Dortmund have found their rhythm, while the visitors are still winless: Borussia Dortmund vs Villarreal prediction
The opening-round Champions League match between Borussia Dortmund and Villarreal will take place on 8 September at Signal Iduna Park. The Germans head into the game after three consecutive victories, while the Spanish side are still without a win this season.
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Borussia Dortmund: three consecutive wins and confident home form
Niko Kovač's side quickly recovered from a 2-1 defeat to Bayern Munich in the German Super Cup. Dortmund then went on to beat Hamburg 2-0, HEBC 5-0 and Hoffenheim 3-2.
Borussia have won three of their last four competitive home matches, scoring 10 goals in the process. They can also take confidence from last year's meeting with Villarreal, when the Germans thrashed the Spanish side 4-0.
Villarreal: difficult start under the new manager
Iñigo Pérez took charge of the team in the summer, but the start of the season has been difficult. Villarreal drew with Racing and Atletico Madrid before losing to Alavés and Deportivo.
The latest 3-2 home defeat to Deportivo was particularly disappointing, as Villarreal opened the scoring but failed to hold on to their advantage. They travel to Dortmund still without a win after four competitive matches this season.
Probable line-ups
- Borussia Dortmund: Kobel, Gado, Anton, Svensson, Ryerson, Nmecha, Bellingham, Beier, Karetsas, Sabitzer, Guirassy.
- Villarreal: Júnior, Mourinho, Costa, Veiga, Romero, Pépé, Gueye, Comesaña, Buchanan, Mikautadze, Moreno.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Borussia have won their last three competitive matches.
- Villarreal are still without a win in four matches this season.
- Dortmund thrashed Villarreal 4-0 in November 2025.
The hosts look much more convincing: Borussia Dortmund vs Villarreal prediction
Dortmund head into their Champions League opener in much better form and traditionally play more aggressively at home. Even their defensive personnel problems should not completely erase the difference between the teams' current levels.
Villarreal are capable of creating chances, but they remain far too inconsistent and continue to make regular mistakes. Against that backdrop, the hosts look like the favourites and should take all three points.
