As the stage is set for Atalanta to clash with Borussia Dortmund on February 25, 2026, fans can barely hold back their excitement. This showdown, happening at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo, is part of the Champions League Round of 16. In the first leg on February 17, Dortmund snatched a 2-0 victory. Now, Atalanta aims to overturn this two-goal deficit. Under the leadership of Raffaele Palladino, Atalanta have been sturdy, securing wins in three of their last five outings. This includes a memorable 3-0 triumph over Juventus in the Coppa Italia quarter-final. Meanwhile, Dortmund remains unbeaten in five matches, showing grit with a 2-2 away draw against RB Leipzig on February 21. Their previous struggles in European away games and lack of victories at the New Balance Arena could give Atalanta hope. Unfortunately, Atalanta will be without Charles De Ketelaere and Giacomo Raspadori due to injuries. Dortmund also faces setbacks with Emre Can and Niklas Süle absent. The weather promises mild conditions, perfect for a flowing game, and betting odds slightly favor Atalanta with a home win at 2.17.
Atalanta vs Borussia Dortmund Prediction & Betting Tip
This match could be intense and tightly fought. At home, Atalanta seems set to strike first, taking advantage of Dortmund’s vulnerabilities on the road. Expect Atalanta to play with a solid defense, making the most of Gianluca Scamacca and Mario Pasalic’s talents to seize vital moments. Despite Dortmund having a strong squad, their defensive injuries might give Atalanta an edge. Despite missing key players, Atalanta’s strong showings against the likes of Lazio and Juventus suggest a narrow win could be on the cards.
| Recommended Bet | Odds |
|---|---|
| Atalanta to win | 2.17 |
Atalanta vs Borussia Dortmund Odds
The odds lean toward an Atalanta win at home, largely due to their solid performances at the New Balance Arena and Dortmund’s shaky form in European travels. With odds set at 2.17, betting markets are offering a good chance to back the home side. Despite key absences on both teams adding an element of unpredictability, the odds favor Atalanta. Fans can expect potential goals, given Atalanta’s attacking flair and Dortmund’s prowess on counter-attacks.
| Bet | Odds |
|---|---|
| Atalanta to win | 2.17 |
Home team Team Analysis
Atalanta Recent Performance
Atalanta’s recent form reveals their wide-ranging capabilities across contests. After the setback with a 2-0 loss to Dortmund on February 17, they bounced back. Their 2-0 triumph against Lazio demonstrated strategy and determination in Serie A. The closely contested 2-1 win over Cremonese showed their ability to secure victories under pressure. Their commanding 3-0 victory over Juventus in the Coppa Italia highlighted their dominance, while a goalless draw against Como showed tactical flexibility in Serie A.
| Date | Competition | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-02-17 | Champions League Final Stage | Borussia Dortmund (A) | 0 – 2 (L) |
| 2026-02-14 | Serie A | Lazio (A) | 2 – 0 (W) |
| 2026-02-09 | Serie A | Cremonese (H) | 2 – 1 (W) |
| 2026-02-05 | Coppa Italia | Juventus (H) | 3 – 0 (W) |
| 2026-02-01 | Serie A | Como (A) | 0 – 0 (D) |
Atalanta Key Players
Marco Carnesecchi is crucial for Atalanta, providing consistency in goal. Upfront, Gianluca Scamacca is expected to lead alongside Mario Pasalic, who is known for creating chances from the midfield. Marten de Roon is vital for halting opposition advances. On the left, Nicola Zalewski’s creativity can exploit spaces, while Sead Kolasinac provides both attacking overlaps and defensive coverage. Davide Zappacosta, with his ability to maintain width and deliver precise crosses, is key in fostering attacking threats from the right.
Atalanta Suspensions & Injuries
Atalanta’s lineup is hit by absences of important forwards. Charles De Ketelaere’s knee injury sidelines him until late March, meaning his creative input is missed. Giacomo Raspadori, out with a muscle injury, should return in early March but misses the Dortmund clash. Erdis Kraja, recovering from a cruciate ligament injury, is close to fitness but might not be risked. Thankfully, there are no suspensions, allowing Palladino to focus on strategic deployments amid these injury hurdles.
| Player | Injury Type | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Charles De Ketelaere | Knee injury | Late March 2026 |
| Giacomo Raspadori | Muscle injury | Early March 2026 |
| Erdis Kraja | Cruciate ligament injury | In a few days |
Atalanta Tactics and Formation
Atalanta may roll out in a 3-5-1-1 formation, rising to a 3-4-2-1 depending on the match’s tempo. Steadfast at the back, Palladino is likely to employ a defensive trio of Odilon Kossounou, Berat Djimsiti, and Sead Kolasinac. The midfield pivot involves Marten de Roon and Mario Pasalic, ensuring coverage and transitions. Combining defense and attack, Davide Zappacosta and Nicola Zalewski supplement wider formations, while Gianluca Scamacca leads the line, supported by midfield charges.
