Borussia Dortmund Prepares for Champions League Showdown Against Atalanta with New Signing

Borussia Dortmund (BVB) is gearing up for a crucial UEFA Champions League playoff match against Atalanta Bergamo, set to take place on February 17, 2026, at 21:00. The match promises to be a vital encounter as BVB aims to secure a spot in the group stages of Europe's premier club competition.

In a significant development ahead of the game, Borussia Dortmund has finalized the signing of promising 17-year-old Brazilian left-back Kaua Prates. Prates arrived in Germany just in time for the match, having flown 11 hours from Brazil, and is expected to undergo a medical examination followed by the signing of a contract running until 2031. The transfer deal is reportedly valued at up to 12 million euros, including bonuses. Prates has already showcased his talents through 17 professional appearances for Cruzeiro and five caps for Brazil's U17 national team, with a market value estimated at around six million euros.

BVB’s sporting director Sebastian Kehl and general manager Lars Ricken have expressed confidence in Prates’ potential to quickly adapt to the competitive demands of both the Bundesliga and Champions League, anticipating that he will compete for the starting left-back position, currently held by Daniel Svensson, in the coming season.

The financial stakes are also high, as advancing past Atalanta could bring BVB approximately 11 million euros in UEFA bonuses, aligning closely with their investment in Prates.

For fans eager to follow the action, the match will be broadcast live at 21:00 in Germany, with coverage available through multiple platforms. DAZN offers comprehensive Champions League broadcasts, requiring a subscription, while Sky provides Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal matches. Additionally, some matches are accessible on free-to-air channels such as ARD and ZDF, although Champions League games like this fixture primarily feature on subscription services.

As Borussia Dortmund prepares both on and off the pitch, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation. The integration of a youthful talent like Kaua Prates signals the club’s commitment to building a competitive squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts, including this crucial Champions League playoff against a strong Atalanta side.