Atalanta – Villarreal live: Champions League, today, live

Stride or return to the starting box

In the north of Italy, under the snow and with the suitcase loaded with doubts, Villarreal will decide its future. The immediate and a little (or a lot) more. The team led by Unai Emery, after reaching its highest historical level with the Europa League, can take another stride towards the greats. Or go back to the starting box. Something very painful with the game started. Possibly at one of its inflection points.

Due to economic situation and football quality, Villarreal is a couple of good plays to go up to the next step. Healthy accounts, players in their best moment and promises with a lot of present and high cache in the market. If all the necessary conditions had to be put in a shaker to take a club to the elite, none of the three previous ingredients would be lacking.

In Bergamo they know. Those of Gasperini, with the particularities of each context, are in a similar process. Somewhat more advanced in the phases. In their record, “only” lives one Italian Cup, but in recent years they have become an unwanted team. One of those possible crosses that plague any giant. Third in Seria A in three consecutive seasons, quarter-finals in the last two editions of the Champions League …

Two aspirants to be among the European aristocracy. They have a solid sports structure, hunger and enthusiasm, but the economic part, as in life itself, is essential. Going to the next round would mean, for both teams, pocketing nine million euros more. A major imposition. Another incentive to shake the cocktail for that final touch. The one who usually brings grace. There they are. / Photo: Villarreal CF