Atalanta vs. Athletic Bilbao: Preview, Predictions, Team News & Lineups
Atalanta BC is set to face Athletic Bilbao at Stadio di Bergamo in a crucial UEFA Champions League match. This game represents Atalanta’s opportunity to break a seven-match winless streak against Spanish teams in European competitions. Currently, Atalanta sits in a favorable position in the league phase, having accumulated 13 points from their first five fixtures after an initial defeat against Paris Saint-Germain. Conversely, Athletic Bilbao’s performance has deteriorated, as they have only secured one victory out of six matches in the tournament.
Match Preview: Atalanta vs. Athletic Bilbao
Atalanta is looking to build on their recent performances despite a disappointing league outing against Pisa. They drew with Pisa, slowing their momentum in Serie A, falling five points behind sixth-placed Como. However, they have maintained a solid record in the Champions League, standing fifth in their group while being closely pursued by Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund, and Tottenham Hotspur.
A significant trend for Atalanta has been their scoring; all eight of their goals in the league phase have come after halftime. This pattern illustrates their capability for strong finishes, which could prove advantageous against an Athletic Bilbao side struggling defensively.
Athletic Bilbao’s Recent Struggles
Led by Ernesto Valverde, Athletic Bilbao has faced significant defensive challenges. They suffered heavy defeats, allowing three or more goals in their last three matches. The team lost 5-0 to Barcelona and conceded three goals despite a narrow win in the Copa del Rey. Currently, Athletic Bilbao stands 28th in the Champions League group with just five points, unable to qualify for the top eight but still eligible for playoff spots.
Bilbao’s recent performances in away matches have raised concerns. They have failed to win in their last eight games and have struggled to find the net consistently, with their defense yielding six goals in three away fixtures.
Team News and Lineups
| Atalanta BC | Athletic Bilbao |
|---|---|
| Berat Djimsiti (hip injury) | Aymeric Laporte (thigh injury) |
| Raoul Bellanova (hamstring injury) | Benat Prados (injured) |
| Possible return for Ademola Lookman | Mikel Vesga and Nico Serrano (injured) |
Atalanta is likely to field a lineup with Carnesecchi, Kossounou, and De Ketelaere aiming to continue their scoring streak. Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao’s Gorka Guruzeta will serve as their main attacking threat, despite his recent scoring drought.
Predictions for the Match
Given the contrasting form of both teams, Atalanta enters the match as the favorite. Athletic Bilbao’s defensive vulnerabilities present an opportunity for Atalanta to capitalize. The match is expected to conclude with a scoreline favoring Atalanta, potentially 2-0.
As Atalanta looks to solidify their Champions League position, this game is critical for both teams, with the home side aiming to continue their unbeaten streak and Athletic Bilbao seeking to recover from their poor recent performances.
