Dortmund in UCL home game against Celtic.

2024-09-26

In an intriguing clash at Westfalenstadion, Borussia Dortmund, fresh from a spirited league comeback, face a formidable Celtic side eager to break their European away game drought despite their impressive domestic form.

Borussia Dortmund

Dortmund atoned for matchday 4's 'horror show' by securing a 4-2 comeback league victory over Bochum last weekend. Nuri Şahin's side fought back from an early two-goal deficit, with standout performances from Serhou Guirassy, who scored twice, Emre Can from the penalty spot, and Felix Nmecha with a late strike to clinch their third win in four games.

Despite the win, Şahin emphasized the need for improvement in defense, as his team has conceded seven goals in their last two outings. "We have to develop in this area," he remarked, highlighting the ongoing challenge of defending in depth.

Tuesday's Champions League home game against Celtic is set to be a significant test, especially given the visitors' recent goal-scoring spree of 16 goals in their last three games. However, Dortmund boasts an impressive record against Celtic, having won three out of their four previous European encounters.

The Black and Yellows also boast an unbeaten streak in their last 11 home games in the UCL, with seven victories to their name. A convincing 3-0 victory against Club Brugge in their UCL opener positions Dortmund to possibly start with wins and clean sheets in their first two matches for the first time since the 2018/19 campaign.

Currently sitting fifth on the UCL league phase table, Dortmund aims to secure all three points against Celtic to bolster their chances of finishing among the top eight. Guirassy is expected to lead the attack as Şahin deploys the 4-2-3-1 formation.

Celtic

Meanwhile, high-flying Celtic have maintained a 100% record this season, including a convincing 5-1 victory over Slovan Bratislava in their UCL opener. The Bhoys sit third in the UCL standings heading into Tuesday's clash against Dortmund, where they hope to return as happy travelers.

However, Brendan Rodgers’ side has lost their last five away games in the UCL, with a record of 0 wins, 0 draws, and 5 losses. They are winless in their last eight such matches, tallying 0 wins, 1 draw, and 7 losses.

Furthermore, the Scottish side has never won a UCL game against German opposition, recording 0 wins, 2 draws, and 6 losses. Celtic secured a comfortable 6-0 victory over St. Johnstone last time out in the Scottish league and will look to carry this momentum into Tuesday's match against Dortmund.

Nicolas-Gerrit Kühn, Kyogo Furuhashi, and Daizen Maeda are expected to start in attack in a 4-3-3 formation.