The Matchday 2 encounter of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League group stage between Borussia Dortmund (Germany) and Athletic Bilbao (Spain) will be held on October 1 at Signal Iduna Park. Borussia Dortmund vs. Athletic Bilbao: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Borussia Dortmund
In the first round, Niko Kovac's team was close to an away victory against Juventus but squandered a two-goal lead in added time (4-4). Nevertheless, Borussia Dortmund has remained unbeaten in seven of their last eight Champions League matches (4 wins, 3 draws). Moreover, the team scored more than three goals for the first time in their last 13 encounters in this European competition. In the overall group stage standings, the Germans are in 15th place. Notably, in their last 13 home matches against Spanish clubs, Dortmund has suffered only two defeats (7 wins, 4 draws).
- The club has not lost in 6 of their last 7 home matches in the Champions League (4 wins, 2 draws).
- The team has conceded in 6 of their last 8 home games in this European competition.
- At least three goals have been scored in 9 of Dortmund's last 11 Champions League matches.
Predicted lineup for Borussia Dortmund (3-4-3)
Gregor Kobel – Julian Ryerson, Waldemar Anton, Ramy Bensebaini – Yan Couto, Felix Nmecha, Job Bellingham, Daniel Svensson – Karim Adeyemi, Serhou Guirassy, Maximilian Bayer.
Defenders Aaron Anselmino and Emre Can, as well as midfielder Julien Duranville, will miss the game due to injuries.
Athletic Bilbao
Ernesto Valverde's side lost 0-2 at home to Arsenal in the first round, conceding both goals late in the match. As a result, Athletic Bilbao suffered their third consecutive European competition defeat, with the team conceding at least two goals in each of these matches. Moreover, the club failed to score in three of their last five European outings. The Spaniards are in 32nd place in the overall group stage standings. It's worth noting that Athletic has not lost to German Bundesliga clubs in six consecutive European matches (4 wins, 2 draws).
- The team has not won in 6 of their last 8 away matches in European competitions (2 draws, 4 losses).
- Both opponents scored in 7 of the club's last 9 away games in European club tournaments.
- The Spaniards scored exactly 1 or 2 goals in 7 of their last 8 away matches in European competitions.
Predicted lineup for Athletic Bilbao (4-3-3)
Unai Simon – Yuri Berchiche, Daniel Vivian, Aymeric Laporte, Jesus Areso – Unai Gomez, Mikel Jaureguizar, Inigo Ruiz de Galarreta – Robert Navarro, Gorka Guruzeta, Inaki Williams.
Forward Nico Williams, midfielders Mikel Vesga and Benat Prados, as well as forward Alex Berenguer, will miss the match due to injuries.
Referee
Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
Matches – 14 (International matches, 2024/25–2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 48;
Average yellow cards per match – 3.4;
Red cards shown – 1;
Average fouls per match – 23;
Penalties – 36%.
Match Prediction: Borussia Dortmund vs. Athletic Bilbao
In the first round, Dortmund showcased their offensive prowess by scoring four goals in Turin. Overall, Borussia plays an attacking style, having failed to score in only two of their last 13 home Champions League matches. Moreover, in seven of those games, the team scored at least twice. On the other hand, the Germans have not been solid defensively, keeping only two clean sheets in their last eight home matches in this European competition.
Athletic struggled to create chances in their home match against Arsenal in the first round, but the team has the potential to improve in this aspect. Previously, the Bilbao side has scored regularly even away from home, failing to find the net in just one of their last 11 away Champions League encounters. Meanwhile, the club has conceded in 7 of their last 9 away matches in this tournament.
I anticipate both teams to score in this match, and my prediction: Both teams to score – yes
