As the Champions League league phase continues, two Ghanaian internationals will be looking to make their mark on matchday two. Here’s what to expect from Kamaldeen Sulemana and Mohammed Kudus as their teams seek vital points in Europe’s elite competition.
Kamaldeen Sulemana – Atalanta
Match day 1 recap
Atalanta endured a difficult start to their Champions League campaign, suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat away to reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain. Sulemana was named on the bench for the encounter and did not feature in the match, watching from the sidelines as his team struggled in the French capital.
Current Standing
Following their opening day defeat, Atalanta sit bottom of the 36-team Champions League table in 36th position with zero points and a goal difference of -4. The Italian side desperately need a positive result to kickstart their European campaign.
Matchday 2: Atalanta vs Club Brugge (Home)
Atalanta return to the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo today to face Club Brugge. This represents a crucial opportunity for the home side to register their first points of the campaign. Sulemana arrives at this fixture in excellent form, having contributed 3 goals and assists combined in his last two matches across all competitions. This impressive recent form suggests he could be in line for a starting role against Brugge, giving him the chance to showcase his pace and creativity on the European stage.
What a win would mean
Victory would lift Atalanta off the bottom of the table and provide crucial momentum in what is a new league phase format. With 36 teams competing and only the top eight earning automatic qualification to the round of 16, every point matters. A win would keep Atalanta’s hopes of progressing alive and ease the pressure after their opening day setback.
Mohammed Kudus – Tottenham Hotspur
Match day 1 recap
Tottenham made a winning start to their Champions League campaign with a hard fought 1-0 victory over Spanish side Villarreal at home. Kudus played the full 90 minutes in the encounter, demonstrating his importance to the team as Spurs ground out all three points in their opening fixture.
Champions League career stats
Kudus is no stranger to Europe’s premier club competition. The Ghanaian midfielder has made 10 appearances in the Champions League, with 9 of those coming during his time at Ajax and 1 with Tottenham. He has been directly involved in 6 goals in the competition, scoring 4 times and providing 2 assists, all while wearing the Ajax shirt. He will be eager to add to his tally in Spurs colors.
Current standing
Following their victory over Villarreal, Tottenham sit in a respectable 14th position in the Champions League table. The win has given them a solid platform to build on as they aim to secure a top eight finish and avoid the knockout phase play-offs.
Matchday 2: Bodo/Glimt vs Tottenham (Away)