Atalanta vs Borussia Dortmund: Champions League Knockout phase play-off Preview

The UEFA Champions League Knockout phase play-off tie between Atalanta and Borussia Dortmund will take place at Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo on 25 February 2026, with kickoff at 17:45 UTC. Atalanta come in ranked 15th on 13 points, Dortmund 17th on 11 points, underlining how tight this knockout clash is.

Atalanta availability

Atalanta face notable attacking absences. Creative midfielder C. De Ketelaere is ruled out with a knee injury, removing an important offensive option from Gian Piero Gasperini’s plans. In defence, S. Kolasinac is listed as questionable with an unspecified injury, which could further test Atalanta’s back line if he is not passed fit. Even so, the Bergamo side can still turn to key forwards such as G. Scamacca, M. Pašalić and emerging attacker L. Samardžić to carry the goal threat in front of their home crowd.

Borussia Dortmund availability

Dortmund’s issues are more concentrated in defence and midfield. Young defender F. Mané misses out with a thigh injury. There are also three important doubts: midfielder E. Can has a groin problem, and central defenders N. Schlotterbeck and N. Süle are both questionable with muscle and thigh injuries respectively, potentially disrupting the core of the back line. In attack, however, Dortmund can still rely on S. Guirassy, who has been decisive in this Champions League campaign with 4 goals and 3 assists in 9 appearances, underlining his status as their main offensive reference.

Impact summary

Both sides are affected, but Atalanta’s absentees hit their creative and finishing options, while Dortmund’s concerns lie mainly in defensive stability. With Guirassy fit and carrying 7 direct goal contributions, Dortmund retain more of their proven attacking output, whereas Atalanta must lean on depth to replace De Ketelaere.