Get ready for a true Champions League blockbuster as Borussia Dortmund host AC Milan! This clash between two of Europe's most famous clubs promises to be an epic encounter.

In their opening game, Dortmund put up a great fight in Paris against PSG's team of superstars. The young Bundesliga leaders started brightly and defended excellently, before PSG's world class quality eventually won out. But Dortmund showed they can match the continent's best on their day.

Meanwhile, Milan are looking to make an impact on their return to the Champions League after missing out for a few years. Up against disciplined Newcastle, the Italian champs dominated possession but struggled to break through the stubborn defense. Without the injured Tonali, Milan really missed some creativity in midfield.

Borussia Dortmund vs AC Milan

The match will take place on Thursday, 5th October, 2023, at Signal Iduna Park.

Dortmund Show Promise Despite Falling Short in Paris

Given PSG's galaxy of superstars and intimidating home atmosphere, few expected visiting Dortmund to make an assertive start in Paris. But the Bundesliga leaders showed no fear early on, passing neatly and pressing PSG high up the field.

This energetic opening seemed to take big-spending PSG by surprise. Dortmund created a couple dangerous chances with their positive play, proving they arrived with an ambitious gameplan, not just to defend.

Composed Defending Restricts PSG

As the match settled after the initial Dortmund burst, PSG inevitably took control of possession due to all their playmaking talents. But Dortmund kept their composure and maintained a compact, organized shape.

Despite PSG's enviable individual brilliance, Dortmund's cohesive defending limited their time and space in the final third. Fullbacks Meunier and Guerreiro used their experience to restrict PSG's wide threats.

Unlucky Concession from Set Piece

Dortmund will feel disappointed to have conceded from a PSG corner kick against the run of play. Despite having contained PSG well, defender Sule lost Mbappe at the near post as he powered home a header.

Losing the lead in an unlucky manner could have deflated Dortmund. But the players retained belief and immediately tried responding, a testament to their confidence and mental strength.

Late Goal Flatters PSG's Performance

As Dortmund became stretched looking for an equalizer, PSG's world class speed on the counter attack was always a threat. Hakimi's clinical finish from Mbappe's perfect pass put the game away late on.

The 2-0 scoreline flattered PSG, who were frustrated by Dortmund's quality for long stretches. But ruthlessness in key moments won out for the French champions.

Squad Overhaul at Borussia Dortmund

The 2024 summer transfer window saw Borussia Dortmund undergo a major squad overhaul as they looked to rebuild after a disappointing 2023-24 campaign. 

Dortmund knew they needed to make significant changes to close the gap on Bayern Munich domestically while also improving their Champions League fortunes.

Exciting New Era Emerging

Overall, Dortmund's transfers addressed clear needs across the pitch. Losing Bellingham hurts of course, but the funds generated from his sale were reinvested smartly. 

This squad looks well equipped to compete on multiple fronts with a good blend of emerging talents and established difference-makers like Nmecha, Sabitzer and Füllkrug.

AC Milan Fail to Break Down Newcastle Wall

AC Milan dictated proceedings with 60% possession and kept Newcastle pinned back for long stretches. But turning territorial dominance into clear scoring chances proved elusive against Newcastle's organization.

As they've struggled to do domestically so far this season, Milan lacked the imagination and precision to unlock Newcastle's rigid defensive lines. Over-reliance on the brilliance of Rafael Leao is apparent.

Milan Hungry for European Nights Again

Manager Stefano Pioli has got the continental songbook dusted off in preparation for those famous anthem riffs to boom around the San Siro once more. Milanisti have been deprived of those goosebump-inducing Tuesday and Wednesday nights under the floodlights for far too long.

Leao Kept Under Wraps

Marking explosive winger Rafael Leao out of the game was priority one for Newcastle, and the defenders executed the plan superbly. His blistering pace and close control usually terrifies defenses.

But Newcastle swarmed him whenever he received the ball, denying Leao time to turn and build momentum. Shackling a potential game-changer in Leao was a tremendous accomplishment.

Lack of Midfield Craft Exposed

Already missing the departed Kessie's drive from midfield, Milan were further hampered by the absence of Sandro Tonali against Newcastle. This lack of craft and guile through central areas hampered Milan's attacking fluency.

Traore and Pobega struggled to link Milan's deeper midfielders to the wide attackers. Finding the right balance in midfield remains a glaring issue.

Reality Check on Big Stage

After last season's Scudetto triumph, this lackluster display served as a reality check for Milan on their return to the Champions League elite. Breaking down Europe's top defenses requires ingenuity Milan currently lacks.

Stefano Pioli faces a puzzle finding Milan's optimal system and partnerships. Outsmarting Europe's elite, not just outfighting them domestically, is Milan's next step up.

Predicted Lineups

BVB XI: Meyesr, Ryerson, Sule, Hummels, Bensebaini, Sabitzer, Can, Malen, Reus, Brandt, Haller 

AC Milan XI: Maignan, Calabria, Thiaw, Tomori, Hernandez, Loftus-Cheek, Krunic, Reijnders, Pulisic, Giroud, Leao.

Key Battles

When these heavyweights meet in Dortmund's intimidating stadium, expect end-to-end action! Dortmund's fearless attacking style under coach Terzic makes them such a threat going forward. Exciting young forwards like Moukoko, Malen and Reus can slice through any defense.

But Milan also boast a European Golden Boy in Portuguese winger Rafael Leao. His blistering speed and dribbling on the counter attack can destroy teams. Milan must get Leao more involved than against Newcastle.

In midfield, Dortmund's Can and Liverpool new boy Sabitzer will try to control the tempo against Milan's Loftus-Cheek and Krunic. Winning this battle could decide the match.

Conclusion

With so much attacking talent on show, both goalkeepers will need to be alert! Fans in Dortmund are in for a thriller between two iconic clubs. In matches like this, the crowd can provide the extra push for their team. What a way to kick off the Champions League season!