Atalanta vs. Borussia Dortmund Champions League preview: Team news and predicted lineups

One week on from a compelling first encounter in Germany, Borussia Dortmund travel to Bergamo holding a precious two-goal advantage over Atalanta in this decisive Champions League return leg. The equation is simple: Atalanta must chase, Dortmund must manage.

In the first leg at Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund were clinical and composed. An early breakthrough from Serhou Guirassy shifted the mood of the tie, and once ahead, the Bundesliga side controlled transitions and punished Atalanta’s attempts to open the game. The final margin gives Dortmund breathing space - but not comfort. Not in Italy. Not against Raffaele Palladino’s relentlessly aggressive side.

Bayern in sight – a dangerous distraction?

There is an added subplot to this crucial Champions League fixture: Dortmund have FC Bayern Munich in their sights next Saturday in a Bundesliga showdown that will define their domestic ambitions for the rest of the season. The psychological challenge for Niko Kovač’s men is obvious: remain fully locked into a high-stakes European night with a Klassiker looming.

Two-goal leads can tempt teams into thinking ahead. But this is not a fixture that allows mental drift. Atalanta at home, under the lights at the Gewiss Stadium, are specialists in chaos. And chaos is precisely what Dortmund must avoid.

The Italian Caveat

There is one other note of caution for travelling supporters: Dortmund’s away form in the Champions League has fluctuated, and historically, Italian trips have rarely been straightforward. Bergamo will be intense, tactical, and emotionally charged.

Yet history also offers reassurance: a two-goal first-leg advantage represents the most comfortable cushion Dortmund have taken into a European second leg in years. It is a platform built for composure.

The question is not whether Dortmund have the quality to progress. The question is whether they can balance patience with ambition and whether thoughts of Bayern next weekend remain exactly where they should: in the background.

Because if Dortmund manage this tie properly, they won’t just be preparing for a Klassiker. They’ll be preparing for the round of 16 in the Champions League.

Squad news: Defensive concerns for Kovač

Kovač’s squad travels with genuine defensive concerns.

• Emre Can is sidelined with adductor pain.
• Niklas Süle and Nico Schlotterbeck are unavailable.
• Filippo Mané is also out.

That list matters. A two-goal lead invites game management - and game management usually starts with reliable defensive personnel and continuity in the back line. Dortmund will not have their usual defensive depth, which makes structural discipline even more critical.

Still, the framework remains familiar.

The Italian hosts will also have to do without some key players: Giacomo Raspadori and Charles De Ketelaere will miss this return leg, former Schalke player Sead Kolašinac's involvement is uncertain.

Predicted lineups

Atalanta (3-4-2-1):

Carnesecchi - Kossounou, Djimsiti, Scalvini - Zappacosta, De Roon, Éderson, Bernasconi - Samardžić, Zalewski - Scamacca

Borussia Dortmund (3-4-2-1):

Kobel - Reggiani, Anton, Bensebaini - Ryerson, Bellingham, Nmecha, Svensson - Beier, Brandt - Guirassy