Atalanta vs Borussia Dortmund Prediction 25.02.2026 | UEFA Champions League

Despite facing a daunting two-goal deficit after a disappointing night in Dortmund last week, Atalanta head into the return leg looking like a transformed force under Raffaele Palladino, whose arrival in November has sparked a remarkable domestic resurgence.

La Dea have turned the Gewiss Stadium into a fearsome gladiatorial arena, racking up eight victories from their last nine home outings while showcasing a newfound tactical versatility that has seen them outmaneuver elite opposition such as Juventus, AS Roma, and Napoli in recent weeks.

Having already produced memorable European comebacks in their recent history, the Bergamo side will look to draw on their continental pedigree as they attempt to unsettle a youthful Borussia Dortmund outfit, with a blistering start expected to be central to their approach.

However, uncertainty looms over their attacking line, with the devastating loss of Charles De Ketelaere to a meniscus injury depriving Palladino of his primary creative catalyst at arguably the most crucial stage of the season — a setback that could significantly shape the outcome of this high-stakes encounter.

Holding a commanding advantage, Borussia Dortmund travel to Italy as one of Europe’s most in-form sides, having navigated the opening months of 2026 with an almost flawless record under the guidance of Niko Kovac.

Currently breathing down the neck of Bayern Munich at the summit of the Bundesliga standings, BVB’s clinical 2-0 victory in the first leg was nothing short of a masterclass, further strengthening their credentials as serious dark horses for this season’s UEFA Champions League crown.

However, Kovac’s tactical blueprint for the return leg has been complicated by a growing crisis at the heart of his defense. Nico Schlotterbeck and Emre Can are both unavailable through injury and suspension respectively, leaving the Croatian coach with difficult decisions as he reshuffles his back line.

That defensive vulnerability was briefly exposed in their thrilling 2-2 draw away to RB Leipzig last weekend — a result that halted Dortmund’s four-match winning streak. With a makeshift defense now tasked with silencing the intimidating atmosphere at Gewiss Stadium, Kovač knows his side must deliver another composed and disciplined display to avoid a tense and unpredictable night in Bergamo.