Borussia Dortmund missed the chance to take maximum points on an incredible UEFA Champions League opening night against Juventus when Niko Kovač's side conceded twice in injury time to draw 4-4.
Juventus 4-4 Borussia Dortmund
Goals: 0-1 Adeyemi 52v, 1-1 Yildiz 63’, 1-2 Nmecha 65', 2-2 Vlahović 68’' 2-3 Couto 74', 2-4 Bensebaini (pen.) 86', 3-4 Vlahović 90'+4, 4-4 Kelly 90'+6
This fixture will always throw up happy memories for the Dortmund faithful, with the Black-Yellows enjoying arguably the greatest night in their history when they beat Juventus in the 1997 UEFA Champions League final.
Wary of that fact, and that BVB had recently reached another showpiece final against Real Madrid in this competition, Juventus - winners of their opening three Serie A games this term - looked to keep things tight against their Bundesliga opponents early on.
It was The Old Lady who created the game's first good chance when Khéphren Thuram's effort from distance was thwarted by BVB goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.
RB Leipzig loanee Loïs Openda then found the side-netting as the home side continued to probe. At the other end, Adeyemi did his best to provide some fireworks as the half progressed, but the 23-year-old was left largely frustrated as the opening half ended scoreless.
A goalless first half preceded a second 45 for the ages in Turin. - MARCO BERTORELLO
BVB stormed up the Bundesliga standings last term to qualify for this UEFA Champions League and their unbeaten opening to the current domestic campaign has been equally impressive. High on morale, Die Schwarzgelben started the second half strongly in Turn.
Maxi Beier sent an effort from a tight angle against the woodwork before Karim Adeyemi showed how it’s done with a smart finish to the corner for the game’s opening goal.
After a tense first 45 minutes, Adeyemi’s strike brought the game bursting to life. Teun Koopmeiners should have done better when played in by Openda but that miss was quickly forgotten by the home fans when Kenan Yıldız curled in a fine equaliser.
The action continued apace and BVB were back in front in quick-fire fashion, Felix Nmecha sending a first-time shot from the edge of the area past Michele Di Gregorio. It was four goals in 14 minutes when Juve substitute Dusan Vlahović was freed by Yildiz before beating Kobel.
Karim Adeyemi gave BVB the perfect start to the second period. - IMAGO/Marco Steinbrenner/DeFodi Images
Incredibly, Dortmund were in front for a third time on the night when Yan Couto left Di Gregorio flailing at his near post in a madcap second-half that was increasinly impossible to predict. The action swinging one way and then the other, Yıldız’s effort was tipped onto the woodwork by the alert Kobel.
The Swiss goalkeeper's save laid the groundwork for the visitors finding daylight. Juventus defender Lloyd Kelly handled Serhou Guirassy's shot inside the area, leaving Ramy Bensebaini to convert from the spot. Dortmund. Eyeing an opening night success in Europe, Niko Kovač's side couldn't hold on.
In the fourth minute of added time, Vlahović poked home his second of the game and incredibly there was still time for more. Kelly made amends for his earlier error with a header that completed the scoring of a wild second half.
Match stats
- This game equalled the highest-scoring draw in the UEFA Champions League.
- Adeyemi has 14 goals in 40 Champions League appearances.
- Kovač has only lost two of 18 Champions League matches as a head coach with Dortmund and Bayern Munich (W10, D6).
- BVB have reached the Champions League knockout stages in the last seven seasons in a row.
- Dortmund beat Juve 3-1 in the 1996/97 Champions League final. It’s one of two BVB wins against the Italians.
- Guirassy was the Champions League's top goalscorer last term with 13 goals.
- The USA's Weston McKennie made 91 appearances for Dortmund's local rivals Schalke.
