| Inter Milan vs Dortmund | |
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MATCH INFO |
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MATCH :
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Inter Milan vs Dortmund
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COMPETITION :
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UEFA Champions League
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| DATE: |
29 - 01 - 2026
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TIME:
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01.30 AM IST
12.00 AM UAE
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STADIUM
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Signal Iduna Park |
Match Preview: Borussia Dortmund vs Inter Milan
Despite suffering defeats in their most recent Champions League outings, both Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan remain well positioned to secure a playoff spot heading into the final round of the league phase.
Dortmund currently sit on 11 points, just one behind Inter, following a 2-0 defeat away to Tottenham Hotspur last week. That result dented BVB’s chances of automatic qualification for the round of 16, leaving them 16th in the standings with one match remaining.
While Niko Kovac’s side would require several favourable results elsewhere to avoid the playoffs, their place in the top 24 appears secure. With little immediate fear of elimination, Dortmund can approach this fixture with attacking intent as they chase their 100th win in Europe’s premier competition.
The German giants have been among the competition’s most entertaining sides this season, scoring 19 goals so far. Only Arsenal, Bayern Munich and reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain have managed more. Although their away form has been inconsistent, Dortmund remain formidable at Signal Iduna Park, losing just once in their last 21 home Champions League matches.
That home strength was reinforced domestically on Saturday, as BVB claimed a convincing 3-0 away win over Union Berlin. The result kept them firmly in the Bundesliga title race, albeit still eight points behind leaders Bayern Munich. With just one league defeat and 10 clean sheets to their name, Dortmund have shown defensive resilience to match their attacking firepower.
Inter Milan, meanwhile, arrive in Germany aiming to halt an unexpected downturn in European form. Despite winning their opening four Champions League matches, the Nerazzurri have since suffered three consecutive defeats, most recently a 3-1 loss to Arsenal at San Siro. That run has dropped them to 14th in the table, although a playoff place is already assured and a top-eight finish remains mathematically possible.
Historically, Inter hold the edge in this fixture, but their last visit to Dortmund ended in disappointment. During the 2019 group stage, they surrendered a two-goal lead and went on to lose 3-2, a match remembered for goals from Julian Brandt and Lautaro Martinez — both of whom could feature again.
Domestically, Inter are in a far stronger position. After a dominant 6-2 victory over Pisa, they sit top of Serie A, five points clear of city rivals AC Milan and nine ahead of Napoli. Their away form has been particularly impressive, with eight wins and just nine goals conceded across 10 road games in all competitions.
However, that strong travelling record will be tested against a Dortmund side renowned for their intensity at home, setting up a finely balanced contest between two European heavyweights.
Recent Form
Borussia Dortmund (Champions League):
W W L W D L
Borussia Dortmund (All Competitions):
W D W W L W
Inter Milan (Champions League):
W W W L L L
Inter Milan (All Competitions):
W D W W L W
Team News
Dortmund will be without Daniel Svensson, who is suspended following his red card against Tottenham. Ramy Bensebaini is expected to return to the starting lineup as a result. Niklas Süle and Marcel Sabitzer remain sidelined through injury, while Julian Duranville has departed on loan.
Julian Brandt is likely to feature prominently once again, having gone 19 home Champions League matches unbeaten at Signal Iduna Park — a new club record. He should support Serhou Guirassy in attack, with the striker continuing to post strong goal involvement numbers on home soil despite a quieter European campaign this season.
Inter, meanwhile, are still missing key midfield figure Hakan Çalhanoğlu and wing-back Denzel Dumfries due to injury. Several regulars, including Nicolò Barella, Federico Dimarco and Marcus Thuram, are expected to return to the starting XI after being rested at the weekend.
Captain Lautaro Martinez remains Inter’s main attacking threat, having already scored four goals in this Champions League campaign.