Dortmund seek to end winless run against Champions League debutant Sabah

Borussia Dortmund travel to Baku to face Sabah FK on 20 October 2026 in their third UEFA Champions League League Phase match, seeking to recover from a three-game winless streak that has seen them drop to 18th place with three points. The German side have failed to win since the international break, suffering a 1-0 defeat to Bodo/Glimt and drawing 0-0 with Union Berlin, while also dropping points in the Bundesliga against Werder Bremen (2-2 draw). Manager Niko Kovac acknowledged attacking shortcomings, stating "if we want to win, we must score goals" and emphasizing the need for faster, more accurate execution in the final third. Despite recent struggles, Kovac denied talk of a crisis, noting Dortmund remain second in the Bundesliga level on points with Bayern Munich and possess the quality to turn their form around.

Sabah FK, making their Champions League debut, arrive in confident form after a 2-0 victory over Slavia Praha that marked their first points and goals in the competition, following an opening 4-0 loss to Manchester United. The Azerbaijani champions have an unbeaten domestic record and will aim to capitalize on home advantage at Baku Olympic Stadium. Sabah manager Valdas Dambrauskas warned that Dortmund's recent goal drought may make them more dangerous, stating "Dortmund didn't score in their last two matches, but that means they will be even more determined."

Dortmund will deploy a 3-4-1-2 formation with goalkeeper Gregor Kobel; defenders Waldemar Anton, Nico Schlotterbeck, and Achraf Bensebaini; midfielders Julian Ryerson, Joey Veerman, Felix Nmecha, and Daniel Svensson; Carney Chukwuemeka in an attacking midfield role; and forwards Serhou Guirassy and Ousmane Dembélé. Sabah line up in a 4-3-2-1 formation led by goalkeeper Simeon Pokatilov, with defenders Zedadka, McCarthy, Solvet, and Puchacz, midfielders Lepinjica, Rakhmonaliev, and Du Queiroz, and forwards Parris and Simić supporting striker Mickels. Dortmund face ongoing injury concerns including absences of Konstantinos Karetsas, Emre Can, and Giannis Konstantelias, while Sabah will rely on key attacking talents Joy-Lance Mickels and Kaheem Parris. Despite being installed as favourites, Dortmund will be travelling for their third consecutive away match in seven days, with Kovac emphasizing the need to avoid complacency against an opponent gaining European experience.