Week 6 of the 2019-20 UEFA Champions League will take place between Tuesday and Wednesday this week. Here are the three top matches to watch during this week’s slate, which signals the end of the group stage.
Salzburg vs Liverpool (Tuesday – 17:55 GMT)
Salzburg have been one of the biggest surprises of the 2019-20 Champions League, as no one expected them to be alive for a Round of 16 berth before the final matchday of the group stage (seven points, W2, D1, L2). As if that wasn’t enough, the Austrian Bundesliga champions also own the third-best scoring record of the tournament with 16 goals. They are not going to be pushovers ahead of this Tuesday matchup against Liverpool.
The reigning champions have not qualified yet (10 points, W3, D1, L1), but a draw here would send them and Napoli to the next round while eliminating Salzburg altogether. The Reds enter this game on a four-game undefeated streak in the tournament, and they already topped the Red Bull side back in October in a thrilling 4-3 win at Anfield. Considering what’s at stake for both teams here, it’s safe to say we could be in line for a similar intense contest.
Ajax vs Valencia (Tuesday – 20:00 GMT)
Last season’s semifinalists Ajax have looked every bit of a contender this season, and they enter the final matchday of the Group Stage at the top of the Group H standings. They have 10 points (W3, D1, L1) and only need a draw to secure a spot in the next round. But that might be easier said than done against a tough Valencia side. Especially since the Spaniards would also qualify with a win here.
Los Che sit in second place with eight points (W2, D2, L1) but they are ahead of Chelsea since they own the edge on the tiebreaker. Valencia know a win would be enough to secure a spot in the Round of 16, but even a draw would be enough if Lille manage to steal at least a draw from Chelsea. Everything will be decided over the course of 90 minutes, but it’s clear both teams will aim to get the three points.
Shakhtar Donetsk vs Atalanta (Wednesday – 17:55 GMT)
Shakhtar Donetsk started their 2019-20 Champions League campaign with a loss, but they have responded with three straight draws and a four-game undefeated streak (W1, D3). As a result, the Ukranian giants sit in second place with six points. A win here would guarantee them a spot in the next round, but a draw could also work considering Dinamo Zagreb will meet Manchester City as massive underdogs.
Atalanta, however, could be in line to mount one of the biggest comebacks in the history of the UEFA Champions League. The Serie A side lost their first three games of the group stage, but are coming off a draw against City and a win over Dinamo Zagreb. Things are simple for Atalanta – a win here would give them a spot in the next round as long as Dinamo Zagreb do not win against City. There will be a lot to play here with three teams vying for just one spot in the Round of 16.
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