The Champions League group stage is officially underway. Teams across Europe are gearing up to challenge the reigning titans, with many clubs undergoing significant changes following a bustling transfer window and numerous managerial appointments since the last season concluded. For some, like Atletico Madrid, even their performance since the summer`s Club World Cup has been disappointing, leading to a disjointed preseason that has affected their start to the campaign.
As the league phase commences, let`s explore which teams might be performing better or worse than their previous season`s finish.
Atletico Madrid Faces Disappointment
The first signs of trouble for Atletico Madrid appeared during the Club World Cup, where they failed to progress from their group. Few anticipated this as a preview of such a poor start to Diego Simeone`s new season. It took four matches for Atleti to secure their first victory, managing only five goals in that period. Even for a team built with attacking intent, their offensive output is alarmingly low, suggesting a squad stuck in a challenging transitional phase. With Barcelona and Real Madrid widening the gap, it`s difficult to envision this current Atletico side keeping pace with their rivals in the domestic league.
Tottenham Showing Improvement
Thomas Frank`s arrival has brought an immediate and noticeable improvement to Tottenham`s defense. While the season is still young, Tottenham currently sits third in the Premier League with an impressive +7 goal difference, highlighted by a significant win over Manchester City. Inevitable challenges lie ahead, but for a club that finished 17th last season, achieving a position higher than sixth would be a considerable accomplishment. The addition of Xavi Simons provides a key figure around whom to build their attack. Although Richarlison`s early prolific scoring might not be sustainable, Frank`s system, which generates goals from set pieces, means Tottenham could still mount a surprising push into the Champions League last 16.
Atalanta No Longer a Contender
Atalanta is navigating a significant period of change following the departure of manager Gian Piero Gasperini to Roma and key player Mateo Retegui to the Saudi Pro League. Ivan Juric has taken over as manager, and Yunus Musah has joined their midfield options. However, balancing this transition with Champions League play appears to be a substantial challenge. Juric`s previous tenure at Southampton in the Premier League raised concerns, and Atalanta`s slow start this season, including draws against Parma and Pisa, has not helped. A promising 4-1 victory over Lecce, where Charles De Ketelaere scored a brace, offers a glimmer of hope, but much pressure rests on the Belgian to propel the team forward.
Bodo/Glimt Exceeding Expectations
After making the knockouts of a European competition for the first time last season with a Europa League run that ended in a semi-final loss, Bodo/Glimt has surpassed that achievement by qualifying for the Champions League proper for the first time, defeating Strum Graz in the playoff round. Kasper Hogh might be one of the best strikers you haven`t heard of, with 16 league goals last season and consistent double-digit scoring since his move from Stabaek. At only 24, he`s a player who could leverage Champions League success into a major transfer. Yet, this is not a one-man team. Bodo/Glimt is known for its high-paced style of play and possesses a unique homefield advantage, often playing late matches in the freezing cold of the Arctic Circle.
Napoli Strengthened After Scudetto Win
Under Antonio Conte, Napoli, fresh off their Serie A title triumph last season, is no longer a dark horse but a recognized contender. With strategic squad enhancements, they are well-positioned to compete for Champions League glory this season. Conte`s renowned ability to mold cohesive teams from diverse talents ensures depth in the squad, which will only improve further when key players return from injury. They aim to maintain their impressive form across multiple competitions throughout the season.
