With the UEFA Champions League set to return on Tuesday, anticipation builds around one of the more intriguing matchups of the opening round as Juventus welcome Borussia Dortmund to the Allianz Stadium. This fixture, while not among the most historically frequent in European competition, carries a weight of expectation and narrative that transcends mere numbers. Juventus, the storied Italian giants, are looking to reassert themselves on the continental stage after a period of underachievement, while Dortmund arrive with a blend of youthful exuberance and tactical discipline under Niko Kovac, hoping to build on a promising start to their domestic campaign. The clash promises not only a test of form and fitness but also a deeper examination of two clubs at different stages of their evolution—Juventus, seeking redemption and consistency, and Dortmund, eager to convert potential into silverware.
Juventus enter the contest riding a wave of domestic momentum. Their thrilling 4-3 victory over arch-rivals Inter Milan on Saturday was emblematic of a side rediscovering its attacking verve and mental resilience. Trailing 3-2 after Marcus Thuram’s strike in the 76th minute, Juventus responded with two late goals, showcasing both tactical flexibility and individual brilliance. The win not only preserved their perfect start to the Serie A season but also elevated them to second place, level on points with Napoli but trailing on goal difference. Igor Tudor’s side has now won three out of three in the 2025–26 campaign, and their form across the last six competitive matches—four wins and two losses, both in the Club World Cup—suggests a team that is beginning to find rhythm and identity. The victory over Inter was particularly significant, not just for the points but for the psychological boost it provides ahead of a high-stakes European fixture.
Yet, despite their domestic resurgence, Juventus carry the burden of last season’s Champions League disappointment. Their campaign in the league phase was underwhelming, finishing 20th with just nine points—a tally that barely earned them a spot in the round of 16 playoff. That lifeline was squandered in February when they fell 4-3 on aggregate to PSV Eindhoven, a tie that exposed their lack of cutting edge and defensive frailties in high-pressure moments. Juve failed to score in three of their final four group matches, a damning statistic for a club of their stature. Even their lone bright spot—a 3-2 win over RB Leipzig—was offset by a 1-0 defeat to Stuttgart, another Bundesliga side, later that same month. These results underscore the inconsistency that plagued Juventus in Europe, a trend they must reverse if they are to make meaningful progress this season.
The Allianz Stadium has been a fortress in Serie A, with Juventus winning their last six home fixtures in the competition. However, their European record at the venue tells a different story. In their last four Champions League matches at home, they have suffered two defeats, a vulnerability that Dortmund will be keen to exploit. The contrast between domestic dominance and continental fragility is a narrative thread that has followed Juventus for several seasons, and Tuesday’s match offers an opportunity to rewrite that script. Igor Tudor will be acutely aware of the need to balance attacking ambition with defensive solidity, especially against a Dortmund side that thrives in transition and has the pace to punish any lapses in concentration.
Borussia Dortmund, meanwhile, arrive in Turin with quiet confidence. Their 2-0 win over Heidenheim on Saturday was a professional performance, aided by an early red card that left their opponents with ten men for nearly 70 minutes. While the numerical advantage certainly helped, Dortmund’s ability to create three big chances and restrict Heidenheim to a single shot on target speaks to their growing defensive discipline. It was their second consecutive clean sheet and third in four matches this term—a marked improvement from last season, where they managed just three clean sheets in their final 19 games. This newfound solidity is particularly impressive given the absence of key defenders Emre Can, Niklas Süle, and Nico Schlotterbeck. Kovac has had to rely on a makeshift backline, often deploying Aaron Anselmino, Waldemar Anton, and Ramy Bensebaini in a three-man defence. That they have performed admirably under such constraints is a testament to Kovac’s tactical acumen and the squad’s adaptability.
Dortmund’s European pedigree remains strong, despite their quarter-final exit last season at the hands of Barcelona. The first leg—a humbling 4-0 defeat—was a harsh lesson in the margins of elite competition, but their 3-1 win in the return leg showed character and attacking flair. The Black and Yellow have not faced Juventus in a competitive match since the 2014–15 season, when they were comprehensively beaten 5-1 on aggregate in the round of 16. However, prior to that, Dortmund had won their two previous encounters with the Italian giants, suggesting that while history may lean towards Juventus, it is not without nuance. Kovac’s current side is built differently—less reliant on individual brilliance and more focused on collective structure. With three wins and a draw in their opening four matches, scoring nine goals in the process, Dortmund sit second in the Bundesliga, level on points with leaders Bayern Munich. Their away form has also been encouraging, with two wins and a draw in three outings this season, continuing a trend from the end of last term when they went unbeaten in their final three road games.
Juventus will likely field a strong starting XI, with most first-team players fit and available. Centre-back Bremer is expected to anchor the defence, flanked by Federico Gatti and Lloyd Kelly in a back three that combines physicality with ball-playing ability. In midfield, Manuel Locatelli’s composure under pressure will be crucial, especially against Dortmund’s aggressive pressing. He may be partnered by Khephren Thuram, whose box-to-box energy and defensive coverage could provide balance. Up front, the pairing of Jonathan David and Dusan Vlahovic offers a blend of movement, finishing, and aerial threat, while Kenan Yildiz could operate in a supporting role, linking midfield and attack. Juventus will need to be clinical, as Dortmund’s defensive shape has proven difficult to break down, even with key personnel missing.
On the other side, Dortmund’s midfield will be anchored by Jobe Bellingham, who continues to grow in stature and influence. The younger brother of England star Jude Bellingham, Jobe has shown maturity beyond his years and will relish the opportunity to shine on the European stage. His role will be pivotal in connecting defence and attack, and in providing service to striker Serhou Guirassy, whose physical presence and finishing ability make him a constant threat. Kovac may opt for a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Bellingham and Marcel Sabitzer in central roles, flanked by wing-backs capable of stretching the pitch. The tactical battle in midfield—between Locatelli and Bellingham—could well decide the outcome, as both players are instrumental in dictating tempo and transitioning play.
Set pieces could also play a significant role. Juventus have traditionally been strong in aerial duels, and with Vlahovic and Bremer in the box, they pose a threat from corners and free-kicks. Dortmund, however, have improved their defensive organization in such situations, and Kovac will ensure his side is well-drilled. The absence of Süle and Schlotterbeck does weaken their aerial presence, but Anton and Bensebaini have shown competence in recent matches. In open play, Dortmund’s pace on the counter—especially through players like Karim Adeyemi and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens—could stretch Juventus, particularly if the hosts commit numbers forward. Tudor must strike a balance between pressing high and maintaining defensive cover, as Dortmund are lethal in transition.
Beyond tactics and personnel, the emotional stakes are high. For Juventus, this match is about redemption—a chance to prove that last season’s failures were an aberration, not a trend. The Allianz Stadium will be expectant, demanding a performance that reflects the club’s ambitions. For Dortmund, it is an opportunity to make a statement, to show that they can compete and win against Europe’s traditional powers, even with a depleted squad. The psychological edge may rest with the Germans, who have less to lose and everything to gain. Kovac’s calm demeanor and strategic clarity could be the difference in a match that promises intensity and drama.
Ultimately, while Juventus may have the edge in terms of squad depth and home advantage, Dortmund’s form and tactical cohesion make them formidable opponents. The match is likely to be decided by fine margins—moments of brilliance, lapses in concentration, or a stroke of luck. Both teams have the tools to win, but only one will emerge with the early momentum that can define a Champions League campaign. As the lights shine bright at the Allianz Stadium and the anthem echoes through the stands, the stage is set for a contest that could shape the narrative of European football’s most prestigious tournament.
