The Champions League returns and the first two Italian teams involved on the fifth day of the League Phase are Napoli and Juventus, both called upon not to fail against Qarabag (in Maradona) and Bodo/Glimt (in Norway). Conte and Spalletti are respectively with 4 and 3 points and must win to stay in the race for direct qualification to the 1/8 finals (difficult) or the play-offs. The Bianconeri are still chasing their first victory.
SPALLETTI FORCED TO WIN
The discourse is not very different for Spalletti's Juventus, which, on the contrary, has 3 points and has not yet won. Draws with Dortmund, Villarreal and Sporting do not help on the eve of the second half of the League Phase, although now the calendar is, theoretically, in decline: Bodø/Glimt and Monaco on the move, Pafos and Benfica at the Stadium remain. To achieve at least qualification for the play-offs (the top 8 is almost an illusion), at least 9 points are needed (last year Dinamo, with 11, was eliminated on goal difference).
And the first challenge is the difficult transfer to Norway, not so much for the value of the opponent (Bodo has 2 points even though at home they held Tottenham 2-2), but for the complicated climatic conditions that Norway will reserve, also underlined in the conference by Spalletti. To achieve the first victory, the coach from Certaldo is usually trusted with 3-4-2-1, with Conceiçao and Yildiz behind Vlahovic. For the rest, space for the “K factor”: Kalulu–Kelly–Koopmeiners behind and, as a left wing, the best scorer with the new coach, namely Kostic. It starts at 9 pm, judges the Dutchman Makkelie.
OTHER MATCHES
Today, the Champions League brings a series of exciting matches that promise spectacle and strong rivalries. Most of the matches are scheduled to be played at 21:00, while two others start earlier, at 18:45.
At 18:45, Ajax will face Benfica in a match where both teams are looking for a win to boost their hopes of advancing to the next stage. Meanwhile, Galatasaray hosts Union St.Gilloise, a challenge that promises to be a fight between two teams motivated to share the three points.
At 21:00, the other matches are not far behind in terms of interest. Chelsea have a tough task against Barcelona, a match that will be an opportunity for both teams to show their strength and get important points. Also, Manchester City will host Bayer Leverkusen, in a match that is expected to be action-packed and exciting.
Marseille host Newcastle United, a challenge between two teams looking to prove their mettle in this big competition. Napoli will face Qarabag FK, with the Italians the favourites to win. And finally, Slavia Prague host Athletic Club, another match that will be a tough duel in their group.
Today, the Champions League will offer us an evening full of top-level football, where every match will be an opportunity to see the best club football. All teams are motivated to get three important points in this group stage.
Champions League League Stage
18:45 Ajax – Benfica
18:45 Galatasaray – Union St.Gilloise
21:00 Bodoe/Glimt – Juventus
21:00 Borussia Dortmund – Villarreal
21:00 Chelsea – Barcelona
21:00 Manchester City – Bayer Leverkusen
21:00 Marseille – Newcastle United
21:00 Napoli – Qarabag FK
21:00 Slavia Prague – Athletic Club