By Rune Gjerulff@runegjerulff

Champions League 2025/26 predicted lineups: Projected starting XIs for Matchday 5

All predicted starting lineups for Champions League 2025/26 Matchday 5.
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Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images

Four German clubs – Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen and Eintracht Frankfurt – feature as the 2025/26 Champions League continues this week.

Below you’ll find predicted lineups for all 18 fixtures of Matchday 5.

Champions League 2025/26 – Matchday 5 Predicted Lineups

Tuesday, November 25


Ajax vs Benfica predicted lineups

Galatasaray vs Union SG predicted lineups

Bodø/Glimt vs Juventus predicted lineups

Chelsea vs Barcelona predicted lineups

Dortmund vs Villarreal predicted lineups

Manchester City vs Bayer Leverkusen predicted lineups

Marseille vs Newcastle predicted lineups

Napoli vs Qarabag predicted lineups

Slavia Prague vs Athletic Club predicted lineups

 

Wednesday, November 26


FC Copenhagen vs Kairat Almaty predicted lineups

Pafos vs Monaco predicted lineups

Arsenal vs FC Bayern predicted lineups

Atletico Madrid vs Inter predicted lineups

Eintracht Frankfurt vs Atalanta predicted lineups

Liverpool vs PSV predicted lineups

Olympiacos vs Real Madrid predicted lineups

Paris Saint-Germain vs Tottenham predicted lineups

Sporting CP vs Club Brugge predicted lineups

Bundesliga news

Post-match reaction RB LeipzigOle Werner: “We'll learn from it”
Post-match reaction Union BerlinTim Skarke grateful after ending 54-game goal drought
Preview Leverkusen & KölnBayer Leverkusen vs. FC Köln preview: Who will prevail in derby clash?
Match report Union Berlin, RB LeipzigUnion Berlin’s strikers back in business in stunning win over RB Leipzig
Analysis/Commentary Borussia DortmundTensions at Dortmund increase among players and leadership
2. Bundesliga Hannover 96 & VfL Bochum 2. Bundesliga Topspiel preview: Hannover 96 vs. VfL Bochum
2. Bundesliga Dynamo Dresden & Eintracht Braunschweig 2. Bundesliga: Conteh haunts former club as Braunschweig edge five-goal thriller
2. Bundesliga Greuther Fürth & Hertha BSC2. Bundesliga: Resilient Kleeblätter rally twice to deny Hertha in chaotic six-goal showdown
Preview Gladbach & WolfsburgBorussia Mönchengladbach vs. Wolfsburg preview: Die Fohlen out to extend unbeaten run
Union Berlin, RB LeipzigConfirmed Lineups: Union Berlin vs. RB Leipzig
Rumor AUGSBURG & WOLFSBURGAugsburg interested in signing Wolfsburg forward talent
Preview Frankfurt & AugsburgEintracht Frankfurt vs. Augsburg preview: Visitors aiming for rare away win
Rumor 1.FC KölnKöln boss reveals Brighton tried luring El Mala to England last summer

