It’s hard to imagine but Champion’s League is nearly back! With Bayern Munich cruising through to the finals and doing just enough to fend off PSG in August, we’ve barely had two months to breathe before the fun picks up again. And if there’s one word to describe group D, it is fun. Liverpool, Ajax, Atalanta, and Midtjylland a betting man would reckon there will be goals, goals, and more goals. For Atalanta, they get to continue showcasing their talents on the international stage by traveling to legendary stadiums like Anfield and Johan Cruyff Arena. Last year La Dea were keen on just playing the big boys, and showing off their chops on the international stage. But this year feels different. There is a strong chance Atalanta can finish Top 2 in the group again, and continue to represent Italy in a competition Serie A has been allergic to recently. So who do we have in store that stands in our way of advancing to the Round of 16? Let’s find out….
Liverpool
Obviously Liverpool need no introduction, or hardly even a breakdown. Every soccer fan with a pulse knows what the reigning Premier League champions can do, and remain the obvious favorites to win the group, and potentially even the whole competition. The starting XI reads like a dream team from the attack with Salah, Mane, and Firmino; all the way to the defense with Van Dijk, Alexander-Arnold, and Alisson. The offseason signing of Thiago makes their midfield even stronger, and its hard to find a weak spot on the pitch. However, there may be some chinks forming in the armor. Before the international break, Aston Villa (yes Aston Villa) was able to put a seven spot on The Reds, demonstrating that the right game plan can offset these international juggernauts.
For me, everything comes down to Gosens in this game. Alexander-Arnold isn’t the greatest of defenders. And now if Van Dijk’s injury is serious that has him out for the next few months, an on-point Gosens can give their backline fits either with his runs down the left or creeping unsuspectingly into the box. I wouldn’t put money on Atalanta to take 3 points in either match, but it’s certainly much closer than it may appear on paper, especially if Gosens is on form.
Ajax
Definitely not the Ajax of old, but they are still the class of the Eredivisie and a club that must be taken seriously. Ajax have been pillaged the last few years losing staples that brought them within minutes of the Champion’s League finals two years ago in de Ligt, de Jong, van de Beek, and Ziyech. But similar to La Dea, Ajax know how to develop and hunt good young cheap talent, and with one of the best coaches in the business in Ten Hag; they’re a club that is comfortable with turnover and still achieving results. Even with all their turnover, Ajax kept their Serbian captain in Dusan Tadic who will be the main man for the Atalanta defense to watch. Capable of scoring and assisting, he’s the lifeblood of the Ajax team who will give Hateboer and Toloi plenty to worry about. Besides their offensive prowess (not to forget old man Huntelaar), their backline has been around the block with the reliable Daley Blind and Nicolas Tagliafico playing considerable Champion’s League minutes.
While Ajax is a strong team, it is one of the better Pot 2 clubs Atalanta could have paired against. Both teams are capable of putting up goals for fun, but Atalanta’s attack is probably superior, and in an offensive footrace probably come out ahead. The one thing Ajax has going for it is an easier time playing on two fronts in the Eredivisie. They’ll have the opportunity to devote their stars to Champion’s League, if they choose, and perhaps remain fresher for the midweek battles than Atalanta will. However, Atalanta’s updated depth has offset this worry, and it may not be as big an issue, but something to watch still.
Midtylland
Definitely the wild card of the group, FC Midtylland get to show their chops in the Champion’s League after their dominance in the Danish Superliga last year. After dispelling Slavia Prague in the play-off round, they get their first crack at the Champion’s League Group-Stage, eerily similar to Atalanta last year. Considering they’re playing with house money, even without international pedigree they remain a scary team and an absolute trap for the other three clubs. I won’t lie, I know nothing about Midtylland, and didn’t even though they were Danish until the Champion’s League draw, so I went to old faithful transfermarkt.com to find out more about our newest foe.
Even with a team value a tenth of the value of Atalanta’s, they can’t be taken lightly. As Dutch Champions, they obviously finished ahead of FC Copenhagen, who were agonizingly close to knocking out Manchester United in last year’s Europa League. In fact, they dismantled Copenhagen quite handily at home last year 4-1, and even managed a nil-nil on the road. They recently brought back Danish international Pione Sisto, who featured quite admirably in the last World Cup, and has already scored and assisted so far this year in the Danish Superliga. If we’re going only by value, Brazilian midfielder Evander has to be the one to watch out the most for. Even as a midfielder, he was able to net 7 goals and pitch in 8 assists last year, and looks to be the pulse of their midfield. Neutralizing him, looks to be the key to dismantling their offensive attack. But jeez, they’re such a wildcard, who knows what to expect? In all honesty, I can’t even be mad seeing them succeed, and will be rooting them to place 2nd in the group (of course after Atalanta).
So What’s The Outcome?
Everyone knows this group will be fun, goals will conceded, and there will be lots of miles clocked in up and down the pitch. Ultimately that’s what I want, fun loose football and not seeing Atalanta succumbing to some foolish notion they have to play differently in International Tournaments. Their change of play in the 2nd half against PSG, playing ultra conservative hoofball was Atalanta ultimate demise, and if La Dea don’t do anything different to their style of play, I feel confident that Atalanta can advance. Liverpool seems to be an obvious lock for one spot, so it really comes down to Atalanta and Ajax for the final spot. In the end, all that matters is Atalanta plays exciting football. Miracles can happen, as proven in last year’s group stage, and if Atalanta keep up their furious pace to the start of the season, I’m thrilled about the prospects of advancing. Hey, but it’s the Champion’s League so it will be thrilling regardless. It’s beautiful seeing Bergamo represented on the European stage, so let’s do Bergamo, Serie A, and Italy proud and play our exciting brand of football! As always, Forza La Dea.
