De Roon: ‘Atalanta can hurt Borussia Dortmund’ after 2-0 defeat

The Champions League playoffs are heating up as Atalanta and Borussia Dortmund prepare for the decisive second leg after the Italian side suffered a 2-0 defeat at home. The match, scheduled for April 17, 2024 in Dortmund, will determine which team advances to the group stage.

Former Borussia Dortmund midfielder Stefan De Roon, now a key player for Atalanta, has expressed confidence that his team can 'hurt' their former club in the return leg. This sentiment, reported by Yahoo Sports, highlights the resilience and tactical adjustments Atalanta is planning to implement to overturn the deficit.

Line-ups and Tactical Adjustments

Yahoo Sports reported that both teams made strategic changes in their line-ups for the second leg. Dortmund will likely stick to their 4-2-3-1 formation, featuring young talents like Jude Bellingham and veteran striker Marco Reus, while Atalanta are expected to employ a more compact 4-4-2 to stifle Dortmund's midfield creativity. Key absences include several players due to injury, but the core squads remain ready for the challenge.

Preview and Prediction

Borussia Dortmund enter the tie with a tactical advantage, having proven their dominance in the first leg. However, Atalanta's counter-attacking style under manager Gian Piero Gasperini could pose a threat. The defensive solidity of Dortmund's backline, anchored by Mats Hummels, will be crucial.

Predictions from the Sports Interaction preview suggest a competitive match, while Yahoo Sports analysts lean toward a Dortmund victory. Key moments to watch: Haaland's pace and finishing, and Iličić's influence in the box. The midfield battle will be intense, with Bellingham and Malinovskyi likely to dominate possession.

As the whistle blows, the stage is set for an exciting clash that could see both teams showcasing their strengths. Don't miss the action!