Signal Iduna Park will host the clash on Wednesday, October 1, for the 2nd round of the Champions League between Borussia Dortmund and Athletic Club, with both teams still searching for their first victory in this year’s edition of Europe’s top competition. The home side didn’t disappoint in their opener, securing a thrilling 4-4 draw against Juventus at the Allianz Stadium in Turin. It was a game that highlighted both strengths and weaknesses of the German side, who were leading by two goals in the 90th minute but conceded in stoppage time. After earning a valuable point away from home, Kovac’s team must now capitalize on their home advantage to secure their first Champions League win, which would lift them to four points after two matchdays. Athletic Club, on the other hand, suffered a tough home defeat in their opening game against Arsenal (0-2). The Basque side has been underwhelming so far this season and needs a turning point, starting with this trip to Germany. Still stuck at zero points, Los Leones cannot afford more slip-ups if they want to stay in contention for the top 24 spots that allow qualification for the Round of 16 through the playoffs. With both teams needing points, this promises to be an intense and hard-fought encounter, although the home side remains the clear favorite to take all three points.

Borussia Dortmund's recent form and key stats

Borussia Dortmund comes into this Champions League clash in excellent form, still unbeaten after seven matches this season. In their latest Bundesliga fixture, the Black and Yellows secured a 2-0 away win over Mainz, consolidating second place just behind Bayern Munich after five league rounds.

As in recent years, Dortmund’s main strength remains their attacking prowess, but the defense has also shown promising signs. Across their last five matches in all competitions (4 wins and 1 draw), Kovac’s men averaged 2.4 goals scored and only 0.8 conceded per game.

The Bees have won each of their last nine home games, making Signal Iduna Park one of the toughest venues in Europe. In Champions League fixtures played at home, they’ve won or drawn 17 of their last 19 matches, thanks largely to the famous “Yellow Wall” – the passionate core of Dortmund’s fan base.

Athletic Club's recent form and key stats

The Athletic Club we’ve seen so far this season looks a shadow of the team that just months ago finished fourth in La Liga and reached the Europa League semifinals. The Basques are currently on a five-game winless streak, with four defeats and one draw.

Their latest loss came last weekend, a 1-0 defeat away to Villarreal in La Liga’s Matchday 7. The main problems have been in attack, with only one goal scored in their last five matches, while conceding seven in the same stretch.

On the road, Los Leones have managed just one win from their three away games this season, a 2-1 victory over Real Betis in late August. They lost the other two, against Valencia and Villarreal, failing to score in either. Not exactly promising signs ahead of a trip to one of Europe’s most intimidating stadiums.

Borussia Dortmund vs Athletic Club prediction and tactical overview

This Champions League Matchday 2 clash between Borussia Dortmund and Athletic Club leans heavily in favor of the home side. BetMines tips suggest backing a home win (1), predicting Dortmund to claim all three points.

Niko Kovac’s men are clear favorites, both due to their strong home advantage and Athletic Club’s poor start to the season. The Basques are struggling with numerous injuries, especially in attack, with Nico Williams and Alex Berenguer sidelined.

Even without their top striker, Sehrou Guirassy, Borussia Dortmund have plenty of options to hurt the Spanish defense. The dribbling ability of wingers Adeyemi and Beier, both dangerous against Juventus in the opener, could prove decisive once again.

As for the visitors, Valverde faces a daunting task given the attacking absences. While Dortmund’s defense is not always flawless, it’s hard to see a misfiring Athletic Club side finding the net in such a difficult venue.

• Borussia Dortmund vs Athletic Club prediction by BetMines: Borussia Dortmund win (1) – 60% probability
  
  
• Borussia Dortmund vs Athletic Club prediction by BetMines: Draw (X) – 23% probability
  
  
• Borussia Dortmund vs Athletic Club prediction by BetMines: Athletic Club win (2) – 18% probability

Probable lineups Borussia Dortmund vs Athletic Club

BORUSSIA DORTMUND (3-4-3): Kobel; Anton, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini; Couto, Sabitzer, Nmecha, Svensson; Adeyemi, Guirassy, Beier. Coach: Niko Kovac.

ATHLETIC CLUB (4-2-3-1): Simon; Areso, Vivian, Paredes, Berchiche; Ruiz de Galarreta, Jauregizar; I Williams, Sancet, Gomez; Guruzeta. Coach: Ernesto Valverde.