0 Shakhtar Donetsk vs 3 Atalanta
Atalanta in search of maiden UCL win in trip to Donetsk.
The UEFA Champions League clash between FC Shakhtar Donetsk and Atalanta at Veltins-Arena promises an exhilarating encounter as both sides look to break their stalemate streaks and secure their first win of the campaign.
Shakhtar Donetsk
Ukrainian Premier League champions Shakhtar will face Atalanta on Wednesday when both sides appear at the Veltins-Arena for UCL Match Day 2. The Miners earned a point on the opening day of the competition after a goalless draw with UCL debutants Bologna.
Back in the league, Shakhtar picked up a 1-1 draw against Veres Rivne. Marino Pušić was convinced his side ‘deserved to win the match’ in a post-match interview, commenting on clear-cut chances that were not converted.
‘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,’ he added. The draw left Shakhtar alternating between a win and a draw in their last four games across all competitions [LWDWD].
The home side is now looking to pick up their maiden win in the revamped edition of the UEFA Champions League. Shakhtar Donetsk and Atalanta faced each other in the competition in one previous campaign [2019-20], with both sides winning away from home in their two group stage meetings.
However, since beating Atalanta in October 2019 [2-1], Shakhtar are on an eight-game winless run in European competition [0W, 3D, 5L]. A 4—2—3—1 formation with Lassina Traoré in attack may be seen against the Italian outfit. Pušić could be without Danylo Sikan for this midweek encounter.
Atalanta
Just like Wednesday’s opponents, Atalanta also earned a point on UCL Match Day 1 after holding Arsenal to a goalless draw on home turf. The Goddess had more of the ball but failed to make anything of it despite taking 8 shots with 2 on target.
La Dea will be keen to pick up more than a point on Match Day 2 when they face Shakhtar Donetsk. However, a recent dip in form on the road is causing concern.
Atalanta won five consecutive away games in the UEFA Champions League between December 2019 and December 2020 but have now failed to win any of their last four on the road in the competition. Gasperini will have to contend with this less-than-promising record when he deploys the 3-4-2-1 against the Ukrainian champions.
Mateo Retegui is expected in attack, while Ademola Lookman and Charles De Ketelaere could team up right behind the Italian.
Team form
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Team Comparison
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