<p><em>Dortmund are unbeaten in 15 Bundesliga matches, and yet this Champions League playoff might not go to script. Atalanta arrive in Westphalia having dismantled Juventus 3-0 in the Coppa Italia and carrying the kind of big-game pedigree that made them Europa League champions in 2024.</em></p> <ul> <li><strong>Competition: </strong>UEFA Champions League Knockout Phase Playoff (First Leg)</li> <li><strong>Venue: </strong>Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund, Germany</li> <li><strong>Date: </strong>Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (Wednesday, February 18 AEDT)</li> <li><strong>Start Time: </strong>7:00 AM AEDT (Wednesday)</li> </ul> <h2>Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta Form and Head to Head</h2> <p>The clubs have limited European history, meeting most recently in the 2017-18 Europa League when Dortmund edged through with a 3-2 first leg win at home. Across their two previous meetings, entertainment value was rarely in short supply.</p> <p>Dortmund are unbeaten in 15 consecutive <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/soccer/germany/german-bundesliga">Bundesliga</a> matches, with their only recent defeat coming against Inter (0-2) in Champions League action on January 28.</p> <p>They've plundered 12 goals across their previous four wins, including a 4-0 demolition of Mainz. Atalanta have been strong recently, with their only recent loss being a 1-0 reverse at Union St. Gilloise in the Champions League.</p> <p>Atalanta remain dangerous under new manager Raffaele Palladino (appointed November 2025), having blanked Juventus in the Coppa Italia and kept the most clean sheets in Europe's top five leagues in 2026 (six in eight matches).</p> <h2>Defensive Cracks Open for Both Sides</h2> <p>Dortmund face this first leg without Nico Schlotterbeck, who is sidelined with muscular problems, while Niklas Süle's thigh injury leaves Niko Kovač short of senior centre-back options. The Yellow Wall will need to compensate for what could be a makeshift backline.</p> <p>Atalanta have their own concerns. Charles De Ketelaere is out after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery, while Gianluca Scamacca has recovered from a minor hip issue and featured in the Coppa Italia win over Juventus. At least Giorgio Scalvini and Marten de Roon are available to provide defensive stability.</p> <h2>Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta Betting Markets</h2> <p>Signal Iduna Park's 81,000 crowd and the famous Yellow Wall create one of Europe's <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/soccer/soccer-news/biggest-soccer-stadiums-world">biggest soccer stadiums</a>, making Dortmund clear favourites with most bookmakers.</p> <p>For the latest Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta odds and markets, check out our dedicated odds page here at Sportsbet.</p> <p>The total goals market looks particularly interesting given both sides' attacking output and defensive vulnerabilities. Player props and the both teams to score market reflect the open nature expected from this tie.</p> <h2>Borussia Dortmund vs Atalanta Prediction: Our Pick</h2> <p><strong>Atalanta have the tools and tournament nous to spring an upset in Dortmund, making them our pick at attractive outsider odds.</strong></p> <p>While Dortmund's home record commands respect, their defensive absences create genuine vulnerability. Atalanta's Europa League triumph proved the Italian side thrives under knockout pressure, and they've kept clean sheets against elite opposition in recent weeks.</p> <p>The Italian outfit's disciplined counter-attacking approach is tailor-made for away legs in hostile environments. Dortmund's 2-0 home loss to Inter showed they can be stifled and exposed on home turf in Europe's elite competition.</p> <p><strong>We also fancy the over 2.5 goals to land, given both teams' attacking intent and the injury-hit defences on show.</strong></p> <p>Dortmund have been prolific in recent weeks, with their 4-0 demolition of Mainz highlighting their attacking threat.</p> <p>With Palladino needing away goals for the second leg and Kovač's men naturally front-footed at home, both sides have every incentive to attack. The defensive concerns on each side only strengthen the case for goals. If you're looking to explore more options, our <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/punter-iq/guide/how-to-bet-uefa-champions-league">Champions League betting guide</a> covers everything you need to know about wagering on Europe's premier club competition.</p> <h2>Keep Reading</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/punter-iq/guide/how-to-bet-europa-league">What you need to know before betting on the Europa League</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/soccer/soccer-news/what-is-xg-soccer-explained">What xG actually tells us (and what it doesn't)</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/punter-iq/guide/serie-a-betting-guide-2025-26">Your complete guide to betting on Italian football</a></li> </ul>