Ajax recovered some attacking rhythm with five goals against Groningen, but Atalanta arrive with the stronger European start and a more demanding defensive profile. Ajax are 25th in the Conference League after one match and are already under pressure to respond at home. Atalanta, by contrast, beat Pafos 3-1 on opening matchday and sit 4th with 3 points and a +2 goal difference.
Ajax's attacking lift
The Groningen result was the cleanest sign yet that Ajax can still hurt teams when their front line starts moving. Julian Brandt and Jorthy Mokio both scored braces in the 5-0 win at Euroborg, and Brandt was used in the No. 10 role behind Marcos Leonardo. That gives Ajax a different kind of central threat, especially with Giacomo Raspadori forced off after the opening 21 minutes against Milan and missing the 3-2 loss there.
The problem is that one good league performance does not erase the opening European defeat. Ajax were beaten 2-1 by Hajduk Split last week, so this fixture is less about celebrating the Groningen burst and more about proving it can travel into a tougher Conference League night.
Atalanta's European edge
Atalanta have already shown steadier habits in Europe. Their 3-1 win over Pafos and +2 goal difference point to a side that has started the competition on the front foot, while Ajax are still carrying the damage from a -1 goal difference. Atalanta have also won their last two matches after the international break, against Venezia and Pafos, which gives them a cleaner run into this trip.
Sports Mole's preview backed Ajax to edge it 2-1, but the same piece also said Atalanta will pose a considerably greater threat than Groningen. That looks like the right read. Ajax have the attacking spark, yet Atalanta's start in the competition and their recent results suggest a side less likely to be rattled by a game that needs both control and composure.
The match between Ajax vs Atalanta on 22 October should tell us whether the Groningen win was a reset or just a sharp spike. Ajax need a result because their European record is already shaky, while Atalanta arrive with 3 points, a positive goal difference and a platform that looks more stable.
Written by Daniel Hartley with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →
