After an initial setback against Paris Saint-Germain, Atalanta recovered and put together a five-match unbeaten run in the UEFA Champions League, whereas Athletic Bilbao have failed to score in European competition for three consecutive matches.
Atalanta
The mid-season coaching change has benefited Atalanta. After Ivan Jurić left, the team improved significantly under Raffaele Palladino and have won 9 of their 13 official matches. In the UEFA Champions League they have not dropped a single point under him, beating Chelsea (2:1) and Eintracht Frankfurt (3:0). After the defeat in their opening UEFA Champions League match, the side became more active in attack and more solid in defence, scoring eight goals and conceding only two in five games.
Athletic Bilbao
The season has been much more difficult for Athletic Bilbao. In La Liga they have collected only one point from their last four rounds, and in the UEFA Champions League they have just five points from six matches. Their only win came back in October, after which they went on a run of three group-stage games without scoring. Away from home, the Basques have looked particularly unconvincing and have won only once in all competitions since September 2025.
Atalanta vs Athletic Bilbao Prediction
Given current form and quality of play, Atalanta look the more convincing side. Athletic Bilbao can still hope to reach the top 24 of the UEFA Champions League, but with their current form this will be almost impossible.