Teams
Juventus: Di Gregorio - Kalulu, Bremer (c), Kelly, Cambiaso – Koppmeiners (Locatelli 69’), McKennie (João Mário 59’)- Thuram, Yıldız (Zhegrova 87’), Openda (Adžić 67’) – David (Vlahović 58’)
Unused subs: Perin, Pinsoglio, Gatti, Francisco Conceição, Kostić, Rugani, Cabal
Out: Miretti (thigh)
Coach: Igor Tudor
Dortmund: Kobel (c) - Ryerson, Anton, Bensebaini - Couto, Sabitzer, Nmecha (Bellingham 71’), Svensson - Adeyemi, Beier (Brandt 71’)– Guirassy (Groß 90’+2)
Unused subs: Meyer, Ostrzinski, Kabar, Mané, Chukwuemeka, Campbell
Out: Anselmino (muscular), Can (groin), Duranville (shoulder), Silva (groin), Schlotterbeck (knee), Süle (calf)
Coach: Niko Kovač
As it happened!
Full-time
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Full-time: Juventus 4-4 Borussia Dortmund
Having taken their time to sharpen their attacking bows, both sides didn't disappoint once they'd found their range. A second half flurry of goals created a Champions League classic with two sides going blow-for-blow. Each of the finishes were of high quality too, with three coming from outside the area. The game ends 4-4, and with neither side entirely sure whether they should have won or lost.
© IMAGO/Ulrich Hufnagel
Juve level at the death!
Vlahović puts an in-swinging cross into the area, where the unlikely hero Kelly launches himself at the ball to head home a last minute equaliser!
Unbelievable, Juve are right back in it again!
Bensebaini misplaces a pass and Kalula crosses to the near post, where Vlahović is waiting to side foot into the near side of the goal.
Additional time
There will be six minutes of added time at the end of the game.
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Bensebaini converts!
After some debate over whether it would be a penalty or not, and who would take the penalty, Bensebaini steps up and coolly rolls the ball into the bottom corner of the net, sending Di Gregorio in the wrong direction.
© Valerio Pennicino
BVB have a penalty!
Guirassy's shot from close range hits the hand of Bremer who was sliding across to block the shot and now Dortmund have the chance to put some distance between themselves and the hosts.
Yildiz hits the post!
Thuram lays it off to the young midfielder outside the box and he decides to shoot first time. Kobel has to tip his powerful effort onto the post, and BVB survive.
How many more?
Judging by Couto's goal, the floodgates remain open. How many more goals will we see before the game's conclusion?
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BVB lead again!
This time it's Couto who gets himself on the scoresheet. On the right corner of the box, he drives forward before getting the ball out of his feet and arrowing a shot into the near corner of the goal.
© IMAGO/Marco Steinbrenner/DeFodi Images
A crazy few minutes!
And just like that, the game has turned on its head! From being a tense affair with little to separate the sides, it has now started raining goals, with both sides somehow managing to find an instant response to going behind.
Another one! Vlahović makes it 2-2
This time Yildiz turns provider, with his measured through ball putting the striker in behind the BVB backline. He races toward goal before slotting it past Kobel into the far bottom corner.
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Incredible! Nmecha with an immediate response
The ball is poked out of a crowded Juve box toward Nmecha on the edge of the area, who guides his first time finish into net to put Dortmund back in the lead.
© IMAGO/Ulrich Hufnagel
Juve equalise! Yildiz scores a wondergoal!
With few options ahead of him just outside the left side of the box, he shifts the ball onto his right before bending it into the top corner of Kobel's net.
Quick reaction
Juve have made two changes in response to that goal, as well as pressing with greater intensity.
Great chance for Koopmeiners
The Dutchman gets in behind Svensson and latches onto the end of an Openda pass just a few yards out from goal, but he slices his finish and sees it glide over the bar.
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Goal! Adeyemi puts BVB in front
Having received a pass from Guirassy on the edge of the area, Adeyemi decides against returning the pass and takes on a shot himself, finding the bottom right corner of the Juve net with a precise low strike.
© IMAGO/Marco Steinbrenner/DeFodi Images
Beier hits the post!
He gets on the end of a hopeful lofted pass from Anton, poking the ball past the on-rushing Di Gregorio onto the woodwork from a tight angle.
