Champions League 2025-2026: Atalanta-Athletic Bilbao, the likely lineups

Atalanta is set to host the Basques from Athletic Bilbao on the penultimate day of the Champions League in a crucial challenge for both teams. The Bergamasque side, with a win, can aim for a direct qualification to the round of 16 that few expected on the eve of the match, while the Biancorossi need points to try to get back into the top twenty-four.

The Nerazzurri come to this fixture occupying eighth place in the standings, a position that would currently guarantee access to the round of 16, but with Liverpool and Atletico Madrid, among others, lurking. Palladino’s team can count on a good overall condition and some interesting solutions in attack: Lookman is back available after commitments in the African Cup of Nations, but he should start initially from the bench, with De Ketelaere and Zalewski ready to act behind the central striker.

The team is in good shape.

More delicate situation for Athletic Bilbao, which occupies 32nd place in the standings.

Valverde’s team comes to Bergamo with the need to get a positive result in order not to permanently jeopardize their European path. The Basques are going through a discontinuous performance phase and need a performance of character to revive their Champions League ambitions. In terms of formation, the red and whites will have to do without the Iñaki brothers and Nico Williams, both struggling with muscle problems.

Probable Lineups

Atalanta (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi; Scalvini, Hien, Kolasinac; Zappacosta, De Roon, Ederson, Bernasconi; De Ketelaere, Zalewski; Scamacca. All. Palladino

Athletic Bilbao (4-2-3-1): Unai Simon; Gorosabel, Vivian, Paredes, Adama; De Galarreta, Jauregizar; Navarro, Sancet, Unai Gomez; Guruzeta. All. Valverde