Bergamo's Team Takes On The Blues, Spurs Welcomes Slavia Prague – A Night of Champions League Football
All eyes turns to a crucial night of European football. Two fascinating fixtures headline the schedule, with sides battling for important standings in the group stage.
The Chelsea Conundrum
Which iteration of Chelsea will appear on Italian soil? Their previous Champions League outing was a statement, a comprehensive three-goal win over Barcelona which was a peak in Enzo Maresca's tenure. Yet, form has been elusive afterwards. A solid draw against their London rivals came before a defeat at Leeds, followed by a lackluster stalemate at Bournemouth means they arrive with confidence sapped.
Awaiting them is a dangerous Atalanta that sits level on points alongside them. La Dea endured a heavy opening defeat in Paris yet have remained unbeaten on the continent ever since, contrasting their mid-table domestic form.
A Must-Win for Tottenham
Similar to their rivals, Ange Postecoglou's side have been famously unreliable. A heavy loss away to PSG, coming between disappointing losses to Arsenal and Fulham, had increased scrutiny on manager the Danish coach. However, the last two domestic outings – four points from six – have offered a measure of calm.
Tonight, they welcome Czech opponents still searching for their first victory in this year's tournament. This is exactly the type of fixture which Spurs need to be won for any hopes to climb into the top eight, particularly given forthcoming games versus Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt still to come.
Elsewhere Across Europe
The action extends beyond those two matches. In a key encounter, Barcelona will look to respond from their defeat as they welcome the German side. At the same time, high-flying PSV Eindhoven will provide a major challenge to the defence of Diego Simeone's team. Rounding out the night, Monaco entertains the Turkish champions in an encounter which promises of a potential goal-fest. Every game begin this evening.
A pivotal night for the tournament standings is upon us, with teams fighting for their path towards the knockout rounds.
