Atalanta Vs Dortmund: Preview, Predictions and Lineups for Champions League Knockout Second Leg

The Champions League tie that will determine who progresses to the last 16 returns to Bergamo with Atalanta Vs Dortmund set to decide the outcome after a commanding 2-0 first-leg advantage for the visiting Germans. That deficit frames everything: Atalanta must overturn a two-goal margin at home, while Dortmund can play for control and preservation of their lead.

Atalanta Vs Dortmund: Match stakes and context

The two-goal cushion from the first leg leaves Dortmund in a strong position heading into the return fixture. The visitors claimed a 2-0 victory in the opener, with an early goal from Serhou Guirassy and an additional strike from Maximilian Beier putting them in control. For Dortmund, that result reinforces their established European pedigree — they are one-time winners of the competition and have reached the latter stages in recent iterations — and keeps them on course to reach the last 16 yet again.

For Atalanta, the challenge is stark. The club reached the Champions League quarter-finals in 2019–20 but has less knockout experience in this competition than their opponents. Under their new manager, the team has rebuilt form domestically after inheriting a side that sat 13th in the league. Recent domestic results have been strong, and Atalanta’s comeback win over Napoli has lifted their standing and confidence ahead of this decisive home leg.

Team news, injuries and likely XI considerations

Injury news shapes the selection battle. Atalanta will be without Charles De Ketelaere, who remains sidelined with a knee issue. January signing Giacomo Raspadori is also out injured. Beyond those absences, the squad is otherwise close to full strength, with Éderson and Gianluca Scamacca expected to come back into the starting lineup.

Dortmund travel with the advantage of not having to chase the tie and can rely on the confidence gained from their recent victory. The Germans showed resilience domestically as well, salvaging a late equaliser in their most recent league outing to earn a draw on the road. That blend of domestic form and European experience helps explain why Dortmund enter the return leg as favourites to progress.

Key tactical angles and what to expect

• Atalanta’s urgency: Trailing by two goals, Atalanta must adopt a more attacking posture than in the first leg. The visitors’ defensive approach will be tested by the need for La Dea to create clear chances; in the opener the home side managed just seven shots, a worrying low that must improve if a comeback is to be mounted.
• Dortmund’s game management: With a two-goal cushion, Dortmund can combine organised defending with targeted counterattacks. Their European track record and the psychological benefit of an early lead from the first leg give them latitude to control tempo and force Atalanta into riskier play.
• Set-piece and aerial battles: Atalanta’s pathway back into the tie may rely on set-piece delivery and headers, an area that produced decisive goals in their recent domestic comeback. Dortmund’s ability to defend those situations will be crucial.

Prediction considerations and outlook

Recovering from a two-goal first-leg deficit in the Champions League is a rare and difficult task. Historical precedence noted in this context shows that teams holding a two-goal advantage from the first leg tend to progress; Dortmund have a strong record when carrying multi-goal leads into second legs. Atalanta’s recent domestic momentum and their home advantage in Bergamo give them a platform to fight back, but they will need significantly improved chance creation and finishing compared with the first meeting.

Final lineups will determine how the match unfolds: whether Atalanta balance attack and defensive solidity, and whether Dortmund prioritise containment or seek to extend their advantage. With the tie finely poised on the balance of those tactical choices, the return leg in Bergamo promises high stakes and intense drama. Broadcast details and viewing information should be checked locally ahead of kickoff. Recent developments remain subject to change as managers finalise selections before kickoff.