Dortmund and Atalanta Set for Epic Showdown: Key Battles, Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
Borussia Dortmund host Atalanta at Signal Iduna Park for the opening leg of their Champions League knockout playoff encounter.
Both clubs suffered disappointing finishes to the league stage, causing them to drop from the top eight positions, though only a few points divided them in the standings after the chaotic final matchday concluded.
The teams have excelled in their domestic competitions following respective losses to Inter and Union Saint-Gilloise, with Dortmund narrowing the distance to Bayern Munich atop the Bundesliga while Atalanta has risen to sixth place in Serie A. La Dea also secured a Coppa Italia semi-final spot with a commanding 3–0 triumph over Juventus.
Gian Piero Gasperini's squad seeks to advance to the round of 16 for only the second occasion, having been eliminated at this stage by Club Brugge in the previous campaign. Conversely, Dortmund has progressed to the knockout rounds in six of seven recent editions and boasts an impressive European pedigree.
This marks their first encounter since February 2018, when BVB secured a crucial 1–1 draw in Bergamo that facilitated their Europa League progression.
What Time Does Borussia Dortmund vs. Atalanta Kick-Off?
What Time Does Borussia Dortmund vs. Atalanta Kick-Off?
Borussia Dortmund vs. Atalanta Head-to-Head Record (All Games)
Borussia Dortmund vs. Atalanta Head-to-Head Record (All Games)
Current Form (All Competitions, Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions, Last Five Games)
Borussia Dortmund (WWWLW) | Atalanta (WWWDL) |
|---|---|
Borussia Dortmund 4–0 Mainz | Lazio 0–2 Atalanta |
Wolfsburg 1–2 Borussia Dortmund | Atalanta 2–1 Cremonese |
Borussia Dortmund 3–2 Heidenheim | Atalanta 3–0 Juventus |
Borussia Dortmund 0–2 Inter | Como 0–0 Atalanta |
Union Berlin 0–3 Borussia Dortmund | Union Saint-Gilloise 1–0 Atalanta |
How to Watch Borussia Dortmund vs. Atalanta on TV
How to Watch Borussia Dortmund vs. Atalanta on TV
Country | TV Channel/Live Stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | TNT Sports 3, discovery+, discovery+ App |
United States | CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, fuboTV |
Canada | DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada |
Mexico | FOX One |
Borussia Dortmund Team News
Borussia Dortmund Team News
Defensive injuries continue to mount for Borussia Dortmund, with Nico Schlotterbeck's unavailability on Tuesday representing a significant setback. The graceful left-footed center-back is battling a muscular problem.
The home side will also be missing Niklas Süle, Emre Can and Filippo Mane due to various injuries.
Consequently, Kovać has promoted three academy prospects from Dortmund's reserve squad: Luca Reggiani, Elias Benkara and Danylo Krevsun. Reggiani made a substitute appearance against Mainz over the weekend and might slot into Kovać's three-man defense for Atalanta's arrival.
Serhou Guirassy aims to find his rhythm after a subdued group stage campaign, entering this first leg fresh off a weekend double. Maximillian Beier formed an effective partnership with Guirassy while also scoring on Saturday, and this attacking duo could feature together once more.
Borussia Dortmund Predicted Lineup vs. Atalanta
Borussia Dortmund Predicted Lineup vs. Atalanta
Borussia Dortmund predicted lineup vs. Atalanta (3-5-2): Kobel; Reggiani, Anton, Bensebaini; Ryerson, Nmecha, Bellingham, Brandt, Svensson; Guirassy, Beier.
Atalanta Team News
Atalanta Team News
Charles De Ketelaere recently had knee surgery and faces approximately five weeks on the sidelines. The Belgian midfielder will miss both legs of this tie and potentially the round of 16 opener should Gasperini's team progress.
Recent acquisition Giacomo Raspadori has made an impressive start to life at Atalanta following his January move from Napoli, though the Italian sustained an injury during his weekend substitute appearance and may be unavailable for the opening leg.
Gianluca Scamacca hopes to reclaim his place in Gasperini's starting eleven for Tuesday's clash, while Raoul Bellanova could deputize for Davide Zappacosta at right wing-back.
Atalanta Predicted Lineup vs. Borussia Dortmund
Atalanta Predicted Lineup vs. Borussia Dortmund
Atalanta predicted lineup vs. Borussia Dortmund (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Djimsiti, Kolašinac; Bellanova, De Roon, Éderson, Zalewski; Samardžić, Sulemana; Scamacca.
Borussia Dortmund vs. Atalanta Score Prediction
Borussia Dortmund vs. Atalanta Score Prediction
Each side faces the absence of a crucial player on Tuesday evening, making squad depth a decisive factor at Signal Iduna Park.
Dortmund appears especially exposed defensively due to their injury list, though Atalanta would be better positioned to capitalize with De Ketelaere available. The Belgian's absence may require tactical modifications from Gasperini, who adapted successfully at Lazio recently, but they face a more intimidating atmosphere in the Ruhr valley.
Kovać's team will rely on an electric home crowd under the floodlights, while also carrying momentum from recent victories, including Saturday's emphatic 4–0 demolition of resurgent Mainz. Although Atalanta has also gathered steam, Dortmund should claim a narrow advantage in the first leg on home soil.