Dortmund vs Atalanta Prediction
🔊 Can Borussia Dortmund overcome Atalanta at Signal Iduna Park? Nico Kovac's squad shouldn't consider any other options-they need to secure a comfortable lead ahead of the return leg, which promises to be much tougher. However, bookmakers are offering relatively high odds for Borussia as the home side. This is likely because Dortmund haven't won in their last three matches in the main club tournament. Our editorial team predicts that both sides will find the back of the net in this clash, and we'll explain why below.
Head-to-Head
📊 The teams met each other during the 2017/18 Europa League season.
H2H Stats Matches and Previous Teams Results
Borussia Dortmund Team Overview
🟡 Niko Kovac's squad wrapped up the group stage of the Champions League on a disappointing note. In their last three matches, they managed just one draw at home against Bodø/Glimt (2-2), and suffered two defeats-away to Tottenham (0-2) and at home against Inter Milan (0-2). Ultimately, they recorded three wins, two draws, and three losses, with a goal difference of 19:17. The 11 points they accumulated placed them 17th. Seven of those points were earned at Signal Iduna Park: aside from the draw with Bodø/Glimt, the Black and Yellows defeated Athletic Bilbao (4-1) and Villarreal (4-0) there.
⚫ In the Bundesliga, Borussia continue their strong performance, striving not to fall behind Bayern Munich. Kovac's team has narrowed the gap from eleven to six points. In the league, Dortmund have only lost to Bayern in October, after which they embarked on a 15-match unbeaten streak-securing 11 wins and 4 draws. In their latest outing, Borussia thrashed Mainz (4-0) at home, with Serhou Guirassy bagging a brace and goals from Maximilian Beyer and Ramy Bensebaini.
Match Results: Borussia Dortmund
Atalanta Team Overview
🔵 Atalanta were in contention for a direct playoff spot for a while, but they lost their last two group stage matches. After a strong first half, the Bergamo side surprisingly fell at home to Athletic Bilbao (2-3) and then narrowly lost in Belgium to Union Saint-Gilloise (0-1) in the final round. Over eight rounds, Atalanta secured four wins, drew once, and suffered three defeats. The result: 15th place, 13 points, and a goal difference of 10:10.
⚫ Since then, Raffaele Palladino's team have drawn with Como (0-0) in Serie A and knocked out Juventus (3-0) in the Coppa Italia quarterfinals, setting up a semifinal clash with Lazio. The Bergamaschi then defeated Cremonese (2-1) in the league and beat Lazio in Rome last weekend (2-0). Éderson converted a penalty in the first half, and Nicola Zalewski scored after the break. Atalanta sit sixth in Serie A, trailing the Champions League spots by five points.
Match Results: Atalanta
Latest news
Borussia Dortmund
🎙️ Niko Kovac's reaction after the victory over Mainz: "We're thrilled, absolutely delighted with the win. It wasn't easy for us. The first half was evenly matched, but we were more efficient. We steered the game in the right direction through set pieces. In the second half, we completely controlled the match. We had a few more chances, but a 4-0 win, especially with a clean sheet, is an excellent result. I'm pleased that all the hard work put in during training is paying off."
❌ Nico Schlotterbeck is dealing with muscle issues, while Niklas Süle has a hamstring injury. Both missed Monday's training and will be unavailable for Tuesday's game. Additionally, young center-back Filippo Mane has been out for two matches due to a thigh injury.
Atalanta
🎙️ Raffaele Palladino's reaction following the victory over Lazio: "This was an important win against a very strong opponent. The team played maturely and with discipline, especially in defense. We managed the game's tempo well and tried not to give Lazio any space. The guys executed the tactical plan perfectly, showing character and attention to detail. Wins like this boost our confidence, but we need to stay focused and keep working because the season is still very long."
❌ After Charles De Ketelaere's meniscus injury, the club from Bergamo has lost another key player - Giacomo Raspadori. The 25-year-old forward has sustained a left thigh flexor injury.
🟨 Referee and Yellow Cards
Serdar Gözübüyük will officiate the match in Dortmund. He averages 3.6 yellow cards per game over his last ten matches. In the Champions League, Dortmund typically receive one caution per match, while Atalanta average 1.75. We recommend betting on Dortmund's individual total of under 2 yellow cards-this outcome has occurred in all their group stage matches.
⚽ Goal Prediction
In the first six rounds involving Dortmund in the Champions League, the total exceeded 3.5 goals, yet the last two matches saw totals under 2.5. Dortmund have conceded in their last three tournament rounds. Considering their defensive issues and missing key defenders, it makes sense to consider Atalanta to score.
🚩 Corner Prediction
The average number of corners for both teams is nearly identical: the hosts average 4.6, while the visitors average 4.5 per match. We suggest considering total corners under 10.5, a scenario that has played out in 7 of Atalanta's 8 Champions League matches.
Editorial Prediction
Borussia are the favorites, though not overwhelmingly so. In the Bundesliga, their defense has been solid (conceding just 20 goals, only Bayern have let in fewer), but in the Champions League, Dortmund have conceded in seven out of eight group stage matches.
Both teams enter the game in good form, and Borussia finding the net seems almost certain. Although Atalanta have kept clean sheets in three of their last four games, this is a different scenario: a crucial home playoff match where they need to build an advantage before heading to Bergamo for the return leg. However, the absence of three central defenders increases the likelihood of conceding a goal. Thus, our main pick is both teams to score (yes).
This Champions League season, Atalanta have yet to draw away from home - with two wins and two losses on the road. For the upcoming clash, we predict their third away defeat - a 2-1 win for Niko Kovac's side.
Betting Tips: Borussia Dortmund - Atalanta
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Comparison of Teams Stats
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