🔗 Share this article

All eyes shifts towards an important evening in the Champions League. A pair of compelling encounters headline the lineup, as teams competing for vital standings as the group phase continues.

The Chelsea Conundrum

What version of the London club will show up in Bergamo? Their last Champions League performance served as a declaration, an emphatic 3-0 victory against the Catalan giants that stood as a high point in Enzo Maresca's tenure. Yet, results has proven unpredictable since then. A credible tie with Arsenal was followed by a defeat at Leeds, and a dour stalemate on the south coast means they arrive with momentum sapped.

They face a tricky Atalanta who are level on points with them. La Dea suffered a heavy loss in their first game in Paris but have gone undefeated in Europe since, defying their modest domestic form.

A Must-Win for Tottenham

Much like their London counterparts, Ange Postecoglou's side can be famously inconsistent. A 5-3 defeat away to PSG, sandwiched between disappointing defeats in the Premier League, piled pressure on manager Thomas Frank. However, the last two domestic outings – a win and a draw available – have provided a measure of calm.

This evening, they welcome Czech opponents yet to win in the competition. This is exactly the type of match that simply must secure three points from for any hopes of climbing into the top eight, particularly given forthcoming games against Borussia Dortmund and Frankfurt on the horizon.

Elsewhere Across Europe

The action is not limited to England and Italy. One notable game, Barcelona will look to bounce back after their loss as they welcome the German side. At the same time, high-flying PSV Eindhoven will provide a stern test to the defence of Diego Simeone's team. Finally, AS Monaco entertains Galatasaray in an encounter which promises of a potential goal-fest. Every game kick off this evening.

A crucial evening in the group stage is upon us, as clubs striving to secure a route into the latter stages.