As the Champions League group stage reaches its pivotal midpoint, Serie A leaders Atalanta BC travel to Switzerland to face BSC Young Boys in a match that could have significant implications for both teams’ European campaigns. The clash at Stadion Wankdorf on Tuesday evening pits the high-flying Italians against a Swiss side desperately seeking their first points in this season’s competition.
Atalanta, fresh off their Europa League triumph last season, have seamlessly transitioned back to Champions League football. Under the astute guidance of Gian Piero Gasperini, La Dea remain unbeaten in Europe this term, boasting an impressive defensive record with four clean sheets in as many matches. Their recent 2-0 victory over Stuttgart, courtesy of goals from Ademola Lookman and Nicolo Zaniolo, exemplified their growing continental prowess.
Despite their undefeated status, Atalanta find themselves just outside the automatic qualification spots, sitting ninth in the expanded 36-team format. However, they are merely a point behind several European heavyweights, including Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund. The Bergamo outfit’s domestic form has been equally impressive, with a six-game winning streak propelling them to the summit of Serie A.
In stark contrast, Young Boys have endured a torrid Champions League campaign thus far. The Swiss champions are one of only five teams yet to register a point, having suffered heavy defeats to Aston Villa and Barcelona before narrow losses to Inter Milan and Shakhtar Donetsk. The dismissal of Patrick Rahmen has done little to reverse their fortunes, with caretaker manager Joel Magnin still seeking his first European success.
The hosts’ struggles extend beyond the continental stage, with just three victories in their last eleven matches across all competitions. However, recent improvements in the Swiss Super League, including four points from their last two games, offer a glimmer of hope for the Bern-based side.
Team News
Atalanta will be without key midfielder Ederson due to suspension, likely paving the way for the talented Lazar Samardzic to showcase his skills. The visitors are also grappling with defensive absences, as Ben Godfrey, Sead Kolasinac, Berat Djimsiti, and Davide Zappacosta are all sidelined through injury.
Young Boys face their own selection headaches, particularly in defense, with six players unavailable. This defensive crisis may force Magnin to deploy winger Filip Ugrinic in a deeper midfield role. Former Atalanta youth product Ebrima Colley could feature against his old club, adding an intriguing subplot to the encounter.
Expected Starting XIs
Young Boys : Keller; Athekame, Lauper, Camara, Blum; Males, Lakomy, Ugrinic, Colley; Imeri; Ganvoula
Atalanta: Carnesecchi; Toloi, Hien, Kossounou; Bellanova, Samardzic, De Roon, Ruggeri; De Ketelaere; Lookman, Retegui
Match Prediction
As Atalanta look to maintain their impressive form and push for automatic qualification, Young Boys will be desperate to kickstart their European campaign. With Gasperini’s men in imperious attacking form and Young Boys struggling to find the net, a comfortable away victory seems the most likely outcome in this crucial Champions League clash.
Prediction: Young Boys 0-2 Atalanta
