On Tuesday, the Champions League group stage will open with Juventus facing Borussia Dortmund at the Allianz Stadium in Turin. This match presents a good opportunity for goals.
Match Preview
Juventus returns to the Champions League eager to improve after last year’s early exit in the knockout round against PSV. The team has faced challenges in Europe recently, securing only two wins in the last eight matches. However, they tend to perform well at home, with six of their last nine games at Allianz Stadium featuring at least three goals.
Juventus struggles defensively, particularly in the second half when concentration wanes. Nonetheless, their forwards—Yildiz, Koopmeiners, and Jonathan David—are capable of creating scoring opportunities against tough opponents. Their three goals against Inter in their last Serie A match highlight this potential. Midfielders Locatelli and Thuram will need to maintain the pace throughout the match.
Dortmund is back in the Champions League group stage for the tenth consecutive year and continues to be one of the more exciting teams in the tournament. After reaching the final in 2024 and the quarterfinals last season, they are seen as serious contenders. They have lost only once in their last seven Champions League matches, showing their competitiveness.
Their attacking style often leads to goals in nearly every game. On the road, Dortmund remains a threat, scoring at least twice in five of their last seven away matches. However, their defense has been an issue, with only five clean sheets in the last 23 away games. This matchup with Juventus is likely to see goals from both teams.
Probable Lineups
- Juventus: Di Gregorio, Gatti, Kelly, Bremer, Kalulu, Thuram, Locatelli, Joao Mario, Koopmeiners, David, Yildiz
- Borussia Dortmund: Kobel, Anselmino, Anton, Bensebaini, Couto, Nmecha, Bellingham, Svensson, Chukwuemeka, Guirassy, Bayer
Match Facts and Head-to-Head
- Juventus has scored at least twice in 8 of their last 15 home Champions League matches.
- Borussia has scored in 11 of their last 12 away games in this competition.
- The teams faced each other in the 1997 Champions League final, where Borussia won 3-1.
Prediction
Both teams prefer to attack and rarely play defensively, setting the stage for an exciting match. Juventus will aim for goals, while Borussia will look to use their quick counterattacks. With defensive weaknesses on both sides, a high-scoring game is likely.