BVB coach Niko Kovac said the team wants to translate their current Bundesliga form into the Champions League knockout stage, urging fans to help maintain the momentum.
With four centre‑backs sidelined – Emre Can, Filippo Mane, Niklas Süle and Nico Schlotterbeck – the manager will decide on a replacement before the Tuesday match. Atalanta, who finished 15th in Serie A and beat Eintracht Frankfurt 3‑0, will test Dortmund’s defensive depth.