Dortmund vs Ath Bilbao Prediction & Betting Tips (1 October)

Borussia Dortmund welcomes Athletic Bilbao to Signal Iduna Park on October 1st in what promises to be a compelling UEFA Champions League clash. The German side enters the fixture with a mixed bag of recent results, including a thrilling 4-4 draw away to Juventus and a solid 2-0 Bundesliga win over Heidenheim. Edin Terzić’s men have shown attacking flair but remain vulnerable at the back, with four of their last five matches featuring goals from both sides. The return of Julian Brandt from a minor knock adds creativity to midfield, while Niclas Füllkrug continues to lead the line with confidence. Dortmund’s home advantage and offensive momentum make them slight favorites, but defensive lapses could keep the contest tight.

Athletic Bilbao, under Ernesto Valverde’s steady guidance, arrive in Germany nursing wounds from a 0-2 home defeat to Arsenal in their Champions League opener. Their domestic form has been more encouraging, with wins over Real Betis and Rayo Vallecano showcasing their ability to grind out results. Inaki Williams remains their most potent threat, combining pace and precision, while Oihan Sancet’s emergence as a midfield dynamo has added depth to their transitional play. However, the Basque side’s away record in Europe has been patchy, and their inability to score against Arsenal raises concerns about their cutting edge in high-pressure fixtures.

Tactically, Dortmund will likely press high and exploit Bilbao’s tendency to build from the back. Expect Terzić to deploy a fluid 4-2-3-1, with Marco Reus operating between the lines and Jadon Sancho—recently reintegrated into the squad—stretching the flanks. Bilbao’s compact 4-3-3 will aim to absorb pressure and counter through Williams and Nico Serrano, but their midfield may struggle to contain Dortmund’s vertical surges. Set pieces could be decisive, with Mats Hummels posing a threat in the air and Bilbao’s Dani Vivian anchoring the defense. The battle in midfield between Emre Can and Sancet may tilt the balance in favor of the hosts.

With both teams capable of moments of brilliance and breakdowns, a 2-1 scoreline in favor of Dortmund feels plausible. The Germans’ attacking depth and home crowd energy should be enough to edge past a resilient but limited Bilbao side. Expect goals from Füllkrug and Reus, with Williams pulling one back for the visitors. While not a rout, this match could mark a turning point in Dortmund’s European campaign, and a wake-up call for Bilbao as they seek to recalibrate their continental ambitions.