The Champions League returns this week with an intriguing clash in Turin, as Juventus welcome Borussia Dortmund to the Allianz Stadium. Both sides arrive in strong domestic form, setting the stage for a high-level encounter where Italy’s Old Lady seeks to continue their perfect start and Germany’s Black and Yellow hope to stamp their authority away from home.
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Juventus Riding Momentum
Juventus step into Europe on a high, fresh from their thrilling 4-3 Derby d’Italia victory over Inter Milan. Igor Tudor’s side showed resilience and belief, coming from 3-2 down in the final quarter of an hour to secure three points that preserved their 100% start to the Serie A campaign.
That win kept them level on points with Napoli, with only goal difference denying them top spot. It also highlighted two sides of this new-look Juventus: an attacking menace that has now produced seven goals in three games, but also a defensive unit that conceded for the first time this term.
European competition brings a sterner test. Last season’s Champions League campaign was disappointing, with Juve finishing 20th in the league phase despite flashes of quality, and eventually crashing out against PSV Eindhoven in February. Lessons from that failure will hang over Tudor’s side, who face Dortmund with renewed determination to prove they can compete at this level.
Home form gives reason for optimism, as Juventus have won six on the bounce at the Allianz in Serie A. Yet those victories contrast with a patchy European home record, with two defeats in their last four Champions League nights in Turin – a reminder of the challenge in balancing domestic consistency with European ambition.
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Dortmund’s Dangerous Form
Borussia Dortmund arrive with belief of their own, having comfortably dispatched Heidenheim 2-0 at the weekend. Though aided by the hosts playing with ten men for over 70 minutes, Dortmund’s efficiency stood out: three clear chances created, defensive discipline enforced, and another clean sheet added to their record. Now they have managed three shutouts in four games – as many as in their previous 19 outings.
Last season’s Champions League adventure reached the quarter-finals, where Barcelona ended their hopes, and Dortmund will feel they can improve on that run. History reminds them, however, of Juve’s edge in big moments: their last competitive clash came in 2015, where Dortmund fell 5-1 on aggregate in the round of 16.
Still, Niko Kovac’s team travel well. Unbeaten on the road this season with two wins and a draw, their blend of energy in midfield and cutting edge in attack makes them a serious threat. With nine goals scored in just four games, Dortmund’s frontline has the confidence to trouble even Bremer’s organised Juventus back three.
Team News and Selection
Juventus have a mostly fit squad to choose from. Gleison Bremer, recently returned from a long injury absence, may start again at the heart of a back three with Federico Gatti and Lloyd Kelly, but there’s also the prospect of him being rested with Juve playing 3 games in 7 days. In midfield, Manuel Locatelli’s calmness under pressure will be vital, with Khephren Thuram expected to provide the dynamism beside him. Weston McKennie and Pierre Kalulu add further balance on the flanks.
Up front, Igor Tudor may once again field the powerful pairing of Dusan Vlahovic and Jonathan David, supported by Kenan Yildiz, who continues to shine as Juve’s creative wildcard.
For Dortmund, defensive injuries remain a frustration. Emre Can, Niklas Sule and Nico Schlotterbeck are all sidelined, forcing Kovac to rely on Aaron Anselmino, Waldemar Anton and Ramy Bensebaini to form a makeshift defensive trio. Even so, their resilience has been impressive.
The midfield battle could be defined by Jobe Bellingham’s industry and Marvin Sabitzer’s experience, while Julian Brandt will be tasked with unlocking the Juve backline. Hoffenheim loanee Maximilian Beier and the prolific Serhou Guirassy are expected to lead the line, giving Kovac’s men both pace and power on the break.
Probable Starting XI’s
Juventus (3-4-1-2): Di Gregorio; Gatti, Bremer, Kelly; Kalulu, Locatelli, Thuram, McKennie; Yildiz; Vlahovic, David
Borussia Dortmund (3-4-2-1): Kobel; Anselmino, Anton, Bensebaini; Couto, Sabitzer, Bellingham, Svensson; Brandt, Beier; Guirassy
Match Prediction
This promises to be a gripping contest, with Juventus’ attacking quality set against Dortmund’s pace and transitional threat. The home side will be confident they can expose Dortmund’s injury-hit defence, but the visitors carry enough firepower to hurt their hosts on the counter.
Prediction: Juventus 2-1 Borussia Dortmund
