Blockbuster Champions League nights are back on English soil as Manchester City welcome Borussia Dortmund to the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, 5 November 2025, with the match kicking off at 20:00 UK time[1][6]. This pivotal Group Stage clash promises drama, with both teams vying to strengthen their positions in the top eight for the new-look Champions League format. For British viewers, the match is available across a wide range of channels and platforms, including free-to-air audio, premium sports broadcasters, and streaming services.

BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds, and BBC Sport Online all deliver comprehensive audio coverage for those preferring the theatre-of-the-mind experience. Kelly Cates, daughter of Liverpool legend Kenny, anchors all three BBC platforms. Cates has become one of the UK’s most trusted football presenters, bringing warmth and insight to live matches, and is a regular voice on Sky Sports as well as the BBC. Her BBC radio team is augmented by a roster of respected co-commentators and reporters, though specific names for this fixture have not been released.

For those seeking live pictures, TNT Sports and Discovery+ are the go-to destinations in the UK. Laura Woods, who rose to prominence on Sky Sports News and ITV’s football coverage, now leads TNT Sports’ Champions League presentation. Woods is known for her engaging, knowledgeable style and has become one of the most prominent female voices in British sports broadcasting. Alongside her, Darren Fletcher provides the main commentary. Fletcher, formerly of BBC Radio 5 Live, is widely regarded for his precise, energetic delivery and is a mainstay of UK football broadcasting. Ally McCoist, the former Rangers and Scotland striker, offers co-commentary—his affable, anecdote-rich style has made him a fan favourite. Punditry comes from Owen Hargreaves, the ex-Manchester United and England midfielder, and Joleon Lescott, the former Manchester City and England defender. Both offer unique insights as former Champions League winners. On the touchline, Jules Breach and Raphael Honigstein provide in-depth analysis and breaking news, with both highly respected in their fields—Breach for her modern, engaging reporting and Honigstein for his deep knowledge of German football.

The world feed commentary—used by international broadcasters and some UK platforms—sees Bill Leslie at the microphone. Leslie, a Scottish commentator, is a familiar voice on Sky Sports’ coverage of the EFL and international matches.

In the Republic of Ireland, Premier Sports 1 HD and RTÉ 2 (plus online via RTÉ Player) provide localised coverage. Darragh Maloney presents on RTÉ, with commentary from Des Curran and Ronnie Whelan, the ex-Liverpool and Ireland midfielder. Pundits include Richie Sadlier, a former Millwall and Ireland striker turned respected analyst, and Megan Campbell, the Republic of Ireland international and Manchester City defender, who brings current player insight to the studio.

In the US, Paramount+ streams the match with Kate Scott (formerly Abdo) hosting. Scott is a versatile presenter with experience across NBC, the NFL, and CBS. The punditry team includes Micah Richards, the former Manchester City and England defender known for his charismatic TV presence, and Thierry Henry, the Arsenal legend and France’s all-time top scorer. Reporting comes from Jamie Carragher, the former Liverpool and England defender, and Peter Schmeichel, the ex-Manchester United and Denmark goalkeeper. Christina Unkel, a former FIFA referee, adds expert officiating analysis.

Team News, Form, and Head-to-Head

The build-up to this clash has been dominated by the return of Erling Haaland against his former club, adding further spice to a fixture with a remarkably even historical record: Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund have each won three of their previous nine meetings, with three draws[1]. City will be without the injured Mateo Kovacic, while Dortmund miss Niklas Süle and Julian Brandt[1]. Manchester City’s impressive home form, especially at the Etihad, makes them favourites, but Dortmund’s European pedigree means an upset is always possible[3].

Fans can follow the action via FotMob for live scores and stats, while AS USA and beIN Sports offer comprehensive online updates[1][2][3].

The Wider Broadcast Landscape

For those following the match on the move, talkSPORT and its app, hosted by Adrian Durham, provide alternative radio coverage. Durham is known for his provocative, debate-driven style and has been a mainstay of British sports radio for over two decades. Sky Sports News will also have updates, with Ben Ransom reporting from the Etihad.

For a more global perspective, many international broadcasters use the official UEFA world feed, with Bill Leslie on commentary duties. Leslie’s calm, informative style is well-suited to the demands of international audiences, and he is one of the most experienced football commentators in the UK.

How to Watch

• UK TV: TNT Sports 1 HD, TNT Sports Ultimate 4K, Discovery+
• UK Radio: BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sounds, BBC Sport Online (Audio)
• UK Commercial Radio: talkSPORT, talkSPORT App
• Irish TV: Premier Sports 1 HD, RTÉ 2 HD, RTÉ Player
• US Streaming: Paramount+
• World Feed: Bill Leslie (commentary) – available via various international broadcasters

The depth of coverage available to British viewers reflects the enduring popularity of the Champions League. Whether you prefer the analysis of Ally McCoist and Owen Hargreaves, the touchline insights of Jules Breach, or the authority of Darren Fletcher in the commentary box, there’s an option for every fan.

For more on Manchester City, visit mancity.com. For detailed Champions League fixtures and history, see UEFA’s official site. To learn more about Borussia Dortmund, check out bvb.de.