Gameweek 6 of the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League (UCL) is set to be played between December 10 and 12.
Here are some things to keep in mind.
An Italian Job in the reckoning for the Spanish Champions
UCL 2024/25 Gameweek 6 | Atalanta BC vs Real Madrid CF
A struggling Real Madrid will travel to Bergamo to face a stoic Atalanta. Having lost their last two league phase encounters against AC Milan and Liverpool, Los Blancos have another tough test ahead of them. It’s a must-win game for the Galácticos as they lie a lowly 24th in the first phase standings, while Atalanta are sitting comfortably in fifth.
Real Madrid are also without a host of first-choice players amid a nightmarish injury-ravaged season. They have had to rely hugely on the likes of Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé, who haven’t been in the best of form. Atalanta, on the other hand, have won their last six games across all competitions and look strong. On paper, however, Real Madrid still boast the stronger team, but having lost their previous game in LaLiga they are also struggling for confidence.
This could be a very cagey encounter, with Atalanta relying a lot on their defensive strength to get something out of the game.
Can Leverkusen get the better of Inter?
UCL 2024/25 Gameweek 6 | Bayer 04 Leverkusen vs FC Internazionale Milano
Bayer Leverkusen have had a topsy-turvy season so far, though they did return to form with a massive win against Bayern Munich recently in the DFB-Pokal. Inter, on the other hand, have been in top form since the start of the season and could prove to be a formidable adversary for Xabi Alonso’s men.
While the Nerazzurri sit second in the UCL table, with one foot in the Round of 16, Die Werkself are sixth—not necessarily in a spot of bother, but they would like to strengthen their qualification chances with a win at home here.
This match promises to be an exciting match-up between two skilled coaches in Simone Inzaghi and Alonso and will be a great opportunity for fans of both teams to witness a high-level strategic contest to see which team come out on top.
A high-energy Red Bull encounter for the Villans
UCL 2024/25 Gameweek 6 | RB Leipzig vs Aston Villa FC
A struggling Leipzig side are to set to host a resurgent Aston Villa in this tie. Contrary to expectations, Leipzig have had an abysmal UCL campaign so far, having not won a single one of their five games. Villa, on the other hand, have fared well upon their return to the European topflight so far with three wins, a loss, and a draw.
The Villans returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a handsome win against a tricky Brentford side last time out and will be confident as they take on Leipzig in this fixture. However, both teams have more-than-decent forward lines capable of troubling each other’s defenders.
This could be an entertaining, high-scoring encounter at the RB Arena, with both teams likely to throw caution to the wind and try to outscore each other.
The Dortmund Test for the high-flying Blaugrana
UCL 2024/25 Gameweek 6 | Borussia Dortmund vs FC Barcelona
Another great fixture between two big European clubs. While Dortmund have had their struggles under Nuri Sahin, Barcelona have started their season on a high. They did have a slight blip recently, but they are back in cracking form. This might not be an easy outing for the Blaugrana, though, as Dortmund boast an attacking front line of fast, energetic wingers that can exploit their high line.
Dortmund’s defensive issues were exposed against Real Madrid as they lost the game despite establishing a 2-0 lead; Barça’s in-form front line of Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and Robert Lewandowski will surely cause them more trouble.
Both teams have had an impressive CL campaign so far and would be looking to boost their chances of automatic qualification with a win here. This could very well be a high-scoring, end-to-end encounter. It will be interesting to see how Dortmund and Barcelona counter each other’s attacking threat.
Can the Old Lady pile more misery on the Cityzens?
UCL 2024/25 Gameweek 6 | Juventus FC vs Manchester City FC
Juventus will be hosting the reigning Premier League champions at the Juventus Stadium in another mouth-watering clash this Gameweek.
Both teams have struggled with form recently. Even though Juve haven’t lost a game in five, they haven’t been able to score freely either and have been drawing way too many games. City, on the other hand, have been abysmal by their exceptionally-high standards. Pep Guardiola’s side have a draw and a win in their last nine games, having lost the remaining seven. However, they would have gained some confidence back after a comfortable home win against Nottingham Forest in the league.
This is a must-win game for both teams if they are to secure automatic qualification for the Round of 16. It presents an exciting battle of wits between former Barça players Thiago Motta and Guardiola and promises to be an intriguing encounter as City would aim to shrug off their poor run of form, while Juve would look to further compound their misery.
Other Key Encounters
UCL 2024/25 Gameweek 6 | Girona FC vs Liverpool FC
Girona will host Liverpool for the first time at the Estadi Montilivi. While Liverpool have already qualified with five wins out of five, Girona are looking down the barrel.
UCL 2024/25 Gameweek 6 | Arsenal FC vs AS Monaco
After an emphatic win against Sporting in the previous Gameweek and gaining momentum in the Premier League, the Gunners will prove to be a formidable opponent for Monaco at home.
UCL 2024/25 Gameweek 6 | FC Red Bull Salzburg vs Paris Saint-Germain FC
A struggling PSG will travel to another fellow UCL strugglers RB Salzburg to face them at their home, Stadion Salzburg. While Die Roten Bullen might no longer have a shot at automatic qualification, the Parisians need to win this one to remain in contention themselves.
Also read: UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Sponsors
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