles have put manager Perez under pressure. Away from home, the Yellow Submarine have won only once in their last nine away matches, averaging just 0.89 points per game.

Injury situation: Dortmund's defense is weakened, Villarreal's squad is incomplete

For Dortmund, captain Emre Can missed the Champions League squad due to a torn cruciate ligament, while new signing Konstantelias is also unavailable because of a similar injury. Defenders Bensebaini (rib contusion), Schlotterbeck (ankle ligament tear) and defender Mane (muscle issue) are also expected to miss the match. However, young player Nwaneri, who joined on loan from Arsenal, has been included in the squad and could earn a starting opportunity after an impressive substitute appearance in the previous match.

For Villarreal, Argentine defender Foyth is sidelined with injury, while defender Romero is doubtful. Costa, Kambwala and other players are also carrying injuries.

Head-to-head: Dortmund once won 4-0 at home

The two teams have each won once and drawn once in their last three meetings, but in their most recent encounter (the Champions League in November 2025), Dortmund defeated Villarreal 4-0 at home. In that match, Dortmund created 4.03 expected goals (xG) with only 13 shots.

Prediction analysis

Dortmund have the advantage of their intimidating home ground, with 5 wins and 3 losses in their last eight home matches and an average of 2.13 goals per game. Against a Villarreal side in poor form and struggling away from home, Dortmund have a clear advantage. Data models predict a high probability of more than 2.5 total goals in this match.

Score prediction: Borussia Dortmund 3-1 Villarreal

2. Lille vs Real Betis

Form comparison: Lille are steady, while Betis arrive after defeating Real Madrid

Under new manager Davide Ancelotti (son of renowned coach Ancelotti), Lille have remained unbeaten after three Ligue 1 rounds with 2 wins and 1 draw. They beat Angers 2-0 away in the opening round, drew 2-2 with Paris Saint-Germain at home in the second round (conceding two goals in stoppage time and missing out on a win), and defeated Toulouse 1-0 away in the previous round. The team has been solid overall, with balance in attack and defense. Lille have 5 wins, 3 draws and 2 losses in their last 10 matches, with a 75% betting win rate.

Real Betis travel to France with extremely high morale. They have collected 9 points from four La Liga matches with 3 wins and 1 loss, sitting third in the table. Most impressively, they defeated Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid 1-0 at home in the previous round. Substitute Troy Parrott scored the winning goal, while goalkeeper Valles saved Mbappe's last-gasp penalty. The victory greatly boosted Betis' confidence.

It is worth noting that this is Betis' return to the Champions League after 21 years. Their last Champions League appearance dates back to December 2005, and the club places great importance on this match.

Injury situation: Betis welcome back key players, Lille have a full squad

For Lille, striker Igamane is unavailable due to a cruciate ligament tear, but the overall squad remains relatively complete.

For Real Betis, there is positive news as Ceballos and Lo Celso have both been included in the squad and could make their return debuts in this match. However, Moroccan winger Abde will miss the game due to a viral infection. Center-back Diego Llorente suffered a nasal fracture in the previous match against Real Madrid, but surgery is not required and he will play wearing a protective mask.

Head-to-head: The only meeting ended in a draw

The two teams have met only once in history, in a July 2018 friendly match, which ended in a 2-2 draw at a neutral venue.

Prediction analysis

This is a clash between two contrasting styles. Lille are strong at home and tactically disciplined, while Betis are full of confidence after defeating Real Madrid. Lille have lost only once in their last nine home matches against La Liga teams (3 wins and 5 draws), giving them a psychological home advantage. However, Betis have just beaten the European champions, and their confidence and form are at their peak. The two sides are closely matched, and the match could become a tight contest.

Score prediction: Lille 1-1 Real Betis

Summary: The two matches offer different storylines. Signal Iduna Park could witness an attacking showcase from Borussia Dortmund, while Stade Pierre-Mauroy may host a tactical battle between evenly matched teams. As the Champions League begins, we will see which of the four teams can gain the early advantage.