Barca-esque comeback or routine see-off?
Valencia welcome Atalanta to the legendary Mestalla stadium in the heart of the coastal city faced with the colossal task of overturning a 4-1 deficit. Will this be yet another magical Champions League turnaround or will the Italians see the job through?
Valencia
Stating that Los Ches defence was having an off night at the Giuseppe Meazza a fortnight ago is a grave understatement. They got their 'crucial' away goal that teams playing away legs always hope for but the fact that they conceded 4 goals in the process really put a damper things.
Worryingly bad form
Another worrying fact is that the Spaniard's have not been in the best of shape as of late with only 1 win and 2 draws in their last 6 games across all competitions.
Leaky defence
Valencia have a decent goal-scoring record of 6 goals in their last 6 but their defensive stat is definitely not a sight for sore eyes. Albert Celades men have conceded a whopping 15 goals in their last 6 which is mightily strange given that they don't have a significant injury list nor have they had the hardest of fixture lists.
Its simply down to a really torrid run of form which is positive given that these kind of ruts can be fixed but also negative because you can't just wave your wand at the issue and you never really know when these dips in form do end.
The Valencia hopeful will be praying the rut ends before Tuesday.
Atalanta
The Italian's had a magical night during their 4-1 rout of Valencia in their maiden Champions League round of 16 showcasing their brand of fearless, attacking football that has become their signum since the appointment of Gian Piero Gasperini.
Superior form
Their overall form has been delightful as well having accrued 5 wins in their last 6 as well as a draw cementing their 4th place in the Serie A, 3 points above Roma.
Incredible scoring stat
La Dea have, in true Atalanta fashion, scored a ridiculous 24 goals in their last 6 whilst "only" conceding 7 leaving them with a goal difference of +17. Atalanta are on their best days, without a doubt one of the hardest teams to play against which was on show against Valencia.
Exciting style of play
Another highly indicative aspect as to why the Italians are so successful at the moment is how they play away from home. A mixture relentless attacking football and smart but risky defending which the vast majority of teams opt out of playing absolutely shocks opponents who just can't contain them.
This Atalanta team has what it takes to make a last-4 appearance.
Betting tip
Valencia are up against the wall and Atalanta score no matter what which is why i will be backing Over 3.5 goals at 6/5 with 888sport.