Table

Kickfieber

Match days

Post-match reaction RB LeipzigOle Werner: “We'll learn from it”
Post-match reaction Union BerlinTim Skarke grateful after ending 54-game goal drought
Match report Union Berlin, RB LeipzigUnion Berlin’s strikers back in business in stunning win over RB Leipzig
Union Berlin, RB LeipzigConfirmed Lineups: Union Berlin vs. RB Leipzig
Bayer 04 LeverkusenHjulmand hopeful Schick will be fit to face Köln
Preview St. Pauli & HeidenheimSt. Pauli vs. Heidenheim preview: A true relegation six-pointer
Preview Hoffenheim & HSVHoffenheim vs. Hamburger SV preview: HSV keen to build on derby win
BundesligaPredicted Bundesliga lineups: Matchday 14
Bayer 04 Leverkusen"Not looking good" – Schick a big doubt for Leverkusen's derby clash with Köln
Post-match reaction Borussia Dortmund"Not my way of playing football" – Brandt critical of Dortmund's style after win over Hoffenheim
Team of the week BundesligaBundesliga Team of the Week – Matchday 13
Post-match reaction TSG HoffenheimChristian Ilzer: “We have learned a lot today”
Post-match reaction Borussia DortmundNiko Kovac: “We had to work hard today”
Post-match reaction HSVPolzin hails HSV’s "special moment"
Match report Borussia Dortmund, TSG HoffenheimDortmund end Hoffenheim’s unbeaten run
Match report HSV, Werder BremenPoulsen’s maiden goal secures rollercoaster HSV win in Nordderby
Borussia Dortmund, TSG HoffenheimConfirmed Lineups: Borussia Dortmund vs. TSG Hoffenheim
HSV, Werder BremenConfirmed Lineups: Hamburger SV vs. Werder Bremen
Post-match reaction Eintracht FrankfurtDino Toppmöller: “It was far too easy for Leipzig”
Post-match reaction RB LeipzigHat-trick hero Diomande looks forward to World Cup duel against Germany
Post-match reaction RB LeipzigConrad Harder: “It's a great relief to score my first goal”
Post-match reaction RB LeipzigOle Werner demands more from his team despite big win
Post-match reaction FC BayernKompany reveals plan behind Kane’s substitute role against Stuttgart
Post-match reaction Heidenheim Frank Schmidt: “Football is always a matter of momentum”
Match report RB Leipzig & Eintracht FrankfurtLeipzig run riot as Diomande shines in statement win

Fantasy Football

Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 14
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: 10 players to consider for Matchday 14
Fantasy Football Champions LeagueChampions League 2025/26 predicted lineups: Projected starting XIs for Matchday 6
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 13
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: 10 players to consider for Matchday 13
Fantasy Football BundesligaPredicted Bundesliga lineups: Matchday 13
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 12
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: 10 players to consider for Matchday 12
Fantasy Football BundesligaPredicted Bundesliga lineups: Matchday 12
Fantasy Football Champions LeagueChampions League 2025/26 predicted lineups: Projected starting XIs for Matchday 5
Fantasy Football FantasySurprising Bundesliga Fantasy performances on Matchday 11
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 11
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: 10 players to consider for Matchday 11
Fantasy Football BundesligaPredicted Bundesliga lineups: Matchday 11
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 10
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: 10 players to consider for Matchday 10
Fantasy Football BundesligaPredicted Bundesliga lineups: Matchday 10
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 9
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: 10 players to consider for Matchday 9
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 8
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: 10 players to consider for Matchday 8
Fantasy Football BundesligaPredicted Bundesliga lineups: Matchday 8
Fantasy Football Champions LeagueChampions League 2025/26 predicted lineups: Projected starting XIs for Matchday 3
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga: Scout squads for Matchday 7
Fantasy Football FantasyFantasy Bundesliga tips: 10 players to consider for Matchday 7

