Atalanta vs Valencia & Tottenham vs RB Leipzig - Champions League Preview
The Champions League is finally back after what always feels like an eternity without it and there are some interesting fixtures ahead.
Here’s a little look into tonights Champions League Round of 16 fixtures and verdict for which teams are most likely to progress to the quarter-finals:
Atalanta vs Valencia
This is an intriguing tie between two of the competition’s outsiders and it’s another difficult one to call.
Atalanta turned their dreadful group-stage into a brilliant one, as they won two and drew one of their final three games to progress. Whilst Valencia impressively topped a group with Chelsea and last seasons semi-finalists Ajax in it.
Despite Valencia faring better in the groups, Atalanta have had a better domestic season as they are 4th in Serie A, whilst Valencia are 7th and struggling.
Atalanta also come into it in a good run of form which has included a 7-0 demolishing of Torino away from home.
Valencia’s form is considerably worse and with that in mind, I think Gasperini’s Atalanta’s greater momentum will see them progress.
Atalanta to progress
talanta lead by some way for goals scored in Serie A - with a whopping 63 goals scored in just 24 games!
Tottenham vs RB Leipzig:
Last year’s Champions league finalists Spurs face a young RB Leipzig side who are playing in the knock-out stages of the competition for the first time.
It’s a fascinating encounter between an experienced Jose Mourinho who is a Champions League master and a young, inexperienced manager in Julian Nagelsmann.
The tie may well not fit the narrative however, Spurs under Jose haven’t been like Mourinho sides in the past. They have leaked a considerable amount of goals since Jose was appointed in November last year.
Instead, they have been successful at out scoring the opposition with creative, fast paced attacking football.
It’s a similar style to Nagelsmann’s Leipzig who are having a great season, as they sit just a point behind league leaders Bayern in the Bundesliga.
Therefore, this game should be an entertaining one, but I just think Mourinho’s experience in being in this situation countless times before will be the decisive difference in a captivating match up.
Tottenham to progress
Spurs have struggled for consistency under Mourinho and will also be without key figure Son, due to an arm injury sustained in their last game against Aston Villa.
Article by: Harry Dunnett
Edited by: Samuel Slaney
Thumbnail by: Samuel Slaney
Images from: Getty Images & Footy Renders