Atalanta Bergamo faces the difficult task of overturning a two-goal deficit in the Champions League play-off second leg against Borussia Dortmund. After a 0-2 defeat in the first match, coach Raffaele Palladino is counting on the support of 23,000 fans. Meanwhile, the Dortmund team, despite the return of key defenders, must cope without the organized support of their fans, who have boycotted the trip to Italy.

Need to Overturn the Deficit

Atalanta must win by at least three goals or force extra time after the 0-2 defeat in Germany.

Returns in the BVB Squad

Nico Schlotterbeck and Emre Can have returned to training and are being considered for Borussia's lineup.

Away Fans' Boycott

Fans from Dortmund's Südtribüne will not be in Bergamo as part of a protest against the methods of Italian authorities.

Atalanta Bergamo is preparing for a crucial clash in the Champions League, where they must overturn a two-goal deficit after a 0-2 loss in Dortmund. Coach Raffaele Palladino emphasizes the importance of the atmosphere at Gewiss Stadium, counting on full fan engagement. The coach admitted that despite the absence of De Ketelaere and Raspadori, the team believes in a historic success and advancement to the round of 16. Atalanta approaches this match on a nine-game unbeaten streak in domestic competitions. Signals from the Borussia Dortmund camp indicate an improvement in the squad situation. Nico Schlotterbeck and captain Emre Can, returning after a longer break, participated in the pre-match training. However, coach Niko Kovač warns his players about the hot reception in Bergamo, calling this match crucial for the club's future ahead of the upcoming league classic against Bayern Munich. The situation around the match is tense for non-sporting reasons – organized fan groups from Dortmund have announced a boycott of the match, protesting against strict security measures and the actions of the Italian police. In recent years, Atalanta Bergamo has become a regular participant in European cups, gaining recognition for its offensive style of play under Gian Piero Gasperini, whose successor is Palladino. The match will start on Wednesday at 18:45. For Borussia Dortmund, maintaining the advantage from the first leg is a priority, not only in terms of prestige but also for the club's financial stability. Behind the scenes, it is said that for coach Kovač, this is a „make-or-break match” that will determine the mood ahead of the final phase of the Bundesliga season. „Domani saremo allo stadio in 23 più 23 mila. Godiamoci la serata, crediamo nell'impresa” (Tomorrow we will be at the stadium, 23 plus 23 thousand. Let's enjoy the evening, we believe in the feat.) — Raffaele Palladino „Ich bleibe dabei: Ich schaue in den Rückspiegel” (I stand by it: I'm looking in the rearview mirror.) — Niko Kovač

Mentioned People

  • Raffaele Palladino — Coach of Atalanta Bergamo, replaced Gian Piero Gasperini in the position.
  • Niko Kovač — Croatian coach leading Borussia Dortmund.
  • Nico Schlotterbeck — Borussia Dortmund defender, returning to play after an injury.
  • Emre Can — Captain and midfielder of Borussia Dortmund.