Mansion Sports – The 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League is finally underway, and one of the most anticipated fixtures of matchday one will see Juventus host Borussia Dortmund at the Allianz Stadium on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 21:00 local time.

This contest is not merely about securing the opening three points, but also about pride, as two of Europe’s most storied clubs face off with ambitions of making a statement on the continental stage. 

Ahead of kickoff, Mansion Sports presents its prediction for the Juventus vs Borussia Dortmund 2025 lineups.

Juventus Enter with Renewed Confidence

Juventus approach this clash with strong self-belief after a dramatic 4-3 victory over Inter Milan in Serie A. 

Despite trailing 2-3 in the 76th minute, Igor Tudor’s men mounted a late comeback with two decisive goals to secure all three points.

The result preserved their flawless start to the season, even though they currently sit behind Napoli in the standings due to goal difference.

However, last season’s Champions League campaign left plenty to improve upon. Juventus collected just nine points in the league phase, finishing 20th overall, before being eliminated in the playoffs by PSV Eindhoven on aggregate 3-4. 

Their lack of attacking sharpness was especially concerning, as they failed to score in three of their final four league phase matches.

Domestically, their home form paints a different picture. In Serie A, Juventus have been dominant at the Allianz Stadium with six straight victories. 

Yet in the Champions League, they have lost two of their last four home games, showing that home advantage has not always translated into European success.

Borussia Dortmund Bring Optimism to Turin

Borussia Dortmund also travel to Turin with momentum on their side. A 2-0 win over Heidenheim in the Bundesliga extended their unbeaten run this season to four matches, with three wins and one draw. 

Niko Kovac’s squad has scored nine goals and kept three clean sheets, equaling their total shutouts from the previous 19 fixtures.

Despite this strong form, Dortmund continue to grapple with a defensive injury crisis. Emre Can, Niklas Süle, and Nico Schlotterbeck are all sidelined, forcing Kovac to rely on Aaron Anselmino, Waldemar Anton, and Ramy Bensebaini as his defensive trio. 

Their task is formidable, as they will need to contain Juventus’ attacking pair of Dusan Vlahovic and Jonathan David, supported by the creativity of Kenan Yildiz.

History adds further intrigue to the contest. The last time these two clubs met in the Champions League was in the 2014/2015 season, when Dortmund were eliminated with an aggregate score of 1-5. Yet, Dortmund have twice defeated Juventus in past encounters. 

With a solid away record in 2025—two wins and one draw from three matches—Die Schwarzgelben carry confidence into this fixture.

Predicted Lineups Juventus vs Borussia Dortmund 2025

Juventus (3-4-1-2)

• Goalkeeper: Michele Di Gregorio
• Defenders: Federico Gatti, Gleison Bremer, Lloyd Kelly
• Midfielders: Pierre Kalulu, Manuel Locatelli, Khéphren Thuram, Weston McKennie
• Attacking Midfielder: Kenan Yildiz
• Forwards: Dusan Vlahovic, Jonathan David
• Coach: Igor Tudor

Borussia Dortmund (3-4-2-1)

• Goalkeeper: Gregor Kobel
• Defenders: Aaron Anselmino, Waldemar Anton, Ramy Bensebaini
• Midfielders: Yan Couto, Marcel Sabitzer, Bellingham, Johan Svensson
• Attacking Midfielders: Julian Brandt, Maximilian Beier
• Forward: Serhou Guirassy
• Coach: Niko Kovac

Conclusion

This clash promises to be a tightly contested affair. Juventus are eager to erase memories of their underwhelming European campaign last season while maintaining their domestic momentum, whereas Borussia Dortmund arrive brimming with confidence despite injury setbacks.

With both sides expected to field attacking lineups, the Allianz Stadium is set to witness a thrilling contest filled with drama. The question remains: will Juventus’ attacking firepower prevail, or will Dortmund’s resilient mentality on the road prove decisive?