Dortmund vs Athletic Bilbao: Tips, Odds, and Match Preview

Borussia Dortmund have managed to put behind them their disappointing 3-3 draw against St. Pauli in the Bundesliga opener and have recorded four straight wins at the domestic level without conceding. But will that be enough to give them their first win in the European stage? They debuted with a 4-4 draw against Juventus, though BVB fans would’ve certainly wanted something different after they held a 4-2 lead in the latter stages of the second half.

Athletic Bilbao seem like a proper opponent to get a positive result based on their recent form. Even though Ernesto Valverde’s men enjoyed a solid start to the domestic campaign with three straight wins, they’ve followed that up with six straight without victory (D1, L5). That includes a disappointing 2-0 loss to Arsenal in their home UCL opener. Clearly, things aren’t going according to plan for the Basque side.

Will Dortmund Remain Undefeated?

Niko Kovac seemed like a questionable decision to take over at Dortmund last season, but the move now looks like a savvy one, based on how well the team has performed at the beginning of the 2025-26 campaign. The draws against St. Pauli and Juventus can be considered disappointing results, given how both matches unfolded. However, summing up, Dortmund appear to be a composed team on both sides of the ball, despite having to adjust to some absences.

Counting all competitions, Dortmund remain undefeated in 2025-26 (W5, D2) and have posted five clean sheets, an outstanding record since they’ve not allowed goals five times over that stretch. The Bundesliga giants have routinely posted xG totals around the 1.50 mark or higher, so they’re also doing a good job creating chances are far more than just a good defensive team. Winning here against Athletic Bilbao would certainly back that up, as the Basque side are a complicated even if they’re going through their fair share of struggles.

Dortmund Injury & Suspension News

Star striker Serhou Guirassy didn’t play in the 2-0 win over Mainz after feeling discomfort during the warmups, and it’s uncertain if he’ll be available for this contest. Niklas Sule (calf), Julien Duranville (shoulder) and Cole Campbell (international duty) are out, while Emre Can (groin) and Aaron Anselmino (strain) will be game-time decisions.

Athletic Bilbao Must Turn Things Around Soon – Before It’s Too Late

Athletic Bilbao looked like a team capable of contending for big things in the 2025-26 season of LaLiga following the first three rounds, as they notched back-to-back-to-back wins and looked almost unstoppable. However, that run of positive results now seems like a distant memory. Athletic Bilbao saw their winless skid continue this past weekend, and the 1-0 away loss to Villarreal the last time out made it six straight matches without a win for Valverde’s men (D1, L5).

The biggest issue for Athletic Bilbao right now is their struggles to generate clear chances in the final third. Neither Gorka Guruzeta nor Maroan Sannadi have been a solution upfront, and not having Nico Williams is a problem the team hasn’t been able to solve. However, despite going scoreless in five of the six aforementioned games, the team has also struggled defensively, with only one clean sheet in nine competitive matches in 2025-26. It’s hard to see Athletic Club delivering a turnaround performance based on the struggles they’ve had lately.

Athletic Bilbao Injury & Suspension News

Nico Williams is doubtful due to a groin injury, and when asked about him last week, Valverde said he “didn’t know” whether the star winger would be available before the international break. Alex Berenguer (toe) is also a game-time decision, while Mikel Vesga (groin), Yeray Alvarez (suspension), Unai Egiluz (knee) and Benat Prados (knee) are all out and without a return date on the horizon.

Dortmund vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction

Dortmund are widely expected to dominate this match against a shorthanded Athletic Bilbao side. Even if the Spanish club recovers Nico Williams, Athletic have been suffering too much defensively to find a way to deal with the threat of Dortmund. Expect the hosts to score at least two goals in what should be another comfortable win of them against a side that has been struggling badly in recent weeks.

CryptoGamba tip: Dortmund to score over 1.5 total goals – 1.82 @ BC.Game