Atalanta Faces Chelsea, Spurs Welcomes Slavia Prague – A Night of Champions League Football
The focus turns to an important round of continental clashes. A pair of compelling matches take center stage in the schedule, as sides fighting for vital standings as the group phase continues.
A Question Mark Over Chelsea
What version of the London club will show up in Bergamo? Their previous European performance served as a declaration, a comprehensive three-goal win over the Catalan giants which was a high point for their manager's reign. However, form has proven elusive since then. A solid draw with their London rivals came before a defeat at Leeds, and a lackluster draw at Bournemouth means they arrive with confidence sapped.
Awaiting them is a dangerous opponent that sits tied in the standings alongside them. The Italian side suffered a 4-0 opening defeat at PSG but have remained unbeaten on the continent ever since, contrasting somewhat modest results in Serie A.
Tottenham's Test
Similar to their London counterparts, Tottenham can be famously inconsistent. A 5-3 loss in Paris, sandwiched between painful losses to Arsenal and Fulham, had increased scrutiny on manager the Danish coach. But, recent domestic outings – four points available – have offered some stability.
This evening, they welcome Czech opponents yet to win in this year's tournament. These are exactly the type of match that simply must be won if they are to climb towards the knockout places, especially with forthcoming challenges versus Borussia Dortmund and Frankfurt still to come.
Elsewhere Across Europe
The action is not limited to those two matches. One notable game, Barcelona will aim to respond from their defeat when they host the German side. At the same time, free-scoring PSV Eindhoven will provide a stern test to the defence of Diego Simeone's team. Finally, Monaco hosts the Turkish champions in an encounter that has all the makings to be a goal-fest. All matches begin this evening.
A crucial night in the group stage awaits, with teams striving for their path into the latter stages.