German Teams in Europe

Match report 1. FSV Mainz 05 Ten-man Mainz dig deep to earn a point in Urs Fischer’s debut
Match report SC FreiburgFreiburg seal early Europa League knockout berth
Post-match reaction VfB StuttgartStuttgart centurions hail “good team performance”
Match report VfB StuttgartStuttgart extend winning streak in Europa League
1. FSV Mainz 05 Confirmed lineups: Lech Poznań vs. Mainz 05
SC FreiburgConfirmed Lineups: SC Freiburg vs. FC Salzburg
VfB StuttgartConfirmed Lineups: VfB Stuttgart vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C.
Post-match reaction Bayern WBarcala and Harder react to Bayern’s draw with Atlético in Women’s Champions League
Borussia Dortmund"One of my worst games this season" – Adeyemi self-critical after draw
Post-match reaction Borussia DortmundKovač: "We’re not consistent enough"
Post-match reaction Borussia DortmundSchlotterbeck highly critical of "incredibly sloppy" performance
Match report Borussia DortmundBrandt's brace cancelled out as Bodø/Glimt hold Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund Confirmed lineups: Borussia Dortmund vs. FK Bodø/Glimt
Preview 1. FSV Mainz 05 Lech Poznań vs. Mainz 05 Conference League preview: Team news and predicted lineups
VfB StuttgartHoeneß senses a win over Maccabi would ensure Stuttgart's Europa League progression
Preview SC FreiburgSC Freiburg vs. FC Salzburg Europa League preview: Team news and predicted lineups
Preview VfB StuttgartVfB Stuttgart vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C. Europa League preview: Team news and predicted lineups
Post-match reaction Eintracht FrankfurtHansi Flick: “Frankfurt didn't make it easy for us”
Post-match reaction Eintracht FrankfurtDino Toppmöller: “We executed the defensive plan exceptionally well”
Match report Wolfsburg FrauenReal Madrid beat Wolfsburg in Women’s Champions League
Match report Eintracht FrankfurtKoundé's quickfire brace helps Barcelona see off Frankfurt
Post-match reaction FC Bayern"He's played better games for us" – Vincent Kompany on Lennart Karl's performance against Sporting
Post-match reaction FC BayernAlphonso Davies makes emotional return from injury: "He has been through a long period of suffering"
Post-match reaction FC Bayern"Scoring in the Champions League at 17 is very special" – Lennart Karl on Bayern's win over Sporting
FC BayernHow Lennart Karl made history with his goal against Sporting

DFB-Pokal

Union Berlin & FC Bayern Union Berlin 2–3 Bayern Munich – DFB-Pokal Highlights
Dortmund & LeverkusenBorussia Dortmund 0-1 Bayer Leverkusen – DFB-Pokal Highlights
Post-match reaction VfL Bochum & VfB StuttgartHoeneß, Undav and Rösler react to cup tie
Match report VfL Bochum & VfB StuttgartPokal holders Stuttgart book quarter-final spot with professional performance
Match report SC Freiburg & SV DarmstadtDarmstadt fail to land a punch as Freiburg book Pokal passage
VfL Bochum & VfB StuttgartConfirmed lineups: VfL Bochum vs. VfB Stuttgart
Freiburg & DarmstadtConfirmed lineups: SC Freiburg vs. SV Darmstadt
Post-match reaction Borussia DortmundSchlotterbeck admits Dortmund "lacked a bit of punch" against Leverkusen
RB Leipzig & 1.FC MagdeburgLeipzig offer condolences to Magdeburg fan who tragically passed away during Pokal fixture
Post-match reaction RB LeipzigWerner critical of "unaggressive" first-half display despite Leipzig's last-16 triumph
Post-match reaction Borussia MonchengladbachNicolas and Polanski "very disappointed" by Gladbach's Pokal exit
Match report Borussia Dortmund & Bayer LeverkusenMaza strike ensures Leverkusen dump Dortmund out of DFB-Pokal
Match report RB Leipzig, MagdeburgBaumgartner's brace books quarter-final spot for Leipzig
RB Leipzig & 1.FC MagdeburgConfirmed lineups: RB Leipzig vs. 1.FC Magdeburg
Borussia Dortmund & Bayer LeverkusenConfirmed lineups: Borussia Dortmund vs. Bayer Leverkusen
Match report Borussia Monchengladbach & St.PauliOppie's late strike guides St.Pauli past Gladbach in last-16 encounter
Match report Hertha BSC & 1.FC KaiserslauternSix-goal Hertha BSC crush Kaiserslautern to reach Pokal quarter finals
Preview SC Freiburg & SV Darmstadt 98Freiburg vs. Darmstadt DFB-Pokal preview: Team news and predicted lineups
Borussia Monchengladbach & St.PauliConfirmed lineups: Borussia Mönchengladbach vs. St. Pauli
Hertha BSC & 1.FC KaiserslauternConfirmed lineups: Hertha BSC vs. 1.FC Kaiserslautern
Preview Hamburger SV & Holstein KielHamburger SV vs. Holstein Kiel DFB-Pokal preview: Team news and predicted lineups
Preview UNION BERLIN & BAYERN MUNICHUnion Berlin vs. Bayern Munich DFB-Pokal preview: Team news and predicted lineups
Preview VfL Bochum & VfB StuttgartVfL Bochum vs. VfB Stuttgart DFB-Pokal preview: Team news and predicted lineups
RB LeipzigWatch: RB Leipzig coach Ole Werner reveals new injury concerns ahead of Magdeburg clash
Borussia DortmundWatch: Kovac says Dortmund need "the right balance" to beat Leverkusen again

