Juventus vs Borussia Dortmund — UEFA 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 under the lights of Turin as Juventus host Borussia Dortmund in their opening Champions League group stage clash. The Allianz Stadium will provide an electric backdrop as two of Europe’s most historic clubs meet once again.
Juventus arrive in good spirits after a thrilling 4–3 win over Inter in Serie A last weekend. The performance showcased their attacking potential but also raised questions about defensive stability (Reuters). With stars like Dusan Vlahović and new signing Jonathan David, Juve will look to make a strong start in Group C.
Borussia Dortmund, meanwhile, travel to Italy with high hopes but also some concerns. Serhou Guirassy is in sensational form in the Bundesliga, but injuries to key defenders have left their backline exposed (TalkSport). The German side will need experience from Marco Reus and leadership from Mats Hummels to handle the challenge in Turin.
Recent Form Guide
Juventus
- Won 3 of their last 4 Serie A matches.
- Scored 9 goals in that run but conceded 6.
- Relying heavily on Vlahović’s finishing.
Borussia Dortmund
- Unbeaten in 5 straight Bundesliga games.
- Guirassy has scored 6 goals in his last 4 matches.
- Only 2 clean sheets in their last 7 fixtures.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Juventus (3-5-2)
- GK: Wojciech Szczęsny
- CB: Danilo (C)
- CB: Bremer
- CB: Federico Gatti
- RWB: Andrea Cambiaso
- LWB: Filip Kostić
- CM: Manuel Locatelli
- CM: Weston McKennie
- CM: Kenan Yildiz
- ST: Dusan Vlahović
- ST: Jonathan David
Key Notes: Vlahović the main attacking weapon; Yildiz adds creativity; Cambiaso & Kostić provide width.
Borussia Dortmund (4-2-3-1)
- GK: Gregor Kobel
- RB: Julian Ryerson
- CB: Nico Schlotterbeck
- CB: Mats Hummels
- LB: Ramy Bensebaini
- CM: Marcel Sabitzer
- CM: Salih Özcan
- RW: Karim Adeyemi
- AM: Marco Reus
- LW: Jamie Bynoe-Gittens
- ST: Serhou Guirassy
Key Notes: Guirassy in lethal form; Reus the creative hub; defence fragile due to injuries.
Tactical Analysis
Juventus Approach: Expect a compact defensive block with sharp counter-attacks. Wing-backs Cambiaso and Kostić will stretch Dortmund’s defence, while crosses target Vlahović. Jonathan David’s movement behind defenders could also cause problems.
Dortmund Approach: High tempo pressing and quick transitions. Adeyemi’s pace on the wing is a major weapon, while Guirassy will look to exploit Juve’s lapses at the back. Reus acts as the creative hub behind the striker.
Key Battles: Vlahović vs Hummels (power vs experience). Adeyemi vs Danilo (speed vs defensive intelligence).
Key Players to Watch
- Juventus: Dusan Vlahović – main goalscorer.
- Juventus: Kenan Yildiz – rising creative talent.
- Dortmund: Serhou Guirassy – prolific finisher.
- Dortmund: Marco Reus – veteran playmaker.
Prediction
Both teams carry firepower but also defensive flaws. Juventus will look to use home advantage and rely on Vlahović’s finishing, while Dortmund’s speed in transition could test the Bianconeri.
Prediction: Juventus 2–2 Borussia Dortmund