As the Champions League resumes, Bologna prepares to host Borussia Dortmund in a crucial Group Stage encounter. This match pits a struggling Bologna side against a Dortmund team looking to secure their place in the knockout stages.
Bologna’s return to Europe’s elite competition after a 60-year absence has been far from triumphant. With just two points from six matches, the Italian side sits at the bottom of their group, having scored only once while conceding seven goals. Their Champions League inexperience has been evident, leaving them on the brink of elimination.
Despite their European woes, Bologna have shown signs of improvement in Serie A. After a slow start under new manager Vincenzo Italiano, they’ve climbed to sixth place. Recent results, including draws against Roma and Inter Milan, followed by a win over Monza, suggest the team is finding its feet domestically.
In contrast, Borussia Dortmund have flourished in the Champions League. Sitting ninth in the overall standings with 12 points, they are among the tournament’s highest-scoring teams with 18 goals. Emphatic victories against Celtic, Club Brugge, and Dinamo Zagreb have put them in a strong position to qualify for the knockout stages.
However, Dortmund’s domestic form has been disappointing. Currently 10th in the Bundesliga, they’ve already suffered 10 losses across all competitions this season. This poor run has put pressure on manager Nuri Sahin, with speculation about his future intensifying.
The match could hinge on how Bologna’s defence, which has shown resilience in the Champions League despite conceding goals, copes with Dortmund’s potent attack. The German side’s ability to break down a compact defence will be crucial.
Both managers enter this match with something to prove. Italiano needs to show Bologna can compete at this level, while Sahin desperately needs a positive result to alleviate pressure on his position at Dortmund.
This match marks a rare meeting between these two clubs, adding an element of unpredictability. Bologna’s last European campaign dates back to the 1960s, while Dortmund were Champions League finalists just last season, highlighting the vast difference in recent European pedigrees.
Team News
Bologna faces several injury challenges ahead of their Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund. Swiss midfielder Michel Aebischer is currently sidelined with a hernia issue, significantly impacting the team’s midfield options. Long-term injured players Nicolo Cambiaghi and Oussama El Azzouzi have recently returned to training, but are not yet match-ready.
For Borussia Dortmund, defensive depth is compromised with two key absences. Niklas Sule remains out until next month due to an ankle injury, while defender Ramy Bensebaini will miss the match serving a suspension after accumulating three yellow cards during the group stage.
Expected Starting XIs
Bologna: Skorupski; Lykogiannis, Casale, Beukema, Holm; Moro, Freuler, Orsolini, Odgaard, Ndoye; Castro
Borussia Dortmund: Kobel; Ryerson, Anton, Schlotterbeck, Kabar; Can, Gross, Nmecha; Brandt, Bynoe-Gittens, Guirassy
Match Prediction
Given Dortmund’s scoring prowess in the Champions League and Bologna’s difficulties finding the net, a narrow away win seems likely. The prediction is for a tight, tactical battle ending in a 1-0 victory for Borussia Dortmund.
Prediction: Bologna 0-1 Borussia Dortmund