Ambitious Openda
The Belgian tries a bicycle kick from a deep cross but gets underneath it, and is then flagged offside.
We're back!
The game is back underway as both sides continue to search for the first goal.
Kick-off!
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Half-time: Juventus 0-0 Borussia Dortmund
It hasn't been the most eventful first half in terms of chances, but that's credit to the defensive work of both teams. There has been little to no space to work with in either final third, although the latter stages of the first half did see more spaces open up with both teams looking to go into the break with a lead.
© MARCO BERTORELLO
Half-time
Corner for Dortmund
Svensson takes an in-swinging corner but it's easily cleared.
Adeyemi bends it wide
He cuts in from the right and looks to get a shot away quickly but can't control the finish.
Corner for Juve
Kelly climbs highest at the far post from a Yildiz corner and knocks it down for David, but Kobel is quick to smother the striker's effort.
David goes for it
The Canadian hits a half-volley from just outside the area but can't keep his effort down.
Dortmund on the back foot
The visitors have had little of the ball in the past few minutes as Juve continue to take the game to them.
Scrappy few minutes
While there is yet to be a clear chance for either side, the tempo has certainly increased, with both teams bringing a sense of urgency to their play.
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Difficult to separate
It has so far been a tense affair, with possible counter-attacks for either side being quickly extinquished.
© MARCO BERTORELLO
Hosts looking dangerous
A one-two between Yildiz and Thuram almost sees the Frenchman race away from the BVB backline, but a poor touch allows them to recover and the danger is averted.
Lacking goalmouth action
Both sides are feeling each other out and giving very little away.
Guirassy forcing the issue
Surrounded by black shirts, the Dortmund striker fires a hopeful effort towards goal, but only finds the leg of a Juve defender.
Juve giving nothing away
Dortmund continue to move the ball well after that scare from Thuram's shot, but are finding space in the final third hard to come by.
Thuram tests Kobel!
A yellow shirt fails to close him down and he tries one from distance, with the Dortmund 'keeper having to claw the ball out of the top corner.
BVB looking bright
The visitors have had the majority of the early possession and managed to put together some neat passing sequences.
Off we go!
The action begins here in Turin.
Kick-off!
Half-time: Juventus 0-0 Borussia Dortmund
It hasn't been the most eventful first half in terms of chances, but that's credit to the defensive work of both teams. There has been little to no space to work with in either final third, although the latter stages of the first half did see more spaces open up with both teams looking to go into the break with a lead.
Dortmund's historical hurdle
The hosts have never lost on Matchday 1 of the Champions League when they've played at home, winning six and drawing three of those games. The 2024/25 campaign saw them start with a 3-1 win over PSV Eindhoven, with both Yildiz and McKennie on the scoresheet.
Familiar face in the crowd
The recently retired Mats Hummels is here to support his former side in their first European tie of the season. The former Germany international ended his career with Italian side AS Roma where he faced Juve just once in the league, with the game ending in a 1-1 draw.
Juve have momentum
Igor Tudor's side edged a thrilling 4-3 encounter with rivals Inter Milan in their most recent league game, putting them in second place in the table and level on points with first place Napoli, who are ahead of them in the standings on goal difference alone.
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More on those teams
BVB make just one change from their 2-0 win over Heidenheim on the weekend, with Marcel Sabitzer coming in for Pascal Groß in midfield. For the hosts, ex-Bayern Munich youth product Kenan Yildiz and former RB Leipzig man Loïs Openda both start alongside Jonathan David in attack, while former Schalke man Weston McKennie also starts for the Bianconeri.
