Key Highlights
- Borussia Dortmund vs. Atalanta preview and predictions for the first leg of their Champions League playoff tie.
- Dortmund have an excellent track record in Europe compared to Atalantaβs recent struggles.
- Nico Schlotterbeck is out for Dortmund, while Charles De Ketelaere is unavailable for Atalanta due to injury.
- Borussia Dortmund are predicted to win 2-1 against Atalanta in the first leg at Signal Iduna Park.
Match Overview and Lineups
Dortmund welcome Atalanta to Signal Iduna Park for their first meeting since February 2018. Both teams have had chaotic ends to their domestic seasons, but Dortmund are currently closing the gap on Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga.
The away side is without De Ketelaere and might make some adjustments due to his injury. Meanwhile, Dortmund face lineup issues with Schlotterbeck out and others injured, leading KovaΔ to call up youngsters like Luca Reggiani, Elias Benkara, and Danylo Krevsun.
Borussia Dortmundβs Lineup
Kobel; Reggiani, Anton, Bensebaini; Ryerson, Nmecha, Bellingham, Brandt, Svensson; Guirassy, Beier.
Atalantaβs Lineup
Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Djimsiti, KolaΕ‘inac; Bellanova, De Roon, Γderson, Zalewski; SamardΕΎiΔ, Sulemana; Scamacca.
Team Form and Predictions
Despite recent domestic form, Atalantaβs chances are slim due to their absence of key player De Ketelaere. Dortmund, however, have been on a winning streak in the Bundesliga. The hosts will rely heavily on their raucous home atmosphere under the lights.
Borussia Dortmund are favored by the prediction model, with a 2-1 victory over Atalanta in this first leg match.
Match Details
The match is set for Tuesday, February 18, at 8 p.m. GMT (3 p.m. ET, 12 p.m. PT) and will be officiated by Serdar GΓΆzΓΌbΓΌyΓΌk with VAR assistance from Pol van Boekel.
Conclusion
This match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two teams on different trajectories. Dortmundβs home advantage could prove decisive, but Atalanta might surprise if De Ketelaere were fit. The first leg will set the stage for what could shape up as an exciting second leg in Bergamo.
