Two European giants collide as Juventus host Borussia Dortmund in their Champions League opener at the Allianz Stadium. Igor Tudor’s perfect start with the Bianconeri meets Niko Kovač’s in-form German side in what promises to be a captivating continental clash between teams with genuine European ambitions.
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Juventus vs Dortmund: Preview
Igor Tudor will be seeking to extend Juventus’ flawless start to the season when the Italian giants welcome Borussia Dortmund for their Champions League opener at the Allianz Stadium on Tuesday evening.
The Bianconeri come into this fixture riding high after a spectacular 4-3 victory over Inter Milan in Saturday’s Derby d’Italia, completing a dramatic comeback from 3-2 down with two late goals, including a stunning injury-time winner from 19-year-old Vasilje Adzic. This triumph maintained their perfect record of three wins from three Serie A matches, positioning them second in the table level on points with leaders Napoli.
Tudor’s appointment has brought immediate dividends, with the Croatian tactician becoming only the fourth person to both play for and coach Juventus in the Champions League, following Ciro Ferrara, Antonio Conte, and Andrea Pirlo. The former defender faces his first European test in Turin, knowing that Juventus have never lost their opening Champions League home fixture (11 wins, 3 draws in 14 matches).
Borussia Dortmund arrive in Turin having recovered from an opening-day setback against St. Pauli, where they surrendered a 3-1 lead to draw 3-3. The Black and Yellow have since bounced back emphatically with a 3-0 victory over Union Berlin and a convincing 2-0 triumph against Heidenheim, positioning them second in the Bundesliga with seven points from three matches.
Niko Kovač’s side will be spearheaded by Serhou Guirassy, last season’s Champions League top scorer with 13 goals. The Guinea international has been in sensational form, netting in all four of Dortmund’s matches this campaign across all competitions, accumulating five goals and showing no signs of slowing down. His impressive record follows his involvement in nine goals (seven goals, two assists) during 10 Champions League appearances in 2024-25.
However, Dortmund’s task is complicated by their historically poor record against Italian opposition. The Germans have lost five of their last six away games against Italian teams in the Champions League, including last season’s 2-1 defeat to Bologna – the Rossoblu’s only victory in eight league phase matches.
Juventus vs Dortmund: Head-to-Head
History strongly favors the hosts in this encounter. Juventus hold a commanding record against Dortmund, having won six of their nine competitive meetings, with Dortmund claiming just two victories. The most recent competitive clash occurred in the 2014-15 Champions League round of 16, where Juventus progressed 5-1 on aggregate (2-1, 3-0) en route to the final.
In Champions League meetings specifically, Juventus have secured three victories compared to Dortmund’s two wins across five encounters. At the Allianz Stadium, the Bianconeri boast an even stronger record, winning two of their four home fixtures against the German visitors.
| Head-to-Head Record | Juventus | Draws | Dortmund |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Meetings | 6 | 1 | 2 |
| Champions League | 3 | 0 | 2 |
| At Allianz Stadium | 2 | 1 | 1 |
The teams recently met in a friendly encounter in August, where Juventus emerged 2-1 victors at Signal Iduna Park, providing Tudor with valuable tactical insights ahead of this competitive fixture.
Juventus vs Dortmund: Team News and Predicted Lineups
Juventus – Team News
Tudor faces minimal injury concerns ahead of this crucial fixture. Francisco Conceição remains unavailable due to muscle fatigue that forced his early return from Portugal international duty. Fabio Miretti is also sidelined with a thigh problem. However, the Italian champions otherwise boast a fully fit squad, giving Tudor extensive options for rotation after the emotionally draining Inter victory.
Key performers from Saturday’s triumph are expected to retain their positions, with summer signing Teun Koopmeiners continuing to impress in midfield alongside captain Manuel Locatelli. The attacking trio of Kenan Yildiz, who has made a remarkable step up this season, and Dusan Vlahovic will spearhead Juventus’ forward line, with Jonathan David potentially featuring as support.
