Borussia Dortmund
Villarreal
Borussia Dortmund vs Villarreal Predictions, Picks & Odds – 08/09/2026
Borussia Dortmund vs Villarreal – Best bets of the match
Borussia Dortmund vs Villarreal Preview
Borussia Dortmund open their Champions League campaign at the Signal Iduna Park with three wins from their last five outings, a sequence that underlines both their quality and occasional inconsistency. Niko Kovac may rotate after a dramatic 3-3 league draw, with Yan Couto, Daniel Svensson, and Marcel Sabitzer all pushing for starts. Carney Chukwuemeka could also feature, though Ramy Bensebaini remains a doubt with a rib complaint. The memory of a 4-0 demolition of Villarreal last November will fuel confidence.
Villarreal arrive in Dortmund in poor travelling form, having managed just one draw and suffered three defeats across their last five away fixtures. That winless run on the road is a significant concern heading into an arena where the hosts have lost only once in their last 19 Champions League home matches. Sitting twelfth, the Yellow Submarine need a fast start to this campaign, yet their recent results away from El Madrigal offer little encouragement for a positive outcome here.
Dortmund's home record at 1.80 represents the cornerstone of this selection. The Yellow Wall has proved a fortress in European competition, with just a single defeat in their last 19 Champions League home fixtures. That 4-0 demolition of Villarreal in November 2025 offers further encouragement, demonstrating Dortmund's capacity to overwhelm this particular opponent when the Signal Iduna Park is in full voice.
Villarreal's away form is deeply concerning. One draw and four defeats from their last five on the road paints a bleak picture for Marcelino's side, who have struggled to impose themselves outside La Cerámica. Niko Kovac's squad, bolstered by the potential returns of Yan Couto, Daniel Svensson, and Marcel Sabitzer, should possess the depth to exploit that vulnerability across ninety minutes.
The over 2.5 goals line at 1.53 also warrants attention. Dortmund's recent results have featured plenty of goalmouth action, including a 3-3 draw in their most recent outing. With Villarreal's defensive frailties on their travels and Dortmund's attacking firepower at home, goals feel likely. A home win in a match producing three or more goals looks a sound assessment of this fixture.
Trends to Know about Borussia Dortmund vs Villarreal
- Dortmund lost one of 19 UCL home matches
- Villarreal winless in last five away fixtures
- Dortmund thrashed Villarreal 4-0 last meeting
Form & Statistics: Borussia Dortmund vs Villarreal
Borussia Dortmund
Recent form
Season statistics (5)
Villarreal
Recent form
Season statistics (5)
Lineups: Borussia Dortmund vs Villarreal
Borussia Dortmund
Starters
- 1 Gregor Kobel
- 2 Julian Ryerson
- 3 Joane Gadou
- 4 Waldemar Anton
- 5 Daniel Svensson
- 6 Jobe Bellingham
- 7 Felix Nmecha
- 8 K. Karetsas
- 9 Maximilian Beier
- 10 Serhou Guirassy
- 11 Fabio Silva
Bench
- Marcel Sabitzer
- Joey Veerman
- Alexander Meyer
- Kauã Prates
- Filippo Mane
- Mathis Albert
- Luca Reggiani
Absent
- Samuele Inácio (suspended)
- Justin Lerma (injury)
- Giannis Konstantelias (injury)
- Emre Can (injury)
- Enzo dos Santos (injury)
- Ramy Bensebaini (injury)
- Mussa Kaba (injury)
- Nico Schlotterbeck (injury)
- I. Konstantelias (Knee injury (Late September 2026 return))
Villarreal
Starters
- 1 Luiz Reis Júnior
- 2 Mouriño González
- 3 Juan Foyth
- 4 R. De Palma Veiga
- 5 Carlos Romero
- 6 Nicolas Pépé
- 7 Santi Comesaña
- 8 Pape Gueye
- 9 Tajon Buchanan
- 10 Gerard Moreno
- 11 Georges Mikautadze
Bench
- Logan Costa
- Alexander Freeman
- Alassane Diatta
- Pau Navarro
- A. Moleiro González
- Ilias Chakkour
- Tani Oluwaseyi
- Ayoze Pérez
- Nathan Saliba
- Péter Gulácsi
- Carlos Macià
Absent
- Sergi Cardona (injury)
- Raúl Albiol (suspended)
- Alfonso Pedraza (injury)
Low confidence
Both formations are speculated rather than confirmed, drawn from domestic fixtures played over a week before this Champions League opener, so treat the shape with appropriate caution. That said, a mirror 4-3-3 vs 4-3-3 contest is anticipated, with Serhou Guirassy leading Dortmund's attack against a Villarreal backline anchored by the experienced Juan Foyth.
For the visitors, Gerard Moreno and Georges Mikautadze offer a potent forward partnership capable of exploiting space on the break, while Dortmund's midfield trio will look to control tempo and protect a defence that has undergone considerable reshaping since last season.
Borussia Dortmund vs Villarreal: Head-to-Head
Average statistics (recent meetings)
How to Watch Borussia Dortmund vs Villarreal Match?
What time is Borussia Dortmund vs Villarreal?
Kickoff at Signal Iduna Park is set for 8 September 2026 at 20:00 BST.
Where is Borussia Dortmund vs Villarreal being played?
This match takes place at the Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, Germany.
How Can I Watch Borussia Dortmund vs Villarreal on TV and Live Stream?
Check local listings for Champions League coverage, as broadcast rights vary by region.
>