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The focus turns to a crucial round of continental clashes. Two fascinating matches headline the lineup, with sides fighting for important points as the group phase continues.

The Chelsea Conundrum

What version of the London club will appear in Bergamo? Their last European outing served as a declaration, an emphatic 3-0 victory over Barcelona that stood as a peak for Enzo Maresca's reign. However, results has been elusive since then. A credible tie with Arsenal was followed by a defeat away to Leeds United, followed by a dour draw on the south coast has left them with momentum drained.

Awaiting them is a dangerous Atalanta who are tied in the standings with them. La Dea endured a 4-0 opening defeat at PSG yet have remained unbeaten in Europe since, contrasting their mid-table domestic form.

Tottenham's Test

Similar to their rivals, Ange Postecoglou's side have been famously unreliable. A heavy loss in Paris, coming between painful defeats in the Premier League, piled pressure on boss Thomas Frank. But, the last two league results – a win and a draw from six – have provided a measure of calm.

This evening, they host a Slavia Prague side still searching for their first victory in this year's tournament. These are precisely the kind of match which Spurs need to secure three points from if they are of climbing towards the knockout places, especially with forthcoming challenges versus Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt on the horizon.

Other Key Fixtures

The action is not limited to those two matches. One key encounter, Barcelona will aim to respond after their loss when they host the German side. Meanwhile, high-flying PSV Eindhoven pose a stern test for the backline of Diego Simeone's team. Rounding out the night, Monaco hosts Galatasaray in an encounter that has all the makings to be a high-scoring affair. All matches begin at 8pm GMT.

A pivotal night for the tournament standings is upon us, with teams striving for a route towards the knockout rounds.