Juventus – Predicted XI (3-5-2)
- Goalkeeper: Di Gregorio
- Defenders: Gatti, Bremer, Kelly
- Midfielders: Kalulu, Koopmeiners, Locatelli (c), Thuram, McKennie
- Forwards: Yildiz, Vlahovic
Dortmund – Team News
Kovač’s preparation has been hampered by several significant injury setbacks. Captain Emre Can remains sidelined with a groin problem, while long-term absentees Nico Schlotterbeck (knee) and Niklas Süle (calf) continue their recovery. Julien Duranville is unavailable due to a shoulder injury, and new signing Fábio Silva won’t feature because of a groin complaint.
However, there’s positive news with Aaron Anselmino and Julian Brandt both expected to be available for selection. Guirassy leads the attacking threat despite picking up a minor knock against Heidenheim, with the striker fully expected to be fit for the Champions League opener. Maximilian Beier, who scored in the weekend victory, will provide additional attacking support.
Dortmund – Predicted XI (3-4-2-1)
- Goalkeeper: Kobel (c)
- Defenders: Anselmino, Anton, Bensebaini
- Midfielders: Ryerson, Groß, Nmecha, Svensson, Adeyemi, Beier
- Forward: Guirassy
Juventus vs Dortmund: Prediction
This fixture presents a fascinating tactical battle between two teams in excellent domestic form. Juventus possess the psychological advantage of their recent friendly victory and boast superior historical pedigree in European competition. Tudor’s men have demonstrated resilience and attacking flair, particularly evident in their comeback victory over Inter.
Dortmund’s reliance on Guirassy’s goalscoring form could prove decisive, but their vulnerability against Italian opposition in recent European campaigns suggests Juventus hold the upper hand. The Germans’ tendency to score late goals – they netted 10 times from the 75th minute onwards in last season’s Champions League – means they remain dangerous throughout the full 90 minutes.
Kovač’s impressive Champions League record (10 wins, 5 draws, 2 losses in 17 matches with Dortmund and Bayern Munich) provides confidence, but facing a Juventus side yet to concede more than one goal per game this season presents a stern examination.
The hosts’ perfect home record in Champions League openers, combined with their recent momentum and tactical flexibility under Tudor, should prove decisive in a closely contested encounter.
Prediction: Juventus 2-1 Borussia Dortmund
When and Where to Watch Juventus vs Borussia Dortmund in India? Broadcast and Streaming Details
Indian football fans can witness this Champions League clash live on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, with kick-off scheduled for 1:30 AM IST (Wednesday morning) at the Allianz Stadium in Turin. The match will be broadcast live across Sony Sports Network’s comprehensive channel portfolio, including Sony Ten 1, Sony Ten 1 HD, Sony Ten 2, Sony Ten 2 HD, Sony Ten 3, Sony Ten 3 HD, Sony Ten 5, and Sony Ten 5 HD.
Digital streaming will be exclusively available on Sony LIV, requiring a premium subscription for Champions League access. JioTV subscribers can also stream the encounter through their platform’s partnership with Sony Sports Network. This historic European fixture between two continental powerhouses makes for compelling viewing despite the challenging late-night kickoff time, with Sony’s multi-platform coverage ensuring comprehensive accessibility for Indian audiences.
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FAQs
What time does Juventus vs Borussia Dortmund kick off in India?
The match kicks off at 1:30 AM IST on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 (late Tuesday night).
Which channels will broadcast the match in India?
Sony Sports Network channels including Sony Ten 1, Sony Ten 2, Sony Ten 3, and Sony Ten 5 (all HD versions available) will provide live coverage.
Can I stream the match online in India?
Yes, live streaming is available on Sony LIV and JioTV, both requiring valid subscriptions.
What is the head-to-head record between these teams?
Juventus lead with 6 wins against Dortmund’s 2 victories in 9 competitive meetings, with Juventus winning 3 of 5 Champions League encounters.
Who are the key players to watch?
For Juventus: Kenan Yildiz, Dusan Vlahovic, and Teun Koopmeiners. For Dortmund: Serhou Guirassy, Maximilian Beier, and Pascal Groß.
