The Matchday 2 clash in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League group stage between Borussia Dortmund (Germany) and Athletic Bilbao (Spain) will take place 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 side was close to an away victory over Juventus but squandered a two-goal lead in added time (4-4). Nevertheless, Borussia Dortmund has avoided defeat in seven of their last eight Champions League matches (4 wins, 3 draws). Additionally, the team scored more than three goals for the first time in 13 previous European fixtures. The Germans are currently in 15th place in the group stage standings. 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 matches 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 defeat in European competitions, 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 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 teams scored in 7 of the club's last 9 away matches in European club tournaments.
- The Spaniards have 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, Dani Vivian, Aymeric Laporte, Jesus Areso – Unai Gomez, Mikel Jauregui, 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 excelled in attack, scoring four goals in Turin. Overall, Borussia is playing productive football, and in their last 13 home matches in the Champions League, they have only failed to score twice. Moreover, in seven instances during this period, the club's players have scored at least two goals. On the other hand, the Germans are not shining in defense, 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. Moreover, the Bilbao side has been scoring regularly even away from home: in their last 11 away matches in the Champions League, the Spaniards have failed to score in only one match. At the same time, they have 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
