Two teams are looking to make history when they face off against each other for the first time in the Champions League. Villarreal will be playing host to Atalanta this Tuesday at the Estadio de la Ceramica, with a kickoff at 10 pm.
The Yellow Submarines are yet to get any actions since their 2-2 draw to Atletico Madrid at the end of August. On the other hand, Atalanta head into the clash with a 2-1 loss to Fiorentina in Serie A.
Unai Emery made a grand entrance into the Champions League after winning the Europa League Cup against Manchester United. The Yellow Submarines took the Red Devils to the edge until the last-minute penalty miss by De Gea gave them the trophy.
This is despite the side finishing seventh in the La Liga. In addition, the side competes in the Champions League group stages for the fourth time. Unai Emery faces a tough challenge with clashes with Young Boys and Manchester United lined up.
On the other hand, Atalanta had a mixed start to their domestic season with their recent 2-1 loss to Fiorentina. The side picked up four points in their opening three matches to sit tenth in the table.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s men are making it a habit to appear in successive Champions League group stages. Their fate against Spanish oppositions at this stage leaves a sour taste in their mouth.
Villarreal vs Atalanta Head to Head
Both sides are yet to face off against each other at any competition. This marks their first encounter. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Villarreal 2-3 Sporting Braga
- Atletico Madrid 2-2 Villarreal
- Espanyol 0-0 Villarreal
- Villarreal 0-0 Granada
- Chelsea 1-1 Villarreal
Away
- Atalanta 1-2 Fiorentina
- Atalanta 0-0 Bologna
- Torino 1-2 Atalanta
- Juventus 3-1 Atalanta
- Atalanta 7-1 Alessandria
Villarreal Team News
Winger Samuel Chukwueze remains unavailable for the side after nursing a hamstring injury. In addition, there remain fitness doubts over the availability of top goalscorer Gerard Moreno. A forward attacking option is Abdoulaye Bia.
Atalanta Team News
Injury absentees at the camp include Luis Muriel and Hans Hateboer. Despite picking a red card, Marten de Roon is available for selection this week. Midfield positions open to Gasperini include Mario Pasalic and Remo Freuler.
Prediction and Odds
It is a tight much which we envisage a low scoring affair due to the unfamiliarity from both sides
- Draw
- Goals Under 2.5
- Double Chance