Borussia Dortmund vs Villarreal opens both clubs’ UEFA Champions League 2026/27 league-phase campaigns at Signal Iduna Park on Tuesday, 8 September 2026. Kick-off is at 21:00 SAST, with Dortmund arriving in strong early-season form and Villarreal looking for their first competitive win of the campaign.
The fixture brings together a Dortmund side that has started the German season positively and a Villarreal team trying to reset after a difficult opening run in La Liga. The two clubs also meet again less than ten months after Dortmund’s 4-0 Champions League win at the same venue in November 2025. For the wider tournament format, dates and league-phase context, see SportPesa South Africa’s 2026/27 UEFA Champions League guide.
Borussia Dortmund vs Villarreal match details
| Date | Tuesday, 8 September 2026 |
| Competition | UEFA Champions League 2026/27 – League Phase, Matchday 1 |
| Venue | Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund |
| Kick-off | 21:00 SAST |
| South Africa broadcaster | SuperSport |
Signal Iduna Park will host Dortmund’s first Champions League match of the season. The stadium remains one of the club’s major strengths in Europe, and BVB enter the fixture after winning their opening two Bundesliga matches and progressing in the DFB Cup.
READ ALSO : Champions League 2026/27 League Phase Draw
Borussia Dortmund vs Villarreal team news
Borussia Dortmund squad outlook
Borussia Dortmund have several confirmed absences. Ramy Bensebaini and Nico Schlotterbeck are suspended, while Filippo Mané is out with a thigh injury. Emre Can and Giannis Konstantelias remain long-term absentees with cruciate ligament injuries. Niko Kovač confirmed that Daniel Svensson and Konstantinos Karetsas are fit and available after completing individual work before the match.
UEFA’s projected Dortmund side includes Gregor Kobel, Waldemar Anton, Julian Ryerson, Jobe Bellingham, Ethan Nwaneri and Serhou Guirassy. The final starting XI should be treated as live information and confirmed closer to kick-off.
Villarreal team news
Villarreal have no confirmed absentees listed by UEFA for the match, although Juan Foyth is doubtful with an Achilles issue and Carlos Romero is also a doubt. Iñigo Pérez has options including Gerard Moreno, Georges Mikautadze, Nicolas Pépé and Santi Comesaña as Villarreal look to improve after a winless start to their domestic season.
Borussia Dortmund vs Villarreal head-to-head record
Borussia Dortmund and Villarreal have met only once in official competitive football. Dortmund won 4-0 at Signal Iduna Park in the Champions League on 25 November 2025. Juan Foyth was sent off early in the second half, and Dortmund then pulled away to secure the result.
That makes this Matchday 1 fixture the second competitive meeting between the clubs in less than ten months. Dortmund therefore hold the advantage in the official head-to-head record going into the 2026/27 opener.
What the coaches said before Dortmund vs Villarreal
Dortmund coach Niko Kovač warned against reading too much into Villarreal’s early La Liga position, saying it does not fully reflect their performances in the opening matches. He also played down the significance of last season’s 4-0 scoreline, describing that game as much closer than the final result suggested.
Villarreal coach Iñigo Pérez wants his side to move on from its recent domestic results and focus on the Champions League opener. He said Villarreal must “change the chip” and approach Dortmund with ambition as he prepares for his own Champions League debut as a head coach.
Current form and key match factors
Dortmund come into the match with momentum. They opened the Bundesliga season with a home win over Hamburg, progressed comfortably in the DFB Cup and then came from behind to beat Hoffenheim. BVB’s recent Champions League home record is also strong, with the club losing only twice in its last 23 home matches in the competition.
Villarreal’s start has been more difficult. The Spanish side are still searching for their first competitive victory of 2026/27 and arrive in Dortmund after four winless La Liga matches. Their recent European away record is another factor: BVB’s official pre-match notes highlight five consecutive away defeats for Villarreal in European competition.
Where to follow Dortmund vs Villarreal in South Africa
UEFA lists SuperSport as the official Champions League broadcast partner in South Africa. For live scores, lineups, match events and statistics as the game unfolds, supporters can also use the SP Score app.
Eligible adults who want to view the available pre-match or live football markets can check the SportPesa South Africa Champions League market. Odds and market availability can change before and during the match. 18+ only. Bet responsibly.
Borussia Dortmund vs Villarreal FAQs
When is Borussia Dortmund vs Villarreal?
The match is scheduled for Tuesday, 8 September 2026.
What time does Dortmund vs Villarreal kick off in South Africa?
Kick-off is at 21:00 SAST.
Where is Borussia Dortmund vs Villarreal being played?
The Champions League Matchday 1 fixture will be played at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund, Germany.
Who coaches Borussia Dortmund and Villarreal?
Niko Kovač is Borussia Dortmund’s head coach. Iñigo Pérez has coached Villarreal since June 2026.
What is the Dortmund vs Villarreal head-to-head record?
The clubs have met once competitively. Dortmund beat Villarreal 4-0 in the Champions League on 25 November 2025.
Where can I watch Dortmund vs Villarreal in South Africa?
UEFA lists SuperSport as its Champions League broadcast partner in South Africa. Live match data can also be followed through SP Score.
READ ALSO :La Liga Matchday 2 Results & Today’s Fixtures
Conclusion
Borussia Dortmund vs Villarreal starts the 2026/27 Champions League league phase for both clubs at Signal Iduna Park on 8 September, with kick-off at 21:00 SAST. Dortmund arrive with early-season momentum, while Villarreal are looking to respond after a winless domestic start. The match also gives Villarreal an immediate chance to answer last season’s 4-0 defeat in Dortmund as both sides chase their first points of the new European campaign.
