Atalanta in search of maiden UCL win in trip to Donetsk.
Shakhtar Donetsk vs
Atalanta
As FC Shakhtar Donetsk seeks to break their European winless streak, Atalanta arrives at the Veltins-Arena eager to ignite their Champions League campaign, in what promises to be a captivating contest influenced by past encounters and current form struggles.
Shakhtar Donetsk
Ukrainian Premier League champions Shakhtar will face Atalanta on Wednesday for UCL Match Day 2 at the Veltins-Arena. The Miners earned a point on the opening day of the competition with a goalless draw against UCL debutants Bologna.
In their domestic league, Shakhtar managed a 1-1 draw against Veres Rivne. Coach Marino Pušić expressed disappointment, believing his team ‘deserved to win the match’ as they didn't capitalize on clear-cut chances.
He remarked, ‘However, it happened as it happened. As for the first half, we created one or two good, quality chances, but before the break we lacked, perhaps, execution in the closing stages.’ Shakhtar have alternated between a win and a draw in their last four games across all competitions.
Their aim is to secure their first victory in the revamped UEFA Champions League. Shakhtar and Atalanta last met in the 2019-20 campaign, with both securing away wins in their group stage encounters.
However, since their victory over Atalanta in October 2019, Shakhtar have been unable to clinch a European win, enduring an eight-game winless streak. A 4—2—3—1 formation, led by Lassina Traoré, might be utilized against the Italian team.
Pušić might have to plan without Danylo Sikan for this midweek clash.
Atalanta
Just like their Wednesday opponents, Atalanta earned a point on UCL Match Day 1 after holding Arsenal to a goalless draw on home turf. The Goddess had more possession at 54% but struggled to capitalize on it, taking 8 shots with only 2 on target.
La Dea will be eager to secure more than a point on Match Day 2 when they face Shakhtar Donetsk. However, their recent dip in away form could be a cause for concern, as they have not won in their last four UEFA Champions League road games, recording two draws and two losses.
Gasperini will have to address this challenging record as he prepares the team in a 3-4-2-1 formation against the Ukrainian champions. Mateo Retegui is expected to lead the attack, with Ademola Lookman and Charles De Ketelaere supporting him just behind.
