Shakhtar Vs Atalanta

Shakhtar Donetsk and Atalanta BC are both in search of their first group-stage victory of the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League campaign as they prepare to meet in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, this Wednesday. Both teams began their Champions League journey with frustrating goalless draws and will be eager to secure all three points in their second fixture. Shakhtar faced Bologna away in their opener, while Atalanta came agonizingly close to a win against Arsenal, only to be held to a 0-0 draw at home.

Match Preview

Shakhtar Donetsk, under the guidance of head coach Marino Pusic, are making their eighth consecutive appearance in the UEFA Champions League group stage. Their first game of this season’s campaign saw them grind out a goalless draw against Bologna, continuing a trend of mixed results in Europe's elite competition. Over the last 37 matches they’ve played in the Champions League, Shakhtar have only managed eight wins, a statistic that reflects their recent struggles on the continental stage.

Last season, Shakhtar were agonizingly close to reaching the knockout rounds, but a final-day defeat saw them crash out in the group stage for the sixth season in a row. This year, their primary objective is to at least qualify for the knockout rounds and end their string of disappointments. Since being appointed in October 2023, Marino Pusic has helped guide Shakhtar to domestic success, winning their 15th Ukrainian Premier League title and securing a ninth domestic double by also winning the Ukrainian Cup. Despite this success, Shakhtar have been unable to find consistent form so far this season and are still looking for their first back-to-back wins.

As they prepare for their Champions League encounter against Atalanta, Shakhtar will once again play their ‘home’ fixture outside of Ukraine due to the ongoing war in their country, this time at the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen. In their domestic league, Shakhtar’s latest outing saw them concede a late goal in a 1-1 draw against Veres Rivne, a result that has put further pressure on Pusic and his squad. Before that draw, they had won back-to-back league matches in convincing fashion, beating Karpaty Lviv 5-2 and Obolon Kyiv 4-0. Despite these victories, Shakhtar currently sit fourth in the Ukrainian Premier League, six points behind arch-rivals Dynamo Kyiv.

Their form in European competitions has also left much to be desired. Shakhtar have struggled to make their mark in continental fixtures, having won just eight of their last 27 home games in Europe. This is partly due to their prolonged absence from Donetsk, which has forced them to play their home games in various other locations, including Poland and now Germany. Their record against Italian opposition is also discouraging, as they have not won any of their last nine meetings with clubs from Serie A. The last time Shakhtar tasted victory against an Italian side was a 2-1 win over Atalanta in the 2019 Champions League group stage. That victory was particularly significant as it spoiled Atalanta’s first-ever home game in the competition.

However, Atalanta would ultimately get their revenge later that season, beating Shakhtar 3-0 in the reverse fixture in Ukraine and securing their place in the knockout stages at the expense of the Ukrainian side.

Atalanta’s Struggles and Recent Form

Atalanta BC, under long-serving coach Gian Piero Gasperini, have been a familiar presence in European competitions in recent years, particularly since 2019. Last season, Gasperini’s side triumphed in the UEFA Europa League, a crowning achievement for the club, and they are now back in the Champions League for the fourth time in five seasons. Known for their attacking style and tactical flexibility, Atalanta have become a force in both Serie A and European competitions under Gasperini’s leadership.

However, their Champions League campaign didn’t get off to the ideal start this year, as they were held to a goalless draw at home by Arsenal. Despite dominating large spells of the game, Atalanta were unable to convert their chances. Their frustration was compounded when Mateo Retegui missed a penalty in the second half. Retegui’s follow-up header was miraculously saved by Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, ensuring the match ended in a stalemate. Despite the draw, Atalanta’s performance against Arsenal could be seen as respectable, but the result means they have now won just one of their last nine matches in the Champions League proper.

Domestically, Atalanta have endured a turbulent start to the season. They have already suffered defeats to Torino, Inter Milan, and even Serie B side Como, raising concerns about their ability to balance their domestic and European commitments. Atalanta’s defensive frailties have been exposed in the early weeks of the season, with the team conceding 12 goals in their first six league matches. Their inconsistencies were further highlighted over the weekend, when a late goal from substitute Lazar Samardzic salvaged a 1-1 draw against 10-man Bologna. The result left Atalanta languishing in 11th place in the Serie A standings, well below their usual top-four expectations.

Gasperini’s side has seen a number of changes over the summer, with several new recruits being added to the squad. However, the integration of these new players has been slow, and Atalanta have struggled to find a cohesive rhythm on the pitch. The defensive issues that have plagued them so far this season were also evident in their 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup, where they were outclassed by the reigning European champions. Gasperini will be hoping his team can rediscover their form quickly as they aim to secure their first win of the Champions League campaign in Gelsenkirchen.

Tactical Battle

The upcoming clash between Shakhtar Donetsk and Atalanta BC presents an intriguing tactical battle between two sides that, despite their current struggles, possess the potential to deliver an entertaining encounter. Both teams will be eager to get their first win of the group stage, and the outcome of this match could be crucial in determining their chances of advancing to the knockout rounds.

Shakhtar Donetsk, under Marino Pusic, are known for their disciplined and structured approach, especially in European competitions. They tend to rely on a solid defensive base and look to hit their opponents on the counter-attack. With players like Mykhailo Mudryk and Heorhiy Sudakov, Shakhtar have the pace and creativity to exploit spaces behind Atalanta’s defense. However, their biggest challenge will be containing Atalanta’s high-intensity attacking play. Shakhtar’s defense, which has been suspect in recent matches, will need to be at its best to keep out Atalanta’s dangerous forwards.

Atalanta, on the other hand, are known for their fluid and attacking brand of football. Gasperini’s team is built around a dynamic midfield and forward line that thrives on quick transitions and overloads in the final third. However, Atalanta’s defensive vulnerabilities have been their Achilles' heel this season. They will need to tighten up at the back if they are to come away with a positive result against Shakhtar. The battle in midfield will be key, with Atalanta looking to dominate possession and control the tempo of the game.

Both teams have the firepower to cause problems for their opponents, but it may come down to which side can be more clinical in front of goal. Shakhtar will hope to capitalize on Atalanta’s defensive lapses, while Atalanta will look to overwhelm Shakhtar with their relentless attacking pressure.

Key Players to Watch

For Shakhtar, much of their attacking play will likely go through Heorhiy Sudakov, who has been a key creative force for the Ukrainian champions. His ability to unlock defenses with his vision and passing could be crucial to Shakhtar’s chances of breaking down Atalanta’s defense. In addition, Mykhailo Mudryk’s pace and directness on the wings will be a constant threat, especially on the counter-attack.

Atalanta’s hopes will largely rest on the shoulders of players like Mateo Retegui, who, despite his missed penalty against Arsenal, remains a potent attacking threat. His ability to find space in the box and convert chances will be vital for Atalanta, especially given their struggles to score in recent matches. Lazar Samardzic, who rescued a point for Atalanta against Bologna, could also play a key role in midfield, providing creativity and energy.

Conclusion

As Shakhtar Donetsk and Atalanta BC prepare to face off in Gelsenkirchen, both teams will be desperate to secure their first win of the Champions League group stage. While neither side has found their best form in the early part of the season, this match presents an opportunity for one of them to kick-start their campaign and boost their chances of advancing to the knockout rounds. With both teams possessing attacking talent but also vulnerable defenses, this promises to be an exciting and unpredictable encounter