Top 5 teams after first-leg round of 16 games | UEFA Champions League 2019-20

#3 Atalanta

Atalanta have been the surprise package in the Champions League this season

The UEFA Champions League is unique in the way we usually get brilliant underdog stories of teams who push over their weight and surprise the world with their grit and determination. Last season, it was Ajax who captured the eye of Europe as they made their way to the semi-finals. This season, it is debutants Atalanta who have won their last three games in this competition and who demolished Valencia 4-1 in Italy in the first leg.

Having never played in the competition before, the Italian team looks well set as a lock for the quarter-finals barring a major collapse in the second leg. By the end of match week 4 in the group stages, even qualification to the round of 16 looked bleak - manager Gian Piero Gasperini and the players have turned it all around. Only Bayern Munich had a more resounding victory in the first leg, and no other team has shocked the fans as much.

Not only do Atalanta play some beautiful football, but their attitude towards the game is also to be admired and respected by all. No matter who the opponent is, the players do not give up. It could be argued that the club was a bit lucky in getting Valencia over heavyweights such as Liverpool in this round, but they have made the most of that opportunity. The team ranked 5th in our rankings at the end of CL matchday 6, but this jump is well deserved. If they continue this form, the club could be a problem for any opponent in the next round.