Borussia Dortmund open their 2026/27 Champions League campaign at home against Villarreal, a side they demolished 4-0 at the same venue last season. Niko Kovač’s men arrive in strong form after three consecutive wins (including a dramatic 3-2 comeback at Hoffenheim), while Íñigo Pérez’s Villarreal are winless in four La Liga games and sit near the bottom of the Spanish table.
Form & Context
- Dortmund: Three straight competitive wins since the Super Cup loss to Bayern. High-scoring and confident at home in Europe.
- Villarreal: Just 2 points from four league games. Poor start under Pérez and a history of struggling in Champions League openers and away fixtures.
Dortmund have been excellent at Signal Iduna Park in the Champions League in recent years, while Villarreal have lost their last five UCL away games without scoring.
Team News
Dortmund are missing several defensive options: Nico Schlotterbeck and Ramy Bensebaini (suspended), Emre Can (ACL), and Filippo Mané (doubt). Jobe Bellingham, Felix Nmecha and Serhou Guirassy are expected to feature prominently.
Villarreal are without Juan Foyth (muscle) and Carlos Romero is a doubt. Gerard Moreno and Georges Mikautadze lead the attack.
Predicted Lineups
Dortmund (possible 3-4-2-1): Kobel; Gadou, Anton, Svensson; Ryerson, Nmecha, Bellingham, Beier; Karetsas, Sabitzer/Nwaneri; Guirassy
Villarreal (possible 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2): Junior/Gulácsi; Mouriño, Costa, Veiga, Romero/Cardona; Pepe, Gueye, Comesaña, Buchanan; Mikautadze, Moreno
Prediction
Borussia Dortmund 3-1 Villarreal
Dortmund’s home form, attacking firepower and recent momentum make them clear favourites. Villarreal’s early-season struggles and poor European away record suggest another difficult night in Germany, though they may find a goal on the counter. Expect an entertaining, open contest with the hosts taking the points.