Atalanta vs Dortmund: Champions League Showdown – Preview, Predictions & Key Players
Borussia Dortmund arrives in Bergamo with a significant advantage, having secured a 2-0 victory over Atalanta in the first leg of their Champions League tie at the Westfalenstadion. Now, the Black and Yellows aim to finalize their progression to the Round of 16, needing to avoid a defeat by more than two goals. Even a narrow loss, such as a 1-0 or 2-1 result, would see them through.
First Leg Recap: Dortmund Dominates
Last week’s encounter showcased Dortmund’s dominance, limiting Atalanta to a mere 7 shots and a paltry 0.47 expected goals. The Italian side struggled to create clear-cut chances, a testament to Dortmund’s defensive solidity. While Atalanta’s Nicola Zalewski proved a constant threat on the left wing, repeatedly challenging Luca Reggiani, his final delivery lacked the necessary precision.
Team News & Potential Lineups
Good news for Dortmund manager Niko Kovac as key defenders Emre Can and Nico Schlotterbeck have returned to training and are available for selection in Italy. This significantly bolsters Dortmund’s backline. Marcel Sabitzer’s performance on Saturday wasn’t particularly impressive, suggesting Julian Brandt is likely to reclaim his starting position.
With the highly anticipated ‘Der Klassiker’ against Bayern Munich looming this weekend, and Dortmund holding a comfortable two-goal aggregate lead, a strategic rotation seems plausible. While Karim Adeyemi might be rested for the Bayern clash, his pace and defensive work rate make him a valuable asset for this match, potentially offering a greater threat on the counter-attack than Maximilian Beier.
Key Battle to Watch: Dortmund’s Right Side
The right side of Dortmund’s defense will be under scrutiny, particularly given Atalanta’s attacking prowess. Keeping a close eye on this area will be crucial. However, with Schlotterbeck’s return, Dortmund’s overall defensive structure should be significantly improved.
Prediction: A Cautious Approach
Atalanta, despite their home advantage, faces an uphill battle. Dortmund’s defensive resilience and the potential return of key players make them a formidable opponent. Considering Atalanta’s struggles in the first leg and Dortmund’s tactical flexibility, a 1-1 draw seems a likely outcome, securing Borussia Dortmund’s place in the Champions League Round of 16. You can find more Champions League analysis at UEFA’s official website.
Why Dortmund Should Advance
- Solid Defense: Dortmund’s defense has been consistently strong, and the return of Schlotterbeck adds further stability.
- Tactical Flexibility: Kovac has demonstrated a willingness to adapt his tactics based on the opponent and the game situation.
- Counter-Attacking Threat: Players like Adeyemi possess the pace and skill to exploit Atalanta’s defensive vulnerabilities.
