UCL: Atalanta vs Arsenal
The Champions League is back, and with it comes a new format that adds extra excitement to this season. Arsenal, returning to the competition after a strong domestic campaign, start their journey away to Europa League winners Atalanta. Although the Gunners are slight favourites, they face a tricky test in Italy.
The 2024/25 season of Europe’s premier club competition introduces a new Swiss-style format, replacing the traditional group stage.
Instead of eight groups of four, all 36 teams are placed in a single league, each playing eight matches against different opponents. This structure brings increased unpredictability, as teams no longer face the same three sides twice, but a diverse range of clubs. The top 24 teams progress, with more opportunity for surprise outcomes and opportunities for upsets on recommended sports betting sites for customers in the group stages.
This season’s Champions League format sees Arsenal facing tougher competition, with the group stages offering more unpredictable outcomes. With trips to both Bergamo and Milan, the Gunners will need to navigate a difficult group that features Serie A champions Inter Milan as well.
Atalanta, last season's Europa League champions, ended Bayer Leverkusen’s unbeaten streak to claim the trophy, with a hat-trick from Ademola Lookman decisive in Dublin.
Gian Piero Gasperini's men won't be an easy task for Arsenal, but the Gunners have matured over the past three seasons and will look to kick off their European campaign in style.
In this article, we take a detailed look at Arsenal's trip to Atalanta and what to expect.
Arsenal must show experience
Arsenal’s return to the Champions League last season marked their first appearance since 2017, a period of absence that ended in disappointment as Bayern Munich comfortably dispatched them in the knockout rounds.
The Gunners’ return to the Champions League last season ended in disappointment, as the Bavarian once again sent them home in the knockout rounds. Arteta’s side, however, has grown in experience this summer, with key signings such as Ricardo Calafiori, Mikel Merino, and Raheem Sterling adding much-needed experience. This season, Arsenal must demonstrate their growth and prove they’ve learned from past failures.
Don’t take Atalanta lightly
Atalanta has become a consistent force in European competition, claiming the Europa League last season by overcoming Sporting Lisbon, Liverpool, and Bayer Leverkusen. Under the astute management of Gasperini, who has outwitted coaches like Ruben Amorim, Jürgen Klopp, and Xabi Alonso.
Arsenal cannot afford to underestimate this Italian side, which has already proven its capability to turn up for big games, despite narrowly losing to Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup – their good performance overshadowed by Kylian Mbappe’s arrival in Madrid.
Will Atalanta cope without Koopmeiners?
Atalanta’s midfield will feel the absence of Teun Koopmeiners, who left for Juventus in the summer for €57 million. Koopmeiners’ versatility and relentless engine were central to Atalanta’s success last season, and his departure has been noticeable in their slow Serie A start, with just one win domestically at the time of writing. Without him, Atalanta will need to find a new rhythm to compete with Arsenal’s midfield.
The Gunners need to be strong away from home
With the new Champions League format, Arsenal will need to be solid on the road if they want to progress. Their away form will be crucial, and in Bergamo, William Saliba’s leadership at the back will be key, while Declan Rice will need to step up in the absence of Martin Ødegaard.
Norway’s team doctor suggested on Wednesday that Odegaard faces “three weeks” out, but Arteta is waiting for further scans.
“We need some more tests,” Arteta told reporters. “Let’s see what happens in the next day or so.
“Let’s see the extent of the injury and how quickly we can get him back. He’s super positive about everything. Martin wants to be here every day, but we have to wait and see.”
Asked if he was hopeful over the prognosis, Arteta said: “I leave that to the doctor. “[Odegaard]’s willing and he wants to be present in every game, especially a big game like this one. We need to make sure we know first how good he can be or not.
“Players with 48 hours are always available. Let’s see what happens.”
Rice’s impact will be vital, especially after missing the north London Derby due to suspension.
--
Italy provides a tough setting for Arsenal to begin their campaign, but with lessons learned from last season’s exit, they should come away with all three points. If they score early, it could be a comfortable night against an out-of-form Atalanta. Full-time prediction: Atalanta 0-2 Arsenal.
