Borussia Dortmund vs. Juventus: 5 Bold Predictions for Champions League 2nd Leg

With Serie A failing to provide a genuine test, the Champions League has taken on extra significance this season for Juventus. Europe has become their only real proving ground, and the team is seeking to show that it can compete with the best sides on the continent.

Having reached the final two years ago, Borussia Dortmund possesses the same pedigree Juve are hoping to capture. The first leg was an enthralling encounter, one in which a controlled performance from the Italian champions eventually saw them emerge victorious.

That game was reviewed in detail here, and the final score of 2-1 ensures the tie is eagerly anticipated as we await next month’s conclusion. Over the following pages are five predictions for the second leg as Juventus head to the Westfalenstadion in search of victory.

Alvaro Morata Will Start

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A key figure in the first 90 minutes of the tie, Alvaro Morata is almost certain to start the second leg. The 22-year-old was a superb outlet when Juventus won possession, his pace allowing them to penetrate the Borussia Dortmund defence.

Fernando Llorente is clearly more experienced, but his style is better suited to games where the Bianconeri dominate the ball, and this is unlikely against Jurgen Klopp’s team. With Morata playing a vital role in both goals, Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri discussed his team's approach with Sky Italia at full-time and made clear the tactic was intentional.

"At this level you can’t try to dominate your opponents, so we aimed to make the most of their defensive weaknesses,” he said (h/t Football Italia). “Borussia were very intense in the first half, but lost some of that over time and we emerged with more chances to increase our lead.”

Ciro Immobile to Sit out the Game

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Ciro Immobile continued to look subpar for Borussia Dortmund, lacking the confidence that saw him finish last season as Serie A’s leading goal scorer. That form earned him a move to Germany, where he was seen as an ideal replacement for the departing Robert Lewandowski.

He had been left out in recent weeks as Klopp’s side rediscovered its form and is unlikely to retain his place for the rematch with his former club.

Martin Caceres to Return

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Perhaps the one area where Juve could improve upon the first leg is in defence, with Giorgio Chiellini looking particularly uncomfortable. Aside from his slip—which led directly to the Marco Reus goal—his lack of pace meant he was often left chasing shadows.

It was the latest in a string of poor performances from the Italian international, with his poor form throughout the current campaign discussed in depth here. The Bianconeri cannot afford to do the same when they travel to Germany, making the pace of Martin Caceres vital to their hopes.

Dropping Chiellini is unlikely, but Allegri must find room for the Uruguayan to give his side a better chance of victory.

Andrea Pirlo to Lose His Place

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Limping off in the first half, the loss of Andrea Pirlo did not affect Juventus as much as they may have been initially feared. While still clearly a fine player, the 35-year-old suffers against constant pressure, and Roberto Pereyra’s energy gave the side better balance.

It may seem counter-productive, but Allegri should start the Argentinean in place of Pirlo in the second leg. That would provide the reigning Italian champions with another outlet. Pereyra will be able to run with the ball and carry the game to the opposition on the break.

Juventus Will Not Just Qualify, They Will Win

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Looking at the way the two teams matched up, Juventus appeared to have more belief in attack, and the presence of Carlos Tevez gave them the cutting edge that Borussia Dortmund seemed not to possess. If the same holds true in the return match, the Bianconeri should not only do enough to qualify but should win the second leg outright.