Dortmund vs. Atalanta – News and Probable Lineups

As they begin their quest for a spot in the last 16 of the Champions League, Borussia Dortmund will clash with Atalanta BC for the first leg of their knockout playoff on Tuesday evening.

Having previously claimed the title, Dortmund recently reached both the final and the quarter-finals; Atalanta may not have the same historical success, but they outperformed Dortmund in this season’s league stage.

Match overview

Dortmund initially experienced a strong start in the Champions League, dropping only one of their first six matches while scoring numerous goals. However, they stumbled in their last two group stage games, each resulting in a 2-0 defeat.

After starting their campaign with an exciting 4-4 draw against Juventus, disappointing losses to Tottenham Hotspur and Inter de Milão eventually left the German side finishing in 17th place.

Since that time, however, BVB have achieved three consecutive victories in the Bundesliga, netting nine goals in these outings, including a commanding 4-0 win over a strong Mainz side on Saturday, marking their sixth straight top-flight win.

With Bayern Munich as their main rivals, Dortmund has closed the gap to just six points behind the champions and remains in the title race.

Under the management of former Bayern boss Niko Kovac, they have suffered only one defeat in their last 30 league matches. Additionally, they have a solid record at home, having lost only twice in their last 22 Champions League home games.

Moreover, Die Schwarzgelben have successfully navigated through five knockout ties in the last two seasons, positioning them well to aim for their 100th victory in Europe’s elite competition when they return to action on Tuesday.

After facing Inter last month, Dortmund now prepares to entertain another Lombardy outfit dressed in black and blue. Their only previous encounters with Atalanta resulted in an aggregate win in the 2017-18 Europa League, which commenced with a 3-2 home victory.

Thanks to a strong start, Atalanta finished the league stage two points and two positions ahead of Borussia Dortmund, earning home advantage for the upcoming return leg in Bergamo.

Entering the final round in 13th place, La Dea could even afford back-to-back defeats, including losses against Athletic Bilbao and Belgian champions Union Saint-Gilloise.

Since then, the Nerazzurri have remained unbeaten in four matches, having secured their place in the Coppa Italia semi-finals with a 3-0 triumph over Juventus and continued to ascend in the Serie A table.

Regarded as one of Italy’s top-performing teams, Atalanta has not tasted defeat in domestic contests this year, boasting seven wins and two draws, including a 2-0 win over Lazio in Rome last time out.

Head coach Raffaele Palladino has reinvigorated a squad that struggled under the previous management of Ivan Juric, who in turn succeeded club legend Gian Piero Gasperini, the architect behind La Dea’s Europa League triumph in 2024.

Although less experienced than Kovac, Palladino guided Fiorentina to the semi-finals of the Conference League last season, but achieving success at Europe’s highest level presents a different challenge entirely.

Atalanta has already topped Club Brugge, Marseille, and Chelsea during the initial phase, in addition to earning a 3-0 win against Eintracht Frankfurt.

However, prior to facing more German opposition in the playoffs, they have endured five consecutive defeats in Champions League knockout matches, having lost 5-2 on aggregate to Brugge at this stage last year.

Team News

Borussia Dortmund can welcome back key defender Nico Schlotterbeck, who completed a one-match domestic suspension against Mainz, while Daniel Svensson is available again after missing the Champions League defeat to Inter due to suspension.

Marcel Sabitzer has recently made his return following a calf injury and could be fit to start, but captain Emre Can remains sidelined with a groin issue.

Set-piece expert Julian Ryerson provided four assists – including two for Serhou Guirassy – as Dortmund continued their impressive form.

BVB has already seen 10 different players score in the Champions League this season, with Guirassy, Felix Nmecha, and Julian Brandt each contributing three goals.

On the other hand, Atalanta will miss the services of influential forward Charles De Ketelaere due to injury. The Belgian has recorded six goal involvements, created 20 chances, and made 11 successful dribbles throughout the league phase.

Palladino has bolstered his attacking lineup by adding Giacomo Raspadori in the latest transfer window, who is expected to stand in, supporting either Nikola Krstovic or Gianluca Scamacca in the attack.

Ivorian centre-back Odilon Kossounou – the sole player to start every game for La Dea in this season’s Champions League – has seen limited Serie A action of late, so it remains uncertain if he will return to the starting lineup on Tuesday.

Borussia Dortmund probable starting XI:

Kobel; Sule, Anton, Bensebaini; Ryerson, Bellingham, Nmecha, Svensson; Brandt, Beier; Guirassy

Atalanta BC probable starting XI:

Carnesecchi; Kossounou, Hien, Ahanor; Zappacosta, Ederson, De Roon, Bernasconi; Raspadori, Zalewski; Krstovic

Considering their reputation and home performance, Dortmund emerges as the favored team for this matchup; however, their playoff rivals are currently in excellent shape.

Notably, nine of Atalanta’s ten Champions League goals have been scored in the second half, suggesting that another late goal could allow La Dea to head back to Bergamo on equal footing.