Africans in UCL action tonight: Thomas Partey’s Atletico in must-win clash

by Graeme Jackson

Wednesday Nov 22, 2017. 10:30

Thomas Partey’s Atletico Madrid face a must-win clash as Matchday 5 of the UEFA Champions League wraps up this evening.

Atletico find themselves four points off the top two places in Group C, but a victory at home to leaders Roma would bring them right back into contention for the last 16.

In Partey they have a midfielder who has become a key figure under coach Diego Simeone and his energy will be invaluable in their battle against the Italian side.

The other Group C match sees Chelsea play away to Dino Ndlovu’s Qarabag. Blues coach Antonio Conte has described it as his side’s biggest game of the season so far, as they can advance with a win, though they’ll have to continue to do without Nigerian Victor Moses, who is only expected to return to action this weekend.

In Group A, Eric Bailly’s Manchester United need only a point away to Serey Die’s Basel to secure a place in the last 16, but they could still advance even if they lose, provided CSKA Moscow don’t beat Benfica in the early kick-off.

Group B is already settled, with Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich having secured progression (they face Celtic at home and Anderlecht away respectively), while Mehdi Benatia’s Juventus will look to avenge a 3-0 loss they suffered at the hands of Barcelona back in September when the teams meet in Turin for the pick of Wednesday’s matches.

UEFA Champions League Matchday 5 fixtures - Wednesday 22 November
All matches at 21h45 CAT unless otherwise stated

Group A
CSKA Moscow v Benfica - 19h00 CAT
Basel v Manchester United

Group B
Anderlecht v Bayern Munich
Paris Saint-Germain v Celtic

Group C
Qarabag v Chelsea - 19h00 CAT
Atletico Madrid v Roma

Group D
Juventus v Barcelona
Sporting v Olympiakos