Bologna will host Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday, 21st January 2024 at 11 PM Kenyan Time, in the Champions League, still searching for their first win.
The visitors aim to secure automatic knockout qualification, adding to the stakes in this encounter.
Bologna’s Struggles Continue
Bologna have endured a tough European campaign, sitting at the bottom of their group with two points.
Four defeats in six matches highlight their struggles, with inexperience at this level showing under coach Vincenzo Italiano.
Italiano replaced Thiago Motta in the summer, bringing fresh optimism to the team.
However, Bologna have only scored once while conceding seven goals, making them the lowest-scoring side in the competition.
With only eight points left to fight for, Bologna’s chances of advancing look slim.
Even with recent improvements in Serie A, their European form remains uninspiring.
Borussia Dortmund Eye Knockout Stages
Borussia Dortmund, last year’s beaten finalists, have performed much better in Europe this season.
Sitting in ninth with 12 points, they need a strong finish to secure automatic qualification.
Impressive wins over Celtic, Club Brugge, and Dinamo Zagreb have boosted their chances, despite losses to Real Madrid and Barcelona. Dortmund’s European form contrasts sharply with their Bundesliga struggles.
Currently 10th in the Bundesliga, they’ve suffered 10 losses across all competitions. A disappointing 2-0 loss to Frankfurt on Friday adds to the mounting pressure on coach Nuri Sahin.
Key Players and Goals
Bologna’s inability to find the net could prove costly against a high-scoring Dortmund side.
Dortmund have netted 18 goals in the Champions League, second only to Barcelona’s 21.
However, Bologna have managed two clean sheets in the competition, showing they can defend when needed.
This could make Dortmund’s task more challenging, especially given their poor away form this season.
Match Analysis
Dortmund’s away struggles are significant, with eight losses on the road already this season.
They will need to step up against a Bologna team buoyed by their recent Serie A improvements.
Despite these challenges, Dortmund’s superior attacking prowess should give them an edge.
Bologna’s goal-shy performances in the Champions League make a home win unlikely.
Bangbet Odds and Prediction
- Bologna Win: 3.55
- Draw: 3.65
- Dortmund Win: 2.17
Given Bologna’s scoring troubles and Dortmund’s European experience, we predict a close game favoring the visitors. Dortmund’s attacking depth should secure a narrow victory, easing the pressure on Sahin.
Final Prediction: Borussia Dortmund to win 2-1.
Place your bets on Bangbet for the best odds and experience! Whether you back Bologna to cause an upset or Dortmund to deliver, Bangbet is your ultimate betting partner.