German National Team

FC Bayern"Why should he need time?" – Franck Ribery on Lennart Karl's World Cup chances
German national team"Not a super easy group, but a manageable one" – Nagelsmann reflects on Germany's World Cup draw
GermanyWho are Germany’s World Cup 2026 opponents?
Germany2026 World Cup Draw: Germany grouped with Curaçao, Côte d'Ivoire and Ecuador
German national teamGermany to face United States ahead of 2026 World Cup
Match report Germany WUEFA Women's Nations League Final: Spain 3-0 Germany
Germany WConfirmed UEFA Women’s Nations League Final Lineups: Spain vs. Germany
Preview Germany WUEFA Women’s Nations League Final Preview: Spain vs. Germany
Match report Germany WUEFA Women's Nations League Final First-Leg: Germany 0-0 Spain
Germany WConfirmed UEFA Women's Nations League Lineups: Germany vs. Spain
Predicted lineups Germany WomenUEFA Women's Nations League final preview: Germany vs. Spain
FC BayernBayern boss backs Neuer return to German national team for World Cup
German National TeamEddie Howe praises Woltemade's form with Germany: “Confidence is absolutely essential for a center forward"
German National TeamGermany climb one spot into ninth place in FIFA world rankings
Match report Germany U21Karl on target as Germany U21 end the year with victory in Georgia
Germany WGermany announce squad for UEFA Women’s Nations League final
Germany U21Confirmed Lineups: Georgia U21 vs. Germany U21
Post-match reaction German national team"Kai had a minor relapse" – Nagelsmann gives injury update on Havertz and Musiala
Post-match reaction Germany & FC BayernAleksandar Pavlovic gives injury update after half-time substitute against Slovakia
Post-match reaction Germany"Leroy is physically stronger than any other player I know" – Kimmich full of praise for Sané
German national team"Naive and stupid" – Germany director Rudi Völler criticises Adeyemi over illegal weapons case
Post-match reaction German national team"We can beat any opponent" – Schlotterbeck eyes German World Cup glory after Slovakia thrashing
German national teamAssan Ouedraogo becomes Germany's second-youngest debut goalscorer
Post-match reaction GermanyNagelsmann left proud after dominant German display
Post-match reaction Germany"Everyone knew what was at stake": Kimmich and Woltemade react to huge qualifying win

