Trailing by two goals, Atalanta will need to produce a sensational comeback to beat Borussia Dortmund and qualify for the round of 16.

Atalanta suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Borussia Dortmund in the first-leg of their UEFA Champions League playoff fixture. 

Step 2: Finish the job. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/2ANvf8SWsu

— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) February 24, 2026

Apart from this loss to Dortmund, Atalanta are the most in-form Italian team. They are yet to lose a game in 2026. They also come into the second leg with a 2-1 win over defending Serie A champions Napoli. The Italian side will feel like they can turn this tie around.

However, Dortmund won’t care about their feelings as Kovac will be doing everything possible to ensure his team can get over the line. Dortmund continued their recent form with a spirited comeback to pull off a 2-2 draw against RB Leipzig. Dortmund fans will be hoping for a better performance to see their team move into the round of 16.

Team News

Atalanta are expected to start the same team that featured in the 2-0 loss last week while Borussia Dortmund could see Schlotterbeck return to the team as he was seen in training recently.

Atalanta vs Borussia Dortmund Predicted XI

Atalanta BC Predicted XI

Carnesecchi; Kossounou, Djimsiti, Ahanor; Zappacosta, Ederson, De Roon, Bernasconi; Pasalic, Zalewski; Scamacca

Borussia Dortmund Predicted XI

Kobel; Anton, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini; Ryerson, Nmecha, Bellingham, Svensson; Brandt, Beier; Guirassy