Sabasports Match Preview
UEFA Champions League: Atalanta vs Borussia Dortmund
Kickoff Time: 2026-2-26 1:45 (HKT)
Source:REUTERS/Karina Hessland
Atalanta achieved a turnaround victory against Napoli at home in Serie A last weekend, winning 2-1 and extending their unbeaten streak to nine matches with three consecutive wins. However, their performance in the Champions League has been starkly different, as they are currently experiencing a three-match losing streak. In the first leg of the playoff, they lost 0-2 to Borussia Dortmund, putting them on the brink of elimination. Undoubtedly, Raffaele Palladino is an outstanding coach, and under his guidance, Atalanta has performed impressively in Serie A. However, Palladino has limited experience in European competitions and has never led a team in a Champions League knockout stage. Atalanta’s recent struggles in the Champions League reveal some of the shortcomings of this young coach. Additionally, the absences of Giacomo Raspadori and Charles De Ketelaere have significantly weakened Atalanta’s attacking firepower.
Borussia Dortmund, meanwhile, drew 2-2 against RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga last weekend and is on a strong run, having gone unbeaten in their last five matches with four wins and one draw. In the first leg of the Champions League playoff, Borussia Dortmund also secured a 2-0 home victory against Atalanta, gaining the upper hand. Notably, Serhou Guirassy was instrumental in the first leg, contributing both a goal and an assist. Since February, Guirassy has scored in four consecutive matches, including two doubles, accumulating a total of six goals and one assist during that span. In addition to his goals and assists, Guirassy has performed well in hold-up play, aerial duels, and linking up attacks, making him a crucial presence in Borussia Dortmund’s front line.
While Atalanta has excelled in Serie A, their performance in the Champions League has been markedly poor, compounded by the coach’s lack of European experience. Moreover, with Raspadori and De Ketelaere absent, Atalanta’s attack relies heavily on Nikola Krstovic’s individual capabilities, which has drastically reduced their efficiency in positional attacks. Given these factors, it seems reasonable to expect Borussia Dortmund to continue their strong performance from the first leg and come away with a win.
Atalanta’s Last 5 Games: WLWWW
26-02-22: Atalanta 2-1 Napoli
26-02-18: Borussia Dortmund 2-0 Atalanta
26-02-15: Lazio 0-2 Atalanta
26-02-10: Atalanta 2-1 Cremonese
26-02-06: Atalanta 3-0 Juventus
Borussia Dortmund’s Last 5 Games: DWWWW
26-02-22: RB Leipzig 2-2 Borussia Dortmund
26-02-18: Borussia Dortmund 2-0 Atalanta
26-02-14: Borussia Dortmund 4-0 Mainz
26-02-07: Wolfsburg 1-2 Borussia Dortmund
26-02-02: Borussia Dortmund 3-2 Heidenheim
Head-To-Head Record
26-02-18: Borussia Dortmund 2-0 Atalanta
18-02-23: Atalanta 1-1 Borussia Dortmund
18-02-16: Borussia Dortmund 3-2 Atalanta
17-08-02: Borussia Dortmund 0-1 Atalanta
Prediction: Borussia Dortmund will win away or draw