Dortmund vs. Atalanta: Knockout Play-Off Preview as Defensive Woes Test BVB
Borussia Dortmund welcome Atalanta to Signal Iduna Park for the first leg of their Champions League knockout play-off on Tuesday night ET. Both clubs enter the tie riding positive domestic form but with contrasting headaches: Dortmund must plug holes in a suddenly threadbare defence, while Atalanta travel buoyed by a midseason resurgence under Raffaele Palladino.
Injury crisis clouds Dortmund's back line
The buzz in Dortmund has more to do with questions than certainty. Head coach Niko Kovač confirmed a serious centre-back shortage, noting the squad is missing multiple regulars: Nico Schlotterbeck is sidelined by a muscle issue, Niklas Süle suffered a thigh problem late in the last league match, and Emre Can and Filippo Mané remain unavailable. Kovač was candid: “It looks like we currently have four injured centre-backs, ” and stressed the need for creativity when reshaping the back line.
That forced improvisation has accelerated opportunities for young defenders. Kovač has called up Luca Reggiani, Elias Benkara and Danylo Krevsun from the club’s secondary list; Reggiani has already seen substitute minutes in the Bundesliga and could slot into a back three if required. Kovač emphasised trust in his options: “All those who can play this position – I’m convinced they can do it. I trust them, and by tomorrow we will definitely find a player who will fill that role. ”
Offensively, Dortmund’s momentum has remained intact. Julian Ryerson’s creative influence has been a standout storyline — a sustained run of assists has become an attacking fulcrum for the hosts. The real test will be whether Dortmund can retain that forward verve while reshuffling defensively on a night when margins in Europe are fine.
Atalanta’s uptick and tactical blueprint
Atalanta arrive in Dortmund in a much-improved state after a turbulent start to the season. The club has climbed the domestic table and added depth to its cup ambitions, including a convincing Coppa Italia semi-final berth secured with a 3-0 win over a top side. Palladino’s influence since taking over has steadied the squad; the coach has described 2026 as a period of recovery and confidence for the team.
Personnel losses temper that optimism. Giacomo Raspadori is out with a thigh injury and Charles De Ketelaere is also unavailable, both absences that remove attacking options and force adjustments to Atalanta’s usual fluid front line. Still, La Dea have shown resilience in European competition this season, with notable wins that underline their ability to hurt opponents on transitions and from well-timed pressing sequences.
Defensively, Atalanta will likely prioritize compactness and intensity. Palladino has stressed focus and courage ahead of the trip to Dortmund and will be mindful of Signal Iduna Park’s atmosphere. Tactical discipline and disciplined counterattacks are expected to be central to Atalanta’s game plan: frustrate Dortmund’s service to the forwards and look to exploit spaces on the break.
Predicted lineups and key battles
With Dortmund forced into selection juggling, expect a pragmatic defensive shape that may see a full-back or a defensive midfielder drafted centrally to cover the gaps. Reggiani, Benkara or Krevsun could be asked to handle a baptism of fire in front of a volatile crowd. Upfront, Serhou Guirassy will be monitored for sharpness after a brace at the weekend; Maximillian Beier offers a different dimension with his mobility.
Atalanta’s attack will miss Raspadori’s finishing but retain enough creativity to cause problems, particularly from wide areas and set pieces. The duel between Dortmund’s makeshift centre-back pairing and Atalanta’s forwards will likely determine the outcome: if the visitors press accurately and transition fast, Dortmund’s makeshift defence will be tested; if Dortmund’s creators, led by Ryerson, carve out chances, home advantage could be decisive.
Context and recent history add seasoning to the tie. Their last competitive meeting was a 1-1 draw in 2018 that helped Dortmund advance in a European knockout tie. This time, both teams have fresh domestic momentum and a clear objective: reach the last 16. Expect a high-stakes, emotionally charged first leg where pragmatism and adaptability will matter as much as pure quality.
