Borussia Dortmund host Atalanta in a crucial Champions League knockout first leg, with both sides aiming to take an early advantage in their push for European glory.
| Tournament: | Champions League |
|---|---|
| Venue: | Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund |
| Date: | 17.02.2026 |
| Time: | 20:00 GMT |
Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta Form and Head to Head
The Black and Yellows enter this encounter on the back of a resounding 4-0 victory over Mainz in the Bundesliga. This dominant home performance follows a mixed run of form for the German giants, who have won three and lost three of their last six matches across all competitions. Their recent European outings have been challenging, including a 0-2 home defeat to Inter and a 0-2 away loss to Tottenham in the Champions League. However, their domestic form has shown signs of resurgence, with recent victories against Heidenheim and Union Berlin.
The visitors, Atalanta, arrive in Germany in strong domestic form, having secured a 2-0 away win against Lazio in Serie A in their last outing. Gian Piero Gasperini's side has been impressive, recording four wins, one draw, and just one loss in their last six matches across all competitions. This run includes a Coppa Italia victory against Juventus and a comprehensive 4-0 win against Parma. Their only recent European stumble was a 0-1 defeat to Union St.Gilloise in the Champions League group stage.
The historical meetings between these two sides are limited but intriguing. They have faced each other three times previously, with Borussia Dortmund winning one, Atalanta winning one, and one match ending in a draw. The most recent encounter was a 1-1 draw in the Europa League in February 2018, a result that saw Dortmund progress on aggregate after a thrilling two-legged tie. The single friendly match between them in 2017 saw Atalanta emerge victorious with a 1-0 scoreline.
Who is the Betting Favourite in Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta?
Borussia Dortmund are favourites to beat Atalanta at Signal Iduna Park, with the latest odds implying roughly a 45% chance of a home win. Atalanta are priced as away underdogs with a 29% chance of victory in this Champions League knockout first leg.
| Match Result | Best Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Borussia Dortmund | 116/100 | 10bet |
| Atalanta | 13/5 | BresBet |
| Draw | 13/5 | Betfred |
Odds last updated at 6PM Tuesday, 17th February.
Betano Sportbook
Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta Team News
Borussia Dortmund face several key absences for this Champions League tie. Midfielder Emre Can is sidelined with adductor pain, while Daniel Svensson is suspended. Further squad depth is impacted by injuries to F. Mané and A. Kabar, slightly limiting coach Niko Kovač's midfield rotation options. Kovač is expected to deploy a 3-4-2-1 formation, focusing on quick forward play, with Nico Schlotterbeck's distribution and the efficiency of striker Serhou Guirassy being central to their strategy.
Atalanta also have a significant player missing, with Charles De Ketelaere out due to injury. De Ketelaere has been a crucial creative force for the Italian side, leading the team in goal involvements, chances created, and big chances created in this campaign. Raffaele Palladino's men are likely to mirror Dortmund's 3-4-2-1, but with a greater emphasis on positional compactness and defensive duels. Odilon Kossounou will be key in anchoring their defensive structure, while Nikola Krstović is expected to lead the line in De Ketelaere's absence.
Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta Predicted Lineups
Borussia Dortmund (3-4-2-1): Kobel; Süle, Anton, Schlotterbeck; Ryerson, Nmecha, Bellingham, Reggiani; Beier, Brandt; Guirassy.
Atalanta (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi; Kossounou, Djimsiti, Ahanor; Bernasconi, de Roon, Éderson, Zappacosta; Zalewski, Samardzic; Krstovic.
Lineups previewed by WhoScored.
Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta Match Prediction
This tie sets up an intriguing clash of styles, with Borussia Dortmund’s direct, vertical attacking play going up against Atalanta’s compact defensive shape. Dortmund have been hit-and-miss in Europe, but at Signal Iduna Park they look far more dangerous, with Serhou Guirassy offering a reliable cutting edge. Julian Brandt will also be key in finding pockets of space and linking the attack.
Atalanta will look to disrupt Dortmund with their aggressive pressing and strong ball-winning, led by Odilon Kossounou at the back. However, the absence of Charles De Ketelaere could limit their creativity in transition. If the match opens up, Dortmund should have the edge, though Atalanta still have enough threat to snatch an away goal.
Prediction: Borussia Dortmund 3-1 Atalanta
Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta Stat Trends
Our EV Eagle has picked out five trending player stats for Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta.
Find 100s more player stat trends in our Trends Tool, available to Oddschecker+ Premium subscribers.
Julian Brandt has exceeded 0.5 Shots On Target in 6 of their last 10 games.
Best odds of 17/20 at BetMGM UK while publishing.
Felix Nmecha has exceeded 1.5 Shots in 4 of their last 5 games.
Best odds of Evens at Ladbrokes while publishing.
Julian Ryerson has exceeded 0.5 Shots in 4 of their last 5 games.
Best odds of 8/11 at Ladbrokes while publishing.
Honest Ahanor has exceeded 0.5 Shots in 5 of their last 10 games.
Best odds of Evens at bet365 while publishing.
There have been 9+ shots on target in 6 of Borussia Dortmund's last 8 matches in Champions League.
Best odds of 7/10 at Virgin Bet while publishing.
Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta Bet Builder Tip
Our Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta Bet Builder Tip includes:
- Over 2.5 Total Goals
- Dortmund Home Win
- S. Guirassy Over 1.5 Shots On Target,
- K. Adeyemi Over 1.5 Fouls Won.
Best odds of 5/1 available at bet365 at the time of publishing.
Make sure to get the best odds on your Bet Builders with our exclusive Bet Builder Comparison Tool.
