Pre-Match Analysis: Dortmund seeks first win of 2025 against Shakhtar Donetsk

Mike Tullberg and Borussia Dortmund face a difficult task as they hope to win the UEFA Champions League league phase. A win could see BVB finish in the top eight, but it will ultimately depend on other results.

Bologna FC 1909 v Borussia Dortmund - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD7
Bologna FC 1909 v Borussia Dortmund - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 | Alessandro Sabattini/GettyImages
2 of 5

Team News

Julien Duranville
Borussia Dortmund v SV Werder Bremen - Bundesliga | Frederic Scheidemann/GettyImages

Borussia Dortmund — LLLLD — 14th: The BVB squad is mostly healthy, barring Niklas Süle’s long-term ankle injury. The Black and Yellows will also likely be without Felix Nmecha, who sustained a knee injury early in the draw against Werder Bremen. Early impressions don’t look good for him. Borussia Dortmund will be looking for their first win of the year and their first clean sheet since November. 

Shakhtar Donetsk — DWLLW — 27th: The Ukrainian side is in mostly good health. The most notable omission from their squad is striker Eguinaldo, who is expected to be out until mid-February. Several other players are doubtful, including Bradley Locko, Jonas Martin, Jordan Amavi, Julien Le Cardinal, and Massadio Haidara. Marino Pusic’s side will be determined, as a win could see the team reach a playoff position. They came off a win over Brest last week and will look to build on that momentum.