Long reads

Analysis/Commentary Borussia DortmundTensions at Dortmund increase among players and leadership
Analysis/Commentary 1. FSV Mainz 05 Searching for stability: Mainz’s new chapter under Urs Fischer
Analysis/Commentary Bremen SteffenWerder Bremen: Horst Steffen needs to change
Analysis/Commentary Borussia DortmundSerhou Guirassy’s uncertain future: Should Dortmund offload their star striker?
Analysis/Commentary FC AugsburgFC Augsburg: Awakening meets mounting pressure - Where things stand after 10 games
Analysis/Commentary FC BayernFC Bayern: The Unbeatables - Where things stand after 10 games
Analysis/Commentary 1.FC Köln1.FC Köln: Where things stand for Effzeh at the break
Analysis/Commentary 1. FSV Mainz 05 1. FSV Mainz 05: In dire need of a spark
Analysis/Commentary Werder BremenAre Werder Bremen doing well?
Analysis/Commentary Borussia MonchengladbachBorussia Mönchengladbach: Where things stand for the Foals at the break
Analysis/Commentary Borussia DortmundBorussia Dortmund: Where things stand for BVB at the break
Analysis/Commentary Borussia DortmundBorussia Dortmund player ratings vs FC Copenhagen
Analysis/Commentary BonifaceWhy Werder Bremen must give Victor Boniface a chance
Editor's pick FC BayernBayern's strategy to keep Harry Kane beyond the summer revealed
Analysis/Commentary Werder BremenWhy Werder Bremen's season really starts this weekend
Analysis/Commentary VfB StuttgartStuttgart's response shows Hoeneß still has players' trust - but consistency is the real test
Analysis/Commentary Mainz 05 Life after Burkardt: Can Mainz’s new-look attack fill the void?
Analysis/Commentary Werder BremenWerder Bremen's summer signings deliver
Analysis/Commentary Borussia DortmundAnalysis: Sabitzer set for midfield renaissance at Dortmund?
Analysis/Commentary VFL WOLFSBURG80 years of VfL Wolfsburg: The history of Die Wölfe, chronicled
Analysis/Commentary GermanyGermany player ratings vs. Northern Ireland
Analysis/Commentary German national teamGermany player ratings vs Slovakia
Analysis/Commentary Andre SilvaThe André Silva gamble: Why Werder might bet on him again
2. Bundesliga 2. Bundesliga2. Bundesliga 2025/26 guide: In-depth team previews ahead of the new season
Analysis/Commentary FC HeidenheimHow can FC Heidenheim stave off another fight for survival?

Exclusive interviews

Exclusive interview Borussia DortmundDortmund boss Kehl praises Jobe Bellingham for bouncing back after Bayern error
Exclusive interview Bayer 04 LeverkusenRolfes critical of Leverkusen’s first-half display in Copenhagen draw
Exclusive interview Bayer 04 LeverkusenTapsoba "happy" with one point in Copenhagen after early setback: “Everybody was sleeping”
Exclusive interview VfL WolfsburgEXCLUSIVE: Mads Roerslev opens up on injury struggles, Wolfsburg loan so far, future and more
Interview BundesligaEXCLUSIVE: Michael Owen talks Kane, Musiala, Sancho and looks back on famous hat-trick against Germany
Editor's pick Bundesliga & DFBEXCLUSIVE: Dietmar Hamann on the Bundesliga title fight, Der Klassiker and Nagelsmann's start as Germany coach
Editor's pick MainzEXCLUSIVE: Danny da Costa rules out future coaching job
Interview Bayer LeverkusenEXCLUSIVE: Edmond Tapsoba on England links, his role models and Leverkusen's struggles this season
Interview Bundesliga InterviewEXCLUSIVE: From infancy to Eisernen - An Interview with Union Berlin’s rising star Laurenz Dehl
Editor's pick LeverkusenSimon Rolfes interview – part two: Leverkusen boss points out "problem" with German youth development
Editor's pick LeverkusenFernando Carro interview: Bayer Leverkusen CEO says Bundesliga rights are “sold under value”, questions 50+1 rule
Editor's pick Bayer 04 LeverkusenSimon Rolfes interview: Leverkusen boss on global scouting, Frimpong’s “fantastic” rise and more
Editor's pick WolfsburgEXCLUSIVE: Jonas Wind on Wolfsburg's poor start, Niko Kovac, his dream club and more
Editor's pick EXCLUSIVE: Wolfsburg's Jonas Wind gives injury update, shares thoughts on ...
Editor's pick DortmundEXCLUSIVE: Ex-BVB star and agent Niclas Jensen on life on and off the pitch and why Bielefeld's Bello is one to watch
Editor's pick GladbachEXCLUSIVE: Gladbach's Joe Scally on first United States call-up and World Cup chances
Editor's pick GladbachEXCLUSIVE: Gladbach and USMNT defender Joe Scally on his rise to stardom and season so far

Team News

Bundesliga - Frankfurt - AugsburgBundesliga - Gladbach - WolfsburgBundesliga - Hoffenheim - HSVBundesliga - St. Pauli - HeidenheimBundesliga - Leverkusen - FC Köln