As the crisp autumn air descends upon Dortmund, a familiar buzz electrifies the city. Borussia Dortmund, known for its fervent Yellow Wall and captivating attacking football, is poised to make a significant statement in the UEFA Champions League. After a rather “generous” 4-4 draw against Juventus in their opening European fixture – where giving away a comfortable lead felt almost like a sporting gesture – the Black and Yellows are eager to secure their first victory in the league phase.
Dortmund: The Bundesliga Juggernaut in Full Stride
Domestically, Niko Kovač`s side has been nothing short of imperious. Following an early season hiccup – a 3-3 draw with St. Pauli in August, which some might consider a character-building exercise – Dortmund has transformed into a defensive behemoth. Four consecutive Bundesliga wins, an aggregate score of 8-0, and four clean sheets mark their best defensive run in half a decade. This remarkable consistency has positioned them just two points adrift of perennial rivals Bayern Munich, setting the stage for an intriguing Der Klassiker in the coming weeks.
Key Performers Stepping Up
The individual brilliance contributing to Dortmund`s surge is undeniable. Karim Adeyemi has entered a “purple patch” of form, netting three goals and providing two assists in his last four competitive appearances. His recent strike against Mainz, a testament to his burgeoning confidence, was particularly impressive. While the potential absence of last season`s joint-top Champions League scorer, Serhou Guirassy (13 goals!), due to a muscular doubt might raise an eyebrow, the squad`s depth shone through with Julian Brandt stepping in to deliver two crucial assists in the last outing. The midfield, boasting talent like Marcel Sabitzer, Felix Nmecha (who found the net against Juventus), Pascal Groß, Jobe Bellingham, and Carney Chukwuemeka, offers Kovač enviable tactical flexibility. It`s almost a luxury problem, one most managers would gladly accept.
Furthermore, Signal Iduna Park has become a veritable fortress. Dortmund has triumphed in their last seven home games across all competitions. This intimidating atmosphere, combined with a decade-long streak in the Champions League knockout rounds in seven of their last nine campaigns, suggests that any visiting team faces a monumental task.
Athletic Bilbao: A Return to Europe, A Search for Form
On the opposite side of the pitch, Athletic Bilbao arrives in Dortmund with a different story to tell. Their return to the Champions League after a decade-long absence was met with a stark reality check: a 2-0 home defeat to Arsenal. While their La Liga campaign began promisingly with three consecutive wins, the Basque giants have since stumbled, collecting just a single point from their last four league matches. This slump includes a recent 1-0 loss to Villarreal, underscoring a growing concern at the back.
Adding to their challenges is the absence of star forward Nico Williams, sidelined since the Arsenal encounter. While six different players have contributed goals this season, none have managed to score more than once, highlighting a lack of a consistent attacking spearhead. The return of seasoned defender Aymeric Laporte to his boyhood club was expected to solidify the defense, yet Bilbao has failed to keep a clean sheet in seven of their eight competitive matches in the 2025/26 season. One might argue that Laporte`s presence, while esteemed, hasn`t quite manifested as the immediate panacea for their defensive woes.
Match Insights & Head-to-Head
- First Competitive Clash: This match marks the inaugural competitive fixture between Borussia Dortmund and Athletic Bilbao. Their only previous encounter was a 2-0 pre-season friendly victory for Bilbao in July 2021. While a friendly, it offers a glimmer of past interaction.
- Guirassy`s UCL Pedigree: Serhou Guirassy, despite being a doubt, was the Champions League`s joint-top scorer last season with a phenomenal 13 goals. His availability would be a significant boost for Dortmund.
- Kovač`s Home Advantage: Under Niko Kovač, Dortmund has transformed Signal Iduna Park into an impenetrable stronghold, winning their last seven home games across all competitions.
- Valverde`s Dortmund Record: Athletic Bilbao`s coach, Ernesto Valverde, has faced Dortmund four times previously with Barcelona and Olympiacos (W2, D1, L1), suggesting he possesses a degree of familiarity with German opposition.
Tactical Battleground and Predictions
The stage is set for a fascinating tactical duel. Dortmund`s probable lineup, featuring the likes of Kobel, Schlotterbeck, Brandt, and Adeyemi, emphasizes a blend of defensive solidity and attacking flair. Bilbao, even without Nico Williams, will likely rely on their core strength through players like Simón, Laporte, I. Williams, and Sancet, aiming to disrupt Dortmund`s rhythm and exploit any vulnerabilities.
While football, particularly in the Champions League, is notorious for its unpredictability, the current trajectories of these two clubs present a clear picture. Dortmund`s formidable home record, coupled with their recent defensive masterclasses and a potent attack, makes them strong favorites. Bilbao, despite their rich history and European aspirations, faces an uphill battle to find their footing in this formidable competition. The question isn`t just if Dortmund will win, but by how much, and if Bilbao can find a way to silence the Yellow Wall, even for a moment.
