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Atalanta v Valencia
The 2019/20 Champions League surprise packages Atalanta, who qualified for the knock-out stages in the most incredible circumstances on the final match-day in December, could not have asked for a better tie in their first-ever Round of 16 appearance.
The Italian club have not only impressed in Europe but are also excelling domestically, currently sitting fourth on the Serie A table. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side are also the highest scorers in the division with 61 goals, above the likes of Juventus, Inter Milan and Lazio.
Atalanta’s opponents Valencia have also had a splendid group stage campaign, eclipsing European heavyweights Chelsea and Ajax to secure top spot in Group H. The Spanish club are also going strong in La Liga, being only two points adrift off the Champions League places.
Both teams have impressed with their performances in the group stages, and the tie should be well-balanced and intriguing. Perhaps, other heavyweight Round of 16 encounters will overshadow this game, but if Atalanta’s fairy-tale run continues into the quarter-finals of the competition, several heads will turn.
Prediction: Atalanta
