Match Details
-
Competition: UEFA Champions League | League Stage
-
Fixture: Borussia Dortmund vs Athletic Bilbao
-
Date: Wednesday, 1 October 2025
-
Kick-off: 8:00pm UK
Match Preview
Borussia Dortmund return to European action on Wednesday night when they welcome Athletic Bilbao in the second round of the Champions League group stage. Both sides are still chasing their first victory of the campaign.
The Germans played out a crazy 4-4 draw away to Juventus in their opener, letting slip a two-goal lead in stoppage time. They responded with a composed 2-0 Bundesliga win over Mainz at the weekend and remain unbeaten in all competitions this term.
Athletic Bilbao, on the other hand, are struggling for rhythm. Their European comeback ended in a 2-0 home defeat to Arsenal, and domestically they’ve hit a poor run of form, losing to Villarreal most recently. Ernesto Valverde’s men began the season brightly, but September has been harsh, and confidence looks fragile heading into this one.
Head-to-Head
This will be just the second ever competitive meeting between Dortmund and Athletic Bilbao. While the German side are experienced on the European stage, Bilbao are back in the Champions League for the first time in a decade.
Dortmund do not have the best record against Spanish clubs, having been eliminated by both Barcelona and Real Madrid in recent years, but their current form should give them belief.
Team News
Borussia Dortmund:
Julien Duranville and Emre Can remain unavailable, while Aaron Anselmino is a major doubt. Serhou Guirassy was only on the bench at the weekend but is expected to return, having already scored five goals this season. Karim Adeyemi should keep his spot in attack.
Probable XI: Kobel; Anton, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini; Couto, Sabitzer, Nmecha, Svensson; Adeyemi, Guirassy, Beier.
Athletic Bilbao:
The Basque side are sweating on Nico Williams’ fitness, with the winger sidelined since early September. Yeray Alvarez continues his suspension, while Alex Berenguer, Unai Egiluz, Mikel Vesga and Benat Prados are all injured. Gorka Guruzeta is expected to lead the line.
Probable XI: Simon; Areso, Vivian, Paredes, Berchiche; Ruiz de Galarreta, Jauregizar; I Williams, Sancet, Gomez; Guruzeta.
Odds (via major bookmakers)*
-
Dortmund to win: 1/2
-
Draw: 3/1
-
Athletic Bilbao to win: 5/1
*Odds subject to change.
Prediction
Dortmund are flying right now, mixing attacking flair with defensive solidity at home. Bilbao, meanwhile, look out of sorts and short of confidence. Unless Valverde’s men can rediscover their early-season spark, this could be a long night in Germany.
