The UEFA Champions League first round stage kicks off with a fixture that carries plenty of history, as Juventus host Borussia Dortmund in a re-run of the 1997 final. Both sides arrive to this fixture with alot of confidence after strong domestic weekends and will be eager to start their European season the right way.
Juventus secured their UCL place for a second straight season by finishing fourth in Serie A last season, and they’ll hope to build on last season’s UCL opener with 3-1 win over PSV. However, their home form in the league phase left much to be talked about, with just two wins in four, including a devastating loss to German side Stuttgart.
Still, Saturday’s dramatic 4-3 win over tough rivals Inter Milan has raised spirits in Turin, and Igor Tudor’s side will look to carry that confidence into Europe as they aim to assert themselves against German opposition once again.
Borussia Dortmund also know the importance of a good start, having begun last year’s UCL outing with a comfortable 3-0 away victory at Club Brugge. A 2-0 win over ten-man Heidenheim at the weekend extended their unbeaten start to the season to four games showcasing a balance of attacking prowess and defensive compactness.
Dortmund also tend to thrive in openers, winning three of their last four UCL group-stage matchday one encounters, and will fancy their chances of extending that run in Turin.
Team news
Kenan Yıldız is one to watch for Juventus, having scored eight of his last nine goals before half-time, and he also opened their UCL campaign last term. Juventus hold the upper hand historically, winning six of their nine competitive meetings with Dortmund including both clashes in the last 16 of the 2014/15 UCL.
Meanwhile, Juventus via its official X handle, posted an update for fans on the upcoming UCL clash against dortmund, Head Coach Igor Tudor and Captain of the side Manuel Locatelli will be speaking to the press about the pre game expecations, see below;
For Dortmund, Maximilian Beier comes into this clash in good form with a goal and assist in his last two matches, and the Black and Yellows have won eight of the ten games in which he has found the net. However, Dortmund fans will remember fondly their greatest triumph in this rivalry, the 1997 UCL final, where they stunned Juve to lift the trophy.
In terms of absentees, Juventus will be without Arkadiusz Milik and Francisco Conceição, while Dortmund travel with several concerns of their own, including new recruit from Chelsea on loan , Aaron Anselimo who is out through a muscle injury and former Juventus midfielder Emre Can.
Possible Starting Lineup
Juventus possible starting lineup:
Di Gregorio; Gatti, Bremer, Kelly; Kalulu, Locatelli, Thuram, McKennie; Yildiz; Vlahovic, David
Borussia Dortmund possible starting lineup:
Kobel; Anselmino, Anton, Bensebaini; Couto, Sabitzer, Bellingham, Svensson; Brandt, Beier; Guirassy
Still on Dortmund, the team via its official X handle, provided an exclusive update for the black and yellow fans all around the world, showing that the team is already on their way to Turin ahead of their 1997 UCL final rematch against Juventus in this year’s season opener ,see below;
SoftFootball’s Prediction
This clash has all the makings of a high-scoring affair, with both sides entering in confident mood. Juventus’ home advantage could make the difference, but Dortmund’s attacking depth ensures it won’t be straightforward.
Prediction: Juventus 2-2 Borussia Dortmund