© IMAGO
Dortmund starting line-up
Kobel (c) - Ryerson, Anton, Bensebaini - Couto, Sabitzer, Nmecha, Svensson - Adeyemi, Beier - Guirassy
Dortmund subs
Meyer, Ostrzinski, Kabar, Mané, Bellingham, Brandt, Chukwuemeka, Groß, Campbell
Juve starting line-up
Di Gregorio - Kalulu, Bremer (c), Kelly, Cambiaso - Koppmeiners, McKennie - Thuram, Yıldız, Openda - David
Juve subs
Perin, Pinsoglio, Gatti, Locatelli, Francisco Conceição, Vlahović, Zhegrova, Adžić, Kostić, Rugani, Cabal, João Mário
2:44
Watch: Hear more from Sabitzer & Kovač
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Sabitzer on Jobe Bellingham
"Jobe is a good guy. I get on really well with him. He wants to learn and is always asking questions. We obviously play in a similar position and we have a good understanding. He generally plays in a double pivot and the main job is to protect the back four and provide structure. But Jobe has plenty of potential and we are are happy he is here at Dortmund."
© IMAGO/Maik Hölter/TEAM2sportphoto
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Juventus head coach Igor Tudor on facing Borussia Dortmund
"Borussia Dortmund is a very strong team. We're playing at home against a top-class team, and we can't wait to get started. In the Champions League, teams from different leagues face off, and they're also the best in those leagues. Motivation will definitely be high."
© IMAGO/www.imagephotoagency.it
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Marcel Sabitzer's thoughts
"We're playing away. That's certainly an advantage for Juve. We played a warm-up match against Juventus in Dortmund, and you could see the quality this team has. We have to stretch ourselves, we have to give 100 percent. We want to show that we have the qualities to prevail here."
© IMAGO/Eibner-Pressefoto/Max Vogel
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Niko Kovač's thoughts
"We have a very good team. When everyone is involved, we're very well-balanced, both in terms of depth and breadth. It's important to me that we have competition. The profiles are different. The balance has to be right between physicality, creativity, and running performance. If we can balance those well, we'll be well-positioned. We have to stretch ourselves tomorrow, but we want to show that we have the qualities to prevail in Turin."
© Lars Baron
0:45
Watch: All Guirassy goals in 2025/26
Enjoy all the Guinea striker's efforts this term.
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Anselmino out
Dortmund have been dealt a blow as on-loan centre-back Aarón Anselmino has been ruled out. The 20-year-old did not play against Heidenheim at the weekend and has not recovered in time from a muscle issue. Pascal Groß, who is ill, will also not be available.
© IMAGO/David Inderlied
3:02
Watch: Dortmund's crazy transfer window
Enjoy this in-depth look at how Borussia Dortmund bolstered their ranks with some shrewd new signings - some of them could make their Champions League bow for the club here.
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Familiar faces
Dortmund will come up against several ex-Bundesliga men, including former Schalke midfielder Weston McKennie and Loïs Openda, who is on loan at Juventus from RB Leipzig.
© DFL/Getty Images/Simon Hofmann
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Kovač's strong record
Dortmund's head coach has only lost two of 17 Champions League matches in the dugout with Dortmund and Bayern Munich (W10, D5). He will be hoping it stays at that number in Turin.
© THOMAS KIENZLE
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Guirassy amongst the goals
BVB's star striker already has four goals to his name in the Bundesliga this season, and he'll be raring to go in the Champions League again having finished joint top scorer in the competition last in 2024/25.
© IMAGO/Kirchner-Media/Thomas Haesler
1:01
Heidenheim 0-2 Borussia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund made it two wins on the bounce and seven points from three games with their win against Heidenheim on Matchday 3.
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Hummel's last hurrah
While the last competitive fixture between the two was a decade ago, they did meet during pre-season as Mats Hummels got a final run out in a BVB shirt. Unfortunately for Hummels & Co. Juventus also came out on top of that meeting, winning 2-1.
© Lars Baron
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Previous meetings
The last competitive meeting between these two sides was in the last 16 of the 2014/15 edition of the Champions League. Juventus won both legs (2-1, 3-0) on their way to the final of the competition, which they lost 3-1 to Barcelona. In total, Dortmund have won just two of their nine competitive meetings against the Old Lady.
© Fotostand / Hommes via www.imago-images.de
Welcome!
Hello and welcome to live coverage of Borussia Dortmund's opening UEFA Champions League tie of 2025/26 against Juventus.
