Borussia Dortmund vs Inter prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups - January 28, 2026
One of the marquee fixtures of Matchday 8 in the 2025/26 Champions League group stage will take place on Wednesday at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, where the local Borussia will host Italian giants Inter. Here’s a pick for the outcome of this clash with strong chances of success.
Match preview
Borussia come into the final round with mixed emotions: a league win over Union Berlin boosted the team’s morale after their Champions League setback against Tottenham. However, the defeat to the Londoners has complicated their push for the top 8, leaving Dortmund with only the playoff route as a realistic option. Still, their home ground remains a major trump card for the Black and Yellows: backed by their passionate crowd, the team can ramp up the tempo and deliver high-octane football, especially against Europe’s elite.
The suspension of Svensson, along with injuries to Süle and Sabitzer, is a significant blow that impacts their defensive and midfield structure. Nevertheless, Borussia have options on the bench: Brandt is ready to step in, while up front, Guirassy maintains his key status in attack. A victory over Inter would guarantee the hosts European football in the spring, even if from less advantageous positions.
Inter’s Champions League campaign has slowed to a crawl, with three straight defeats following a strong start of four consecutive wins. The Nerazzurri have struggled against the likes of Liverpool, Atletico, and Arsenal, and now even a top-8 finish looks like a tough ask. Despite their recent 6-2 demolition of Pisa in Serie A, Dortmund poses a completely different level of opposition and atmosphere.
Squad issues are mounting for the Italians, particularly on the right flank where Dumfries is absent and his replacement, Luis Enrique, hasn’t inspired confidence. Çalhanoğlu is also sidelined, and at the back, Sommer’s dip in form has left the defense looking vulnerable. Against this backdrop, Inter are banking on their attacking firepower, with Lautaro and Esposito striving to keep opposition defenses under constant pressure.
Probable lineups
- Borussia Dortmund: Kobel, Bensebaini, Schlotterbeck, Anton, Ryerson, Nmecha, Bellingham, Couto, Brandt, Adeyemi, Guirassy
- Inter: Sommer, Akanji, Acerbi, Bastoni, Augusto, Barella, Zieliński, Sučić, Dimarco, Martínez, Esposito
Match facts and head-to-head
- Inter have lost their last three Champions League matches.
- Borussia defeated Inter 3-2 at home in their most recent Champions League encounter.
- Both teams have scored in six of Borussia’s last eight Champions League games.
Prediction
The electric home atmosphere and the drive to climb the table make Borussia a dangerous opponent for any heavyweight. Despite personnel losses, Dortmund almost always step up at home, especially in big matches. Inter, meanwhile, remain mired in a prolonged international slump, and their defensive frailties, combined with instability on the flanks, could once again cost them points. Expect a high-scoring contest with the hosts coming out on top.
