Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta

Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta BC meet in a UEFA Champions League playoff clash that brings together two attack-minded sides with contrasting European histories. Dortmund finished in 17th place in the league phase table and are now hoping to beat La Dea for a place in the knockout phase. Their only previous meetings in UEFA competition came during the 2017/18 Europa League round of 32, when Dortmund progressed with a 4–3 aggregate victory. A thrilling 3–2 win in Germany was followed by a 1–1 draw in Italy, underlining how evenly matched the teams were even then. Dortmund’s broader record against Italian opposition in this competition has been challenging in recent years. The German side have lost their previous three two-legged ties against Serie A clubs, most recently against Juventus FC in the 2014/15 round of 16. Historically, however, they have enjoyed iconic success against Italian opponents—none more memorable than their 3–1 victory over Juventus in the 1997 final, which secured the club’s only European Cup triumph. Despite that famous moment, recent statistics show Dortmund have won just one of their last seven UEFA meetings with Italian teams, drawing three and losing three. There is still strong motivation for the Bundesliga side, as a victory in this tie would mark Dortmund’s 100th win in Europe’s premier club competition—a milestone that reflects their long-standing presence among continental contenders. Encouragingly, Dortmund have also won the home leg in six of their last eight two-legged Champions League ties, suggesting that their Signal Iduna Park advantage could once again play a decisive role. A 4—2—3—1 formation with Serhou Guirassy in attack is expected against Atalanta.

Atalanta failed to secure a place in the knockout phase, having finished in 15th place in the league phase. Fortunately, their record against German opposition is particularly impressive. La Dea have lost only two of their previous 11 UEFA matches against Bundesliga sides, winning six and drawing three. Even more notably, Atalanta are unbeaten in their last four UEFA away matches against German clubs, recording three victories and one draw—evidence of their ability to perform in hostile environments. Ultimately, this tie presents an intriguing tactical battle between Dortmund’s attacking tradition and Atalanta’s disciplined yet dynamic approach. With both teams capable of scoring freely and possessing valuable knockout experience, the margins between them could prove extremely fine over two legs. A 3—4—2—1 formation with Gianluca Scamacca in attack is expected against Dortmund.