The UEFA Champions League returns with an electrifying clash at Signal Iduna Park as Borussia Dortmund hosts Athletic Bilbao in round two of the league phase. Both sides are seeking redemption after disappointing matchday one results, making this encounter a high-stakes affair.
Current Form and Match News
Borussia Dortmund enter this fixture in fine domestic form, recording four consecutive Bundesliga wins without conceding. However, their European campaign started chaotically after throwing away a 4-2 lead to draw 4-4 with Juventus. Dortmund rarely draws in the UCL – last season, they had five wins and three defeats in the league phase – so Niko Kovač’s men will want nothing less than three points at home, where they have lost just once in their last 18 UCL games.
Athletic Bilbao, meanwhile, arrive in Germany low on confidence after a five-game winless streak in all competitions, including a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal in their opening group fixture. Yet manager Ernesto Valverde, with 20 wins in his last 31 UCL outings, brings valuable experience and tactical nous. History is on his side, too, as he has never suffered consecutive defeats in the competition since 2014.
Head-to-Head and European Records
This will be the first-ever meeting between Dortmund and Athletic Bilbao. Dortmund’s home record against Spanish clubs is balanced (W7, D6, L3), while Athletic travel confidently with six unbeaten matches against German opposition in Europe (W4, D2).
Hot Stats and Streaks
- Niko Kovač has never lost a UCL group-stage game (W7, D3).
- Eight of Dortmund’s last 9 UCL league phase games have produced over 2.5 goals.
- Athletic Bilbao have scored exactly one goal in each of their last six UCL away games.
- Only one of Athletic’s five competitive matches this season saw both teams score.
Key Players to Watch
- Serhou Guirassy (Dortmund): The striker has scored 15 goals in 19 UCL games, with five of his last six coming at home. His lethal finishing could be decisive.
- Mikel Jauregizar (Athletic): The midfielder netted Bilbao’s only goal since September, and remarkably, his last four goals for the club have all been openers.
Injury news is relatively light: Dortmund reports no fresh concerns, while Álex Berenguer (toe injury) may miss out for the visitors.
Prediction: Dortmund vs Athletic Bilbao
With Dortmund’s attacking firepower and Bilbao’s struggles in front of goal, the hosts look firm favorites. However, Bilbao’s knack for scoring once in away fixtures means they could still trouble the scoreboard. Expect an open contest, but Dortmund’s home advantage should shine through.
💡 Predicted Score: Borussia Dortmund 3-1 Athletic Bilbao
Betting Tip for Kenyan Punters
Given Dortmund’s high-scoring trend and Bilbao’s habit of netting at least once away, the smart bet is:
👉 Dortmund to win and Both Teams to Score (BTTS)
This market combines value with strong statistical backing, making it a top pick for bettors.
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