Champions League: Juventus and Atalanta Face Tough Tasks in Play-off Return Legs

European cup competitions enter the decisive play-off phase, bringing resolutions that could shake the hierarchy of continental football. The most sensational result was Juventus's shocking defeat in Istanbul, where Luciano Spalletti's side lost 2-5 to Galatasaray. The Italian giant, mired in a domestic form crisis, faces the necessity of a historic 'remontada' at their own stadium. To advance directly to the next round, the Turin side must win by a four-goal margin, which given their current defensive form – 15 goals conceded in the last five matches – seems a daunting task. Spalletti is trying to build team morale through motivational materials, reminding players of their best moments from the current season. Meanwhile in Bergamo, Atalanta hosts Borussia Dortmund needing to overcome a two-goal deficit. The Italian team is counting on the creativity of Nicola Zalewski, who is expected to be in the starting lineup. However, the German club arrives with immense experience capital and a streak of 16 unbeaten matches in domestic competitions. Simultaneously, Tuesday's matches already produced a huge surprise – Inter Milan, last season's finalist, was eliminated from the competition after a two-leg defeat to Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt. The Norwegians won both matches, which the Scandinavian press describes as the greatest success in the history of their club football. Since 2024, the Champions League has been played in a new format with a league phase instead of group stages, forcing teams finishing 9th-24th to compete in additional play-offs for the round of 16.In the shadow of the fight for the elite, competition continues in the Conference League, where Polish clubs have vastly different moods. Lech Poznań travels to Finland with a comfortable two-goal cushion against KuPS Kuopio and is a clear favorite to advance. The situation is quite the opposite for Jagiellonia Białystok. The Polish champion lost the first leg to Fiorentina 0-3, and only a sporting miracle in Florence could extend their European adventure. Raków Częstochowa, thanks to a high finish in the league phase, has already secured a place in the round of 16 draw, which will take place this coming Friday. „Voi siete questi qua.” (You are these ones.) — Luciano Spalletti