Borussia Dortmund vs Athletic Bilbao Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | Champions League 2025-26

North Rhine-Westphalia gears up to host the 8-time Spanish champions!

Signal Iduna Park Stadium in Dortmund gears up to host the second matchweek encounter of the UEFA Champions League between German giants Borussia Dortmund and Spanish outfit Athletic Bilbao.

Dortmund played a thrilling 4-4 draw against Juventus in the opening matchweek of the UCL. They are led by German gaffer Niko Kovac, who has previously coached teams like Wolfsburg, FC Bayern Munich, Eintracht Frankfurt and AS Monaco. They are also positioned second in the Bundesliga table.

Athletic Bilbao fell to Arsenal in the opening matchweek of the UCL after a 2-0 defeat. Their form in LaLiga have also not been up to the mark after defeats to Villareal and Valencia. They are led by Spanish gaffer Ernesto Valverde, who has been at the helm of teams like Barca, Valencia and Olympiacos.

All for YOU. 🫵💛 pic.twitter.com/ZuasQYI8jN

— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) September 28, 2025

Kick-off:

• Location: Dortmund, Germany
• Stadium: Signal Iduna Park Stadium
• Date: Thursday, October 2
• Kick-off Time: 12:30 a.m. IST
• Referee: Szymon Marciniak
• VAR: In use

Players to Watch

Karim Adeyemi (Dortmund)

The German prodigy from Munich has plied his trade with teams like RB Salzburg and Bayern Munich before joining Dortmund. He has been in fine form this season after scoring thrice and giving 2 assists in just six games so far. Dortmund will rely on his pace and acceleration to exploit Bilbao’s defensive woes.

Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao)

The 31-year-old Spanish centre forward is a homegrown talent of Bilbao. He has played for Pamplona before making a move to Athletic Bilbao in 2014. Since then, he has rendered his services to Athletic Club and even made over 350+ appearances for the Bilbao outfit. He has so far played 8 games for Bilbao and is yet to open his goal-scoring account this season.

Match Facts

• The match will take place at the Signal Iduna Park Stadium in Dortmund
• Bilbao lost their UCL game 2-0 against Arsenal
• Dortmund drew the last UCL game 4-4 against Juventus

Borussia Dortmund vs Athletic Bilbao: Betting Tips and Odds

• Match to end in a draw- 27/10 with bet365
• Inaki Williams to score – 9/1 with bet365
• Dortmund 2-2 Bilbao – 14/1 with bet365

Injury and Team News

Dortmund will miss the services of Emre Can and Aaron Anselmino.

Bilbao will miss the presence of Benat Prados in the next game.

Head-to-Head

These two sides will meet each other for the first time ever.

Predicted Lineups

Dortmund predicted lineup (3-4-2-1)

Kobel (GK); Ryerson, Anton, Bensebaini; Couto, Sabitzer, Nmecha, Svensson; Adeyemi, Beier; Guirassy

Athletic Bilbao predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Simon (GK); Gorosabel, Vivian, Paredes, Boiro; Jauregizar, Vesga; Berenguer, N Williams, Navarro; Williams

Match Prediction

Dortmund and Bilbao will most likely play a draw. Given Dortmund’s form and Bilbao’s hunger to win, we feel that the points will be shared between the two.

Prediction: Borussia Dortmund 2-2 Athletic Bilbao

Telecast Details

India: SonyLIV, Sony Sports Network

UK: TNT Sports, BBC

US: Paramount+, TUDN

Nigeria: DAZN

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