In the buzzing arena of German football, Dortmund vs Leverkusen head-to-head always offers fireworks. When Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen lock horns, we rarely see a dull moment—goals, drama, tactical shifts, and moments that linger in the memory. In this article, EquaGoal will take you deep into the history, stats, unforgettable matches, and emerging patterns in this intriguing rivalry.
Historical record and dominance
When two heavyweights. The head-to-head between Dortmund and Leverkusen tilts gradually toward the Black and Yellows, but Leverkusen have had their moments., in the last 38 matches, Leverkusen won 10, Dortmund won 19, and 9 ended in draws. (Leverkusen 26%, Draw 24%, Dortmund 50%)
Expanding the dataset, other sources covering more matches show similar trends: Dortmund leading in total wins, but Leverkusen not far behind. For instance, one historical overview shows Leverkusen with ~25 wins, Dortmund ~30, and draws around 19. ref.com]), we can infer:
- Dortmund enjoy a clear edge in head-to-head supremacy over the years.everkusen remain competitive and win a substantial minority.
- Draws make for a significant share, showing the rivalry often levels.
But raw wins are only part of the story. Let’s look deeper.
Goal patterns and scoring trends
The goals-per-game metric often reveals whether matches are cautious or open shootouts. Across direct encounters, the average tends toward ~3.17 goals per match.
Looking at the head-to-head breakdown:
- Over 1.5 goals occurs in ~84% of matches
- Over 2.5 goals appears in ~61% of matches (so more than half of the duels are high scoring)FootyStats])
- Both teams scoring (BTTS) in ~61% of encounters.
Thus, when Dortmund vs Leverkusen head-to-head is brought into discussions, fans can anticipate goals — often.
Recent form and head-to-head in this decade
Looking closer at more recent years helps us see evolving balance:
- In recent 5–10 matches, Dortmund generally come out on top more often than not. AiScore indicates that in the last five, Dortmund had won 3, Leverkusen just 1, with draws filling the remainder.
- Among “top 5 matches” in their rivalry are several dramatic comebacks, high-scoring thrillers, and tactical epics. ndesliga.com])
- In the 2024–2025 season, a standout: Leverkusen 2–4 Dortmund, showing how Dortmund can turn a result emphatically in their favor. otyStats])
So while Leverkusen can hit hard, Dortmund more regularly manage to impose themselves.
Memorable matches and turning points
Matches between these two often produce moments that haunt fans on both sides. Here are a few landmarks in the Dortmund vs Leverkusen head-to-head saga:
- Leverkusen 4–1 Dortmund (2021) – A crushing home victory, sending a statement that Leverkusen are not merely challengers but potential dominators.
- 19-minute four-goal thriller (2025 bounce-back) – In a game where multiple goals fell in quick succession early on, the tie displayed raw, unfiltered intensity.
- May 2025 comeback: Dortmund 4, Leverkusen 2 – Trailing 1–0, Dortmund turned the tide with sheer nerve and attacking quality. s])
- Leverkusen’s revenge: 3–2 win at Dortmund (2025 restart) – In one of the Bundesliga’s more explosive reopens, Leverkusen shocked Dortmund, showing this rivalry is never one-sided.
Such matches keep fans on the edge, knowing each club is capable of glory and collapse.
Tactical insights: how style matches up
Understanding how Dortmund and Leverkusen approach each other tactically helps decode why the head-to-head looks the way it does.
- Dortmund’s strength: High pressing, versatile attack, and aggressive transitions. Against Leverkusen, Dortmund often exploit space behind fullbacks, especially when Leverkusen push forward.
- Leverkusen’s strategy: They like to build through possession, use creative midfielders (e.g. Wirtz) and exploit flanks. But when they overcommit, they can be vulnerable to counters.
- In direct matches, this yields a pattern: Dortmund get chances on the break; Leverkusen try to control possession but sometimes concede pacey attacks.
- Over time, Dortmund’s consistency in execution gives them the edge, even though Leverkusen’s moments of attacking brilliance can turn a match.
Home vs. away: advantage in the rivalry
Venue matters. Let’s break down how home and away factors shift the balance in Dortmund vs Leverkusen head-to-head:
- At Leverkusen’s home (BayArena), they often push to take control early, but Dortmund’s away performances tend to be solid, exploiting breaks.
- At Signal Iduna Park (Dortmund home), the “Yellow Wall” atmosphere is a massive boost. Dortmund tend to be more dominant, striking fast and with confidence.
- In total direct-head counts over 52 matches (Leverkusen 17 wins, Dortmund 22 wins, 13 draws) — home advantage often pushes the home side to a slight edge.
- Interestingly, in this rivalry, there have been notable upsets, meaning venue advantage is not absolute, but statistically impactful.
What to expect next — trends and predictions
As new players, coaches and systems enter both sides, certain trends are emerging in Dortmund vs Leverkusen head-to-head:
- Even more attacking games: Goal rates have stayed high; expect matches to continue delivering at least 3 goals, with both teams scoring often (BTTS).
- Leverkusen gaining in consistency: If their squad management and depth rise, they may close the win-gap further.
- Key players decide outcome: Moments from top-scorers or creative midfielders will swing these ties.
- Tactical battles in midfield: Controlling the middle may increasingly determine who gains dominance.
Given historical patterns and current squads, Dortmund still have the upper hand — but every match is a fresh story.
Final Thoughts
Dortmund vs Leverkusen head-to-head tells a tale of rivalry, goals, tension and tactical duels. Over the years, Dortmund secure a lead in total wins, but Leverkusen never surrender easily. From high-scoring classics to dramatic turnarounds, this fixture delivers.
As EquaGoal, we believe knowing this head-to-head context enriches every viewing of their future clashes. Next time these two face off, you’ll have the history, stats, and stories at your fingertips.
👉 Want previews, predicted lineups, or player spotlights ahead of their next showdown? Let me know — I’ll dig in and bring you everything you need to follow Dortmund vs Leverkusen head-to-head like a pro.
