The MHP Arena in Stuttgart is set to host an enthralling Champions League encounter on Wednesday as Stuttgart welcome Serie A high-flyers Atalanta. Both teams, known for their attacking flair, find themselves in the playoff places after three matchdays, separated by just a single point.
Stuttgart’s return to Europe’s elite competition after a 15-year absence has been nothing short of remarkable. Die Schwaben have already made their mark, narrowly losing to Real Madrid before securing a famous victory against Juventus in Turin. Their last outing saw them snatch an improbable win with a dramatic stoppage-time strike from Atalanta loanee El Bilal Toure, moving them to four points in the group.
The German side’s domestic form has been somewhat inconsistent, but they remain a formidable force at home. Stuttgart’s last defeat at the MHPArena dates back to October 2023, marking their longest unbeaten run on home turf in 17 years.
Atalanta, fresh off their Europa League triumph last season, have stepped up to the Champions League with confidence. Gian Piero Gasperini’s men have collected five points from their opening three fixtures, including goalless draws against Arsenal and Celtic, and a convincing 3-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk.
The Bergamaschi boast the best attack in Serie A this season, averaging 2.64 goals per game. Their recent form has been impressive, with five consecutive league wins propelling them to third place in the Italian top flight. However, their Champions League record shows room for improvement, having won only two of their last 11 matches in the competition.
For Stuttgart, the focus will be on the dynamic duo of Deniz Undav and El Bilal Toure. The latter, on loan from Atalanta, will be particularly motivated against his parent club. Enzo Millot and Jamie Leweling provide additional attacking options for coach Sebastian Hoeness.
Atalanta’s danger man is undoubtedly Mateo Retegui. The Italian international has been in scintillating form, leading the Serie A scoring charts. Supported by the likes of Ademola Lookman and Charles De Ketelaere, Retegui poses a significant threat to Stuttgart’s defence.
Team News
Stuttgart will be without several players due to injuries, including Jeff Chabot, Yannik Keitel, Luca Raimund, and Dan-Axel Zagadou. However, Swiss center-back Leonidas Stergiou has returned to training, boosting their defensive options.
Atalanta continue to miss long-term absentees Gianluca Scamacca and Giorgio Scalvini. Marco Brescianini has recently returned from injury and could feature.
Expected Starting XIs
Stuttgart: Nubel; Vagnoman, Rouault, Chabot, Mittelstadt; Millot, Karazor, Stiller, Leweling; Undav, Toure
Atalanta: Carnesecchi; Djimsiti, Hien, Kolasinac; Bellanova, Ederson, De Roon, Ruggeri; De Ketelaere, Lookman; Retegui
Match Prediction
This clash promises to be a closely contested affair between two attack-minded sides. Stuttgart’s impressive home record will be put to the test against Atalanta’s potent offense. While the Italians are in excellent form, Stuttgart have shown they can compete with Europe’s best.
Expect an entertaining match with both teams finding the net. A 1-1 draw seems a likely outcome, as Stuttgart’s home advantage could neutralize Atalanta’s recent winning streak. However, with the attacking talent on display, a high-scoring encounter wouldn’t be surprising.
Prediction: Stuttgart 1-1 Atalanta
