Chelsea Nightmare Incoming? Atalanta Ready To Punish Premier League Giants
Match Background
Atalanta and Chelsea enter this round inside the top ten of the Champions League standings, and both know that a win would seriously improve their chances of reaching the top eight. With neither team in perfect form, this match could become a tense tactical battle.
Form Guide and Recent News
Atalanta suffered a major setback last weekend when they lost 3–1 to Hellas Verona. It was a sudden reality check after three straight wins without conceding a goal. That run began with a 3–0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the last round of the Champions League. Atalanta are now unbeaten in four Champions League matches, with three clean sheets in a row. However, they often struggle at home, winning only two of their last seven home games in all competitions. If they want to continue their Champions League momentum, they must stay solid in defense again.
Chelsea missed a chance to strengthen their position in the Premier League top four after a 0–0 draw against Bournemouth. The Blues are now winless in three matches in all competitions. This match marks their 100th away game in Champions League history, but recent form on the road is a concern. Chelsea have failed to win any of their last four away Champions League matches. The last time they went five away games without a win in this competition was back in 2012. Even so, Chelsea can take confidence from winning 13 of their last 15 group or league-phase games in European competitions.
Head-to-Head History
This will be the first ever competitive meeting between Atalanta and Chelsea. Atalanta have won just one of their last seven Champions League matches against English teams. Chelsea have won their last three matches against Italian clubs without conceding a single goal.
Key Stats and Trends
- All six of Atalanta’s goals in this Champions League league phase have been scored after halftime.
- Only two of Atalanta’s last eight matches in this competition saw both teams score.
- No goals have been scored after the 75th minute in any of Chelsea’s five league-phase matches this season.
- Chelsea kept just one clean sheet in their last ten Champions League away games.
Players to Watch and Team News
Gianluca Scamacca scored against Verona and has now scored five of Atalanta’s last six club goals after halftime. Cole Palmer prefers fast starts, with seven of his last nine goals arriving in the first 30 minutes. Kamaldeen Sulemana missed the weekend match for Atalanta. Chelsea will be without Liam Delap, who injured his shoulder and is expected to miss significant time.
