2026-2027 Champions League: Dortmund vs. Villarreal, Probable Lineups

Borussia Dortmund and Villarreal face off at 9 p.m. in a match for Matchday 1 of the 2026-2027 Champions League. The Black and Yellows have won their first two Bundesliga matches and are clear favorites at home against the Yellow Submarine, now a regular in the competition but off to a forgettable start in La Liga with just two points earned in their first four games. The two teams faced off last year at Signal Iduna Park, with the home team securing a resounding 4-0 victory.

Kovac lines up his team with Guirassy as the center forward, supported by Karetsas and Beier. Ryerson and Svensson are on the wings, while Bellingham and Nmecha occupy the midfield.

Villarreal fields an attacking duo of Perez and Moreno. Moleiro and Pepe play in the attacking midfield, with Saliba partnering Gueye in the center of the midfield. Freeman and Cardona are on the wings.

Borussia Dortmund vs. Villarreal: Probable Lineups
Borussia Dortmund (3-4-2-1): Kobel; Anton, Bensebaini, Gadou; Ryerson, Bellingham, Nmecha, Svensson; Karetsas, Beier; Guirassy. Head Coach: Kovač.
Villarreal (4-2-2-2): Luiz Júnior; Freeman, Logan Costa, Renato Veiga, Cardona; Saliba, Gueye; Pépé, Moleiro; Ayoze Pérez, Gerard Moreno. Head Coach: Iñigo Pérez.

At a press conference, Kovac praised Guirassy: “He’s our lifeline—he’s exactly what we need. We hope he can replicate in the Champions League what he’s doing in the league.”