The Champions League "League Phase" reaches a boiling point today, Wednesday, January 21, 2026, as Atalanta welcomes Athletic Club to the Gewiss Stadium. Kick-off is at 20:00 GMT (15:00 ET).
While Atalanta enters this fixture with their knockout stage destiny largely in their own hands, the visitors from Bilbao arrive in Bergamo facing a "do-or-die" scenario. Currently sitting in 28th place, Athletic Club must secure a result tonight to keep their hopes of reaching the play-off round alive.
Match Information
| Feature | Details |
| Competition | UEFA Champions League (Matchday 7) |
| Date | Wednesday, January 21, 2026 |
| Kick-off | 20:00 GMT / 15:00 ET / 21:00 local |
| Venue | Gewiss Stadium, Bergamo, Italy |
| Referee | Danny Makkelie (Netherlands) |
| TV Channel | Paramount+ (US) / TNT Sports 3 (UK) / DAZN (Spain) |
Atalanta: Consolidation in Bergamo
Under Raffaele Palladino—who took over the reins in late 2025—Atalanta has evolved into a disciplined, controlling unit. Currently sitting 5th in the Champions League table with 13 points, La Dea has already mathematically secured a spot in the knockout phase play-offs. A win tonight, however, would put them on the verge of the top eight, granting them direct entry to the Round of 16.
Team News and Selection:
AFCON Returnee: Ademola Lookman is back from Africa Cup of Nations duty and could feature from the bench, though he may not be fit enough to start.
Absences: Berat Djimsiti and Raoul Bellanova are confirmed out.
Key Player: Charles De Ketelaere has been the creative heartbeat of the team, netting two goals in the last three UCL outings.
Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi; Kossounou, Hien, Kolašinac; Zappacosta, De Roon, Éderson, Bernasconi; De Ketelaere, Pašalić; Scamacca.
Athletic Club: An Injury-Plagued "Must-Win"
Ernesto Valverde’s side is reeling from an unprecedented injury crisis. The most devastating blow came on Monday when the club confirmed that captain Iñaki Williams suffered a muscle injury that will sideline him for up to a month. Combined with defensive suspensions and a poor run of away form (L8 on the road this season), the "Lions" face a steep mountain to climb in Italy.
Team News and Selection:
Major Absences: Iñaki Williams, Yuri Berchiche (hamstring), Aymeric Laporte (thigh), and Alex Berenguer (toe) are all unavailable. Yeray Álvarez is also suspended.
Hope for Nico: Younger brother Nico Williams remains the primary threat and will be tasked with carrying the offensive burden.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Simón; Areso, Vivian, Paredes, Boiro; Jauregizar, Ruiz de Galarreta; Nico Williams, Sancet, Unai Gómez; Guruzeta.
? Champions League Standings (Selection)
| Pos | Team | Pld | GD | Pts |
| 4 | Manchester City | 6 | +6 | 13 |
| 5 | Atalanta | 6 | +2 | 13 |
| 6 | Inter Milan | 6 | +8 | 12 |
| ... | ... | ... | ... | ... |
| 24 | Copenhagen | 6 | -6 | 7 |
| 28 | Athletic Club | 6 | -5 | 5 |
Tactical Analysis and Prediction
Atalanta’s recent defensive solidity—conceding just twice in their last five UCL matches—makes them a nightmare opponent for a depleted Athletic side. The Basques have struggled to convert "big chances" this season (15% conversion rate) and have failed to score in four of their six Champions League fixtures.
Expect Atalanta to dominate possession and look for Gianluca Scamacca’s physicality to overwhelm a makeshift Athletic center-back pairing. Without the elder Williams to stretch the play, Athletic may find themselves trapped in their own half for long periods.
Final Score Prediction: Atalanta 2–0 Athletic Club
