Dortmund Needs Comeback at Rangers
Haaland's Status Unclear for German Side in Europa League Matchup
Rangers Have Leg Up
Borussia Dortmund heads to the Ibrox Stadium needing two goals to level their Europa League first knockout round fixture with Rangers. The visiting Rangers were excellent last week, getting a massive 4-2 win in Germany but it’ll be difficult to hold on, especially if Erling Haaland is able to suit up for Dortmund.
With Haaland’s status still up in the air and a host of injury issues, Dortmund are soccer betting favorites to win but not to qualify for the next round.

Rangers vs Borussia Dortmund Betting Preview
- Game: Rangers F.C. vs Borussia Dortmund
- Location: Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland
- Date/Time: Thursday, 3 p.m. ET
Team | Handicap | Moneyline | Total | Team Total |
Rangers | +½ +115 | +330 | 3 -135o | 1½ +170o
1½ -215u |
Borussia Dortmund | -½ -145 | -145 | 3 +105u | 1½ -170o
1½ +140u |
Draw | +345 |
Rangers vs Borussia Dortmund Head to Head
Last week’s meeting was the first in over 22 years. The Rangers pulled off a shock 4-2 win in Germany as +750 underdogs for betting online, taking a 3-0 lead early in the second half and not looking back.
Dortmund’s defense was all over the place, as it has often been this season, and Manuel Akanji suffered an injury to further weaken the unit. BVB missed Haaland first and foremost as the Norwegian striker is still working his way back from a muscle injury.
Huge Test for Rangers
The Rangers won the Scottish Premier League for the first time in 10 years last season. It’s been a long road for the Scottish giants from liquidation and fourth-tier football back to contending for European titles, but they seem to be in an excellent place.
Steven Gerrard left to manage Aston Villa midseason, but Giovanni van Bronckhorst has done well in his brief time as Rangers boss. The former Rangers player started his career with a run of seven straight league wins and 10 games unbeaten.
Van Bronckhorst’s first loss came to rivals Celtic earlier this month but Rangers are still right in the mix for another title. They’re just three points behind Celtic with 11 matches to play.
Defender James Tavernier and forward Alfredo Morelos have been two standouts. Tavernier leads the SPL in assists and Morelos has managed 14 goals in all competitions, including scoring the second goal vs Dortmund last week.
The Rangers have lost just twice at the Ibrox this season and been a good pick to bet online at home. They fell in a Champions League qualifier at home to Malmo and in the Europa League Group Stage to Lyon.
Bringing in Amad Diallo from Manchester United on loan and Aaron Ramsey from Juventus were big moves for Rangers and it remains to be seen whether they’ll play a part here. At the least, attacking midfielder Ianis Hagi will be out following knee surgery.
Waiting for Haaland
Borussia Dortmund may have been embarrassed last week by Rangers but they made sure to make up for it in their next match. Dortmund thrashed Borussia Monchengladbach and scored six unanswered goals on Sunday with Haaland out.
Captain Marco Reus led the way with two goals while Donyell Malen, Emre Can, Youssoufa Moukoko and Marius Wolf were also on target. Perhaps most importantly, Dortmund kept a shutout, which has been a challenge as of late. Marco Rose’s switch to three at the back worked wonders and don’t be surprised to see it deployed on Thursday.
Two of Dortmund’s center backs, Dan Axel Zagadou and Manuel Akanji, are out with injuries they suffered last week. Can, Mats Hummels and Marin Pongracic could be the three starters on defense for Dortmund.
To add another injury to the long list, attacker Gio Reyna also suffered an injury on Sunday and is expected to miss the next few weeks. Right wingback Thomas Meunier has also missed the last few matches with a knock and his status for Thursday should be monitored.
If BVB can get Haaland ready for Thursday, which looks probable, I certainly wouldn’t count out the possibility of them bringing this fixture back. Dortmund are one of the tougher soccer picks to pin down this season, but they have an explosive offense that has averaged nearly three goals per game in the Bundesliga.
Rangers vs Borussia Dortmund Prediction
I think Borussia Dortmund will win at the very least and I do get the feeling that they’ll force extra time, especially if Haaland plays. Going out in the Champions League Group Stage was a disappointment and this would compound the woes for Rose should they fail to advance.
Dortmund will create chances — they’ve scored two or more goals in five straight matches even with Haaland out — and perhaps their three at the back switch will continue to work. Take Borussia Dortmund for betting online sports.