CL Preview: Italian upset in Dortmund?
2024 CL losing finalist Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta meet in the first leg of their CL knockout phase playoff tie, with a place in the round of 16 at stake. Both sides have shown strong scoring form this season, and with two attack-minded teams involved, Signal Iduna Park could be in for an entertaining European night.
Match Analysis
Dortmund began their CL campaign in dramatic fashion with a 4–4 draw against Juventus, and a series of solid results later in the league phase secured their playoff spot. However, they finished with back-to-back 0–2 defeats against Tottenham and Inter, highlighting some inconsistency. Domestically, though, form has been impressive: a 4–0 win over Mainz last weekend — where Serhou Guirassy scored again — marked their sixth consecutive Bundesliga victory.
Guirassy has also been influential in Europe alongside players such as Julian Brandt and Felix Nmecha. In fact, Dortmund have had double-digit different scorers in this season’s CL, underlining their attacking depth.
Atalanta, meanwhile, impressed during the league phase, including a win over Chelsea and a convincing 3–0 victory against Eintracht Frankfurt. Although they ended that stage with defeats to Athletic Bilbao and Union Saint-Gilloise, they had already done enough to secure a favourable playoff position.
Their form since the turn of the year has been strong. A 3–0 win over Juventus in the Coppa Italia showcased their top level, while a 2–0 away victory against Lazio in Serie A last weekend confirmed their consistency. Players such as Gianluca Scamacca and Ederson have played key roles, while new attacking additions have provided further options.
Historically, Dortmund may hold a slight psychological edge after eliminating Atalanta over two legs in the 2018 EL, but this Italian side looks significantly stronger than the one they faced back then.
Team News
Dortmund welcome back Nico Schlotterbeck following suspension, while Marcel Sabitzer is closing in on full match fitness. Captain Emre Can remains sidelined with injury, which could affect midfield balance.
Atalanta will be without creative forward Charles De Ketelaere, who has contributed significantly in Europe with both goals and chance creation. Giacomo Raspadori is expected to take on a more prominent attacking role in his absence, either supporting Gianluca Scamacca or Nikola Krstovic.
Odds and Tips
Dortmund’s home advantage and recent knockout experience make them slight favourites for the first leg. Still, Atalanta arrive in good form and have already shown they can trouble top-level opposition in Europe.
Tip: A closely contested first leg.
Goals at both ends look likely — for example, a 1–1 draw at 7.40.
Odds might have changed since the writing and/or publication of this article.
Last Updated: 16.02.2026
