Borussia Dortmund and Atalanta have been sensational so far in February, but only one can continue forward in the Champions League.
The Prussians made use of the time off from Europe to apply heavy pressure on Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga, and they now sit just six points away from the summit after winning six in a row.
Their Champions League performance in recent weeks left much to be desired, however, as they lost back-to-back matches against Tottenham Hotspur and Inter Milan without scoring a goal.
Raffaele Palladino’s Atalanta boast a similar domestic form, having gone unbeaten in nine consecutive fixtures. The Black and Blues are now a real top-four contender, but they have much to prove abroad.
Like BVB, Atalanta lost their last two Champions League fixtures, most recently going down 1-0 away to debutants Royale Union SG.
How the bookies view it: Dortmund to continue winning
Bookmakers believe Dortmund have a better chance of transferring their momentum into the Champions League than Atalanta. Moreover, Signal Iduna Park has always been one of the most difficult venues to play at.
Borussia Dortmund are currently available at 19/20, while Atalanta are priced at 11/4. Alternatively, you can back a draw at 13/5.
Recent head-to-head: BVB are unbeaten in competitive clashes
Dortmund and Atalanta have met in the past, but never at this level. Their most recent encounter was in 2018, when the Prussians eliminated the Goddess in the Europa League.
Curiously, Dortmund have struggled against Italian teams in recent years, having won only one of their last seven UCL ties. A positive, however, is the fact that Atalanta already failed twice against German opposition this season.
Players to watch: Ryerson is a special kind of defender
Julian Ryerson has been sensational for Borussia Dortmund since the start of 2026. The 28-year-old defender gave the final pass for all four of BVB’s goals against Mainz, and now has eight assists in his last eight appearances.
Additionally, watch out for Serhou Guirassy, as the star striker scored five goals in his last three matches. The first half of the season was hardly his best, but we shouldn’t forget he scored 13 goals in the Champions League last season.
Probable line-ups
Borussia Dortmund: Kobel, Bensebaini, Anton, Sule, Svensson, Nmecha, Bellingham, Ryerson, Brandt, Beier, Guirassy
Atalanta: Carnesecchi, Ahanor, Hien, Kossounou, Zappacosta, Ederson, Bernasconi, De Roon, Zalewski, Raspadori, Krstovic
Anything else catch the eye?
Despite not scoring in the last two rounds, Borussia Dortmund finished the League Phase as one of the highest-scoring teams. Atalanta, in turn, were far more conservative with the scoring part, but had one of the best defences.
This is the playoff phase, however, and both sides need to go all in. And there is no better time for this clash, as both teams are in their best form of the season.
Beating Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park has been a near-impossible task all season, so we will back the hosts to win, but not without conceding at least once to Atalanta.
Think both sides will find the net? Our BTTS Masterclass explains how to spot the fixtures where goals are a given.
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