A fresh page in Borussia Dortmund’s rich European history will be written on Wednesday night when the Black & Yellows lock horns with Spanish giants Athletic Club Bilbao for the very first time. The clash at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK (21:00 CEST, live on DAZN) promises fireworks, with both clubs seeking to seize control of their Champions League group after difficult opening results.
For Dortmund, the Champions League campaign began in dramatic fashion: a chaotic 4-4 draw away at Juventus that showed both their attacking firepower and defensive frailties. Bilbao, meanwhile, suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Arsenal, leaving them desperate to bounce back and avoid being cut adrift early in the group stage.
The stage favors BVB. At home in Europe, Dortmund are notoriously difficult to beat. In their last 18 Champions League matches at SIGNAL IDUNA PARK, they’ve lost just once, collecting 11 wins and six draws with a formidable goal tally of 37 scored and only 11 conceded. Under the lights in front of the famous Yellow Wall, the fortress atmosphere is expected to be deafening.
Bilbao, however, arrive with pedigree and resilience. The Basques, who reached the semi-finals of the Europa League last season, have historically fared well against German opposition, losing just four of 14 encounters. They also boast the electrifying Nico Williams, whose pace and creativity make him a constant danger. Still, their away record in European competition remains patchy, with only two wins from their last seven outings outside Spain.
This will be Dortmund’s 316th European fixture and their 45th against Spanish opponents. Memories of their most recent triumph over La Liga opposition – a 3-1 win against Barcelona – will fuel confidence. For Bilbao, it marks only their third Champions League campaign, and they are still searching for their first real breakthrough beyond the group stage.
With head coach Niko Kovac drilling his side into a more disciplined, balanced unit, Dortmund will see this as a golden chance to secure three points and take early control of the group. For Bilbao, it is about defying history, silencing the Yellow Wall, and proving they belong among Europe’s elite.
Two proud clubs. One historic first meeting. On Wednesday night, Signal Iduna Park becomes the stage for another European classic in the making.