Away team Team Analysis
Borussia Dortmund Recent Performance
Dortmund approaches this game buoyed by a string of strong performances. A key 2-0 win at home against Atalanta in the first leg spotlighted their credentials. Their emphatic 4-0 Bundesliga win over Mainz 05 showcased their attacking power. A narrow 2-1 victory over Wolfsburg highlighted their grit. Nonetheless, they did leak a late equalizer in a 2-2 draw against RB Leipzig, pointing to potential vulnerabilities.
| Date | Competition | Opponent | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-02-21 | Bundesliga | RB Leipzig (A) | 2 – 2 (D) |
| 2026-02-17 | Champions League Final Stage | Atalanta (H) | 2 – 0 (W) |
| 2026-02-13 | Bundesliga | Mainz 05 (H) | 4 – 0 (W) |
| 2026-02-07 | Bundesliga | Wolfsburg (A) | 2 – 1 (W) |
| 2026-02-01 | Bundesliga | FC Heidenheim (H) | 3 – 2 (W) |
Borussia Dortmund Key Players
Dortmund’s defense is anchored by Gregor Kobel, who offers assurance in goal. Serhou Guirassy, in fine form, leads the attack. Jobe Bellingham injects energy into midfield transitions, while Felix Nmecha’s deeper positioning guides play. Julian Brandt’s creativity cracks open tight defenses, working well with Ramy Bensebaini’s defensive-to-offensive strides.
Borussia Dortmund Suspensions & Injuries
Dortmund is challenged by missing key central players. Injuries to defensive stalwarts Filippo Mané and Nico Schlotterbeck test their setup. Emre Can’s groin recovery places added responsibility on Jobe Bellingham and Felix Nmecha in midfield, while the absence of Niklas Süle limits defensive options. Despite these setbacks, Dortmund’s attack remains potent with Gregor Kobel and their forwards ready to perform.
| Player | Injury Type | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Filippo Mané | Thigh injury | Early March 2026 |
| Emre Can | Groin injury | Early March 2026 |
| Nico Schlotterbeck | Muscle injury | 1–2 weeks |
| Niklas Süle | Thigh injury | Early March 2026 |
Borussia Dortmund Tactics and Formation
Dortmund may opt for a flexible 3-4-3 setup, switching to a 4-2-3-1 based on player availability. They aim to maintain defensive strength despite injury challenges. A structured backline could feature Luca Reggiani, Waldemar Anton, and Ramy Bensebaini, relying on Felix Nmecha and Jobe Bellingham’s midfield dynamism. Offensively, Serhou Guirassy leads central attacks, supported by the creative interplay of Maximilian Beier and Julian Brandt.
Home team vs Away team Head-to-Head Statistics
In recent meetings, Dortmund has held the upper hand over Atalanta, winning three of their last five clashes. This dominance includes European encounters where Dortmund claimed a win and a draw in February 2018 Europa League matchups. Despite this, Atalanta hopes to leverage their home advantage to change the narrative, especially after Dortmund’s recent win on February 17.
| Date | Competition | Venue | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-02-17 | Champions League Final Stage | Dortmund (H) | 2 – 0 |
| 2018-02-22 | Europa League Final Stage | Atalanta (H) | 1 – 1 |
| 2018-02-15 | Europa League Final Stage | Dortmund (H) | 3 – 2 |
| 2017-08-01 | Club Friendlies | Dortmund (H) | 0 – 1 |
Venue and Weather
The New Balance Arena, set in Bergamo, is ready to host this thrilling tie. Known for its passionate home fans, Atalanta’s arena promises an electric atmosphere. Although no recent capacity updates exist, fans are expected to turn up in full force.
This match is blessed with favorable weather, forecasting clear skies and a pleasant 13.2°C, ideal for a high-paced game. The conditions are perfect, providing no interruptions from the climate. The pitch, dry and stable, supports strategies focusing on skill and quick movements, setting the stage for an unforgettable Champions League night.
