Predicted Lineups
Borussia Dortmund: [Predicted XI]
Athletic Club: [Predicted XI]
(Official lineups will be updated closer to kick-off.)
Prediction
Athletic’s record against German sides is impressive, but Dortmund’s scoring under Kovac and the Signal Iduna Park factor feel too strong to bet against. Expect goals and drama, but the hosts should edge it.
Prediction: Dortmund 3-1 Athletic Club.
Dortmund vs Athletic Club Preview: Basque Test for Niko Kovac’s Free-Scoring Side
It’s a first-ever meeting between Borussia Dortmund and Athletic Club in European competition. The Basques are unbeaten in their last six against German opposition, but Niko Kovac’s Dortmund side are in free-scoring form in the group stage — and Signal Iduna Park under the lights is never an easy trip.
Match Info
- Competition: UEFA Champions League
- Matchday: 2 of 8
- Date: Today
- Kick-off: 22:00 (local time)
- Venue: Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund
Pre-Match Insights
- Historic First Meeting: This is Athletic Club’s first ever European match against a German side in the Champions League era, while Dortmund have only lost three of their 16 home games against Spanish opposition.
- Athletic’s German Record: Athletic are unbeaten in their last six European games vs German teams (W4, D2). The most recent was a 3-2 win over Hertha Berlin in 2017.
- Away Days in Germany: Athletic are undefeated in their last three away trips to German sides (W2, D1), including a 4-2 win over Schalke in 2012 — the year they reached the Europa League final under Marcelo Bielsa.
- Kovac’s Group Stage Streak: Dortmund boss Niko Kovac has never lost a Champions League group stage match (10 games: W7, D3). His sides have averaged a whopping 4.5 goals per game across those matches.
- Signal Iduna Fortress: Dortmund rarely lose at home to Spanish sides, with Real Madrid the only team to beat them by more than a goal (2017). That fortress-like form is what Athletic must overcome.
Things to Watch Out For
- Can Athletic extend their unbeaten run against German opposition?
- Will Niko Kovac’s incredible group-stage record continue?
- Dortmund’s home firepower vs Athletic’s disciplined defense — who bends first?
Final Thoughts
Athletic are no strangers to upsetting German sides, but Dortmund’s mix of attacking firepower and home advantage makes them favorites. If Kovac’s men keep up their scoring streak, Athletic may struggle to keep pace.
👉 Stay tuned here for live updates, goals, and post-match reactions once the game kicks off.
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