Atlanta head to Spain to secure quarter-final place in Champions League

Atalanta travel to Spain to tomorrow night looking to back up their 4-1 victory over Valencia in the second leg.

The Serie A club take a massive advantage into the game, thanks to a dominant display in Italy.

Goals from Hans Hateboer, Remo Freuler, Josip Ilicic put the Italians in full control of their last 16 tie. The game will take place behind closed doors due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus around the world.

As a result, Valencia will not be able to build what would have likely to be a red-hot atmosphere as they look to turn the tie around.

Only on three separate occasions have a team managed to turnaround a three goal deficit from the first leg.

The ties are spread out across the next couple of midweeks, meaning that the winner of this tie, wouldn’t know their opponent for at least a couple of weeks.

Team News

The hosts will be without key striker Maxi Gomez due to a broken foot, while defender Eliaquim Mangala is working his way back with a thigh injury.

Ezequiel Garay is out for the remainder of the season with a knee injury, Manu Vallejo and Cristiano Piccini have both recently returned to first team training with respective foot and knee injuries.

As for the visitors, Duvan Zapata is in line for a start after being on the bench for the first leg, whilst Rafeal Toloi is facing a race against time to be fit due to a muscular injury.

As a result, there aren’t expected to many changes for the away side from the first leg victory.

Head-to-Head

Valencia wins – 0

Draws – 0

Atalanta wins – 2