Juventus vs Borussia Dortmund — Champions League Preview (16 Sept 2025)
Kick-off: 21:00 CET
Venue: Allianz Stadium, Turin
Competition: UEFA Champions League 2025/26, Matchday 1
Match Context
A European classic returns as Juventus host Borussia Dortmund in Turin. Both sides enter this clash with high expectations but also vulnerabilities.
Juventus are coming off a dramatic 4-3 Serie A win over Inter last weekend, showing both attacking flair and defensive instability (Reuters). Dortmund, meanwhile, arrive with injury concerns in defence but remain dangerous in attack, especially with Serhou Guirassy in form.
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Team News & Predicted Lineups
Juventus (3-5-2)
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GK: Wojciech Szczęsny
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CB: Danilo (C)
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CB: Bremer
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CB: Federico Gatti
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RWB: Andrea Cambiaso
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LWB: Filip Kostić
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CM: Manuel Locatelli
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CM: Weston McKennie
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CM: Kenan Yildiz
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ST: Dusan Vlahović
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ST: Jonathan David
Key Notes:
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Vlahović and David expected to lead the front line.
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Kenan Yildiz adds creativity and energy in midfield.
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Defence still shaky despite experience of Danilo and Bremer.
Borussia Dortmund (4-2-3-1)
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GK: Gregor Kobel
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RB: Julian Ryerson
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CB: Nico Schlotterbeck
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CB: Mats Hummels
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LB: Ramy Bensebaini
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CM: Marcel Sabitzer
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CM: Salih Özcan
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RW: Karim Adeyemi
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AM: Marco Reus
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LW: Jamie Bynoe-Gittens
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ST: Serhou Guirassy
Key Notes:
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Injuries to Emre Can and Niklas Süle leave the backline vulnerable (TalkSport).
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Guirassy is in lethal form, both in open play and set-pieces.
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Reus brings experience and leadership in attack.
Tactical Analysis
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Juventus Approach: Likely to sit compact, hit with wing-backs (Cambiaso & Kostić) providing width. Vlahović a target for crosses, while Jonathan David runs behind.
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Dortmund Approach: High tempo, quick transitions, relying on Adeyemi’s pace and Guirassy’s finishing. Defensive vulnerability could be exposed by Juve’s strikers.
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Key Battle: Vlahović vs Hummels — physical duel between youth and experience.
Key Players to Watch
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Juventus: Dusan Vlahović — powerful striker, thrives with service from wide areas.
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Juventus: Kenan Yildiz — rising star, expected to create chances.
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Dortmund: Serhou Guirassy — clinical finisher, capable of punishing Juve’s weak defence.
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Dortmund: Marco Reus — playmaker, vital link between midfield and attack.
Sources: