Real Madrid finished on top of Group H, pulling clear of runners-up Al-Hilal, with Red Bull Salzburg and Pachuca sent home early. They drew their opening match against the Saudis, conceding a penalty to finish 1-1. They scored their first win at the second time of asking, beating Mexican side Pachuca 3-1, before thrashing Red Bull Salzburg 3-0 in Philadelphia on matchday three. The confidence that exists in Xabi Alonso's RMA was obvious for all to see.

Having passed the first hurdle without encountering too much fuss, Real Madrid turned their attentions to the knockout rounds. They played fellow big-name Juventus in the Round of 16, battling to a 1-0 victory on Tuesday. Trent Alexander-Arnold provided his first assist for Madrid when laying it on a plate for teammate Gonzalo Garcia to head home. Madrid has impressed, and it seems there's more to come.

Borussia Dortmund, on the other hand, impressed by winning Group F with an unbeaten record. The Germans won two and drew one, scoring five goals and conceding three. The seven points collected were two better than Brazilian side Fluminense in second place, with Mamelodi Sundowns in third and UIsan HD holding the rest upright without a win to show for their time in the States. Dortmund advanced without ever catching the eye, beating bottom club Ulsan HD 1-0 and ending goalless with Fluminense. They face a step up in class here.

However, it's worth noting that Jobe Bellingham was booked in Dortmund's win, meaning he's suspended for the quarter-final match against Real Madrid and his famous brother, Jude Bellingham. A family showdown on the big stage had everyone excited, but there's no doubt Borussia are weaker without the Englishman. They've lost their last four meetings with Madrid and are winless in six. The previous two ended in 5-2 and 2-0 wins for the Spaniards.

Real Madrid's star player, Vinicius Junior, is likely to start against Dortmund, and has confidence, and his manager already knows he's trustworthy on the big occasion. Vinicius scored three goals when these teams last met, and helped himself to four goals against Dortmund in 2024. He's found the net in each of his last two meetings with the Germans, and is already off the mark in this competition, scoring against Red Bull Salzburg last month.

Real Madrid win @ 8/13 (bet365)

Real Madrid -1 handicap @ 6/4 (bet365)

Vinicius Junior to score @ 13/10 (bet365)