Borussia Dortmund vs Atletico Madrid Predictions

Borussia Dortmund vs Atletico Madrid predictions for this UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash. Borussia Dortmund host Atletico Madrid at Signal Iduna Park on Tuesday evening for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash. Can they turn around this tie? Read on for our free betting tips and predictions.

Champions League | Quarter-Finals | 2nd Leg – Apr 16, 2024 at 8pm UK at Signal-Iduna-Park

Borussia Dortmund vs Atletico Madrid Predictions

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Clash of Titans: Dortmund’s European Ambitions Tested by Resilient Atletico

In what promises to be an electrifying second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie, Borussia Dortmund will host Atletico Madrid at Signal Iduna Park. Trailing 2-1 from a tumultuous first leg in Madrid, Dortmund are faced with the formidable task of overturning a deficit against a defensively astute Atletico side, which has historically proven tough to break down.

Tactical Analysis

Dortmund’s Approach: Dortmund will likely continue to leverage their dynamic attacking play, spearheaded by the likes of Donyell Malen and Niclas Füllkrug, who have been pivotal in their Bundesliga campaign. Expect Dortmund to use their home advantage to apply early pressure, particularly through wide areas where they can exploit Atletico’s less nimble flank defenders.

Atletico’s Game Plan: Conversely, Atletico Madrid, under the stewardship of Diego Simeone, will likely employ a compact defensive setup, aiming to frustrate Dortmund and capitalise on counter-attacking opportunities. Rodrigo De Paul and Samuel Lino, who were instrumental in the first leg, will once again be crucial in transition phases, providing both goals and creative sparks.

Key Battles

The midfield duel between Jude Bellingham of Dortmund and Koke of Atletico could dictate the pace and control of the game. Additionally, the defensive responsibilities of Nico Schlotterbeck will be tested against the cunning movements of Antoine Griezmann, whose positional play and finishing prowess remain top-notch.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Dortmund’s main strength lies in their offensive potency; they have scored frequently in the Bundesliga but have shown vulnerabilities in defence, particularly in high-pressure matches. Atletico, while solid defensively, have struggled with consistency in attack, often relying on moments of individual brilliance rather than sustained offensive schemes.

Managerial Insight

Edin Terzic of Dortmund has been criticised for his team’s occasional tactical naivety, which will be under scrutiny in this critical European fixture. Diego Simeone, known for his tactical discipline and resilience, has sometimes been faulted for being overly conservative, which could be exploited by an aggressive Dortmund approach.

Expected Line-Ups

Dortmund’s Starting XI:

• Kobel; Meunier, Akanji, Hummels, Guerreiro; Bellingham, Can, Reus; Brandt, Haaland, Hazard. This lineup suggests Dortmund will adopt an attacking setup, utilising the width provided by Guerreiro and Meunier to stretch Atletico’s defence.

Atletico’s Starting XI:

• Oblak; Trippier, Savic, Gimenez, Lodi; Koke, De Paul, Llorente; Correa, Griezmann, Felix. Atletico will rely on their midfield trio to disrupt Dortmund’s rhythm and will look towards Griezmann and Felix to exploit any spaces on the counter.

Predictions and Key Statistics

Best Bet: Over 2.5 Goals

In this crucial second leg, with Dortmund needing to overcome a deficit, an attacking approach is inevitable. Their home performances in the Bundesliga, where they average significantly over two goals per game, suggest they will not hold back.

Atletico Madrid, while traditionally defensive, have conceded in recent away games, indicating vulnerabilities that Dortmund can exploit. The urgency of the match for both teams, combined with the offensive talents at disposal like Malen and Griezmann, makes it likely that we will see at least three goals in this encounter.

Correct Score Prediction: Dortmund 2-1 Atletico Madrid

Given Dortmund’s robust home form and the pressing need to score, a 2-1 victory seems a plausible outcome. This scoreline reflects Dortmund’s attacking prowess and their susceptibility to conceding, particularly under pressure.

Atletico, knowing a goal could force Dortmund to need three, will not sit entirely deep, which could lead to them scoring but also conceding spaces for Dortmund to exploit. This prediction aligns with the high-stakes nature of the tie, where Dortmund edge it but not without a scare.

Goalscorer Prediction: Donyell Malen

Donyell Malen is tipped to be particularly influential in this fixture. His agility and ability to make incisive runs into the box could unravel Atletico’s tight defensive unit. Given the high-pressure context of the match, his role as a forward will be crucial in penetrating Atletico’s defence. Malen’s recent form and critical role in Dortmund’s attack this season, combined with the expected tactical setup from Terzic, positions him as a likely candidate to find the net.

First Half Result: Draw

The initial segments of the game are expected to be tightly contested, with Dortmund probing and Atletico defending resolutely. Both teams are likely to approach the first half with some caution, as Dortmund balances the need to score with the risk of conceding a critical away goal.

Atletico, comfortable with their first-leg advantage, might adopt a conservative posture initially, focusing on maintaining their lead. Thus, a draw at halftime is a probable scenario, setting the stage for more aggressive play in the second half as Dortmund presses for a breakthrough.

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