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Atalanta are unbeaten in home UEFA Cup/Europa League matches, winning eight of 14. Only once before have la Dea drawn the first leg of a two-legged tie away, knocking out Köln 32 years ago. RB Leipzig have only ever drawn the first leg at home once, doing so in this year’s first knockout round against Real Sociedad, advancing with a 3-1 victory in Spain. Die Roten Bullen are aiming to win three successive European away games for the first time ever.
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Both teams to score is 8/13.
Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals is 20/21.
RB Leipzig to win and over 2.5 goals is 3/1.
Christopher Nkunku has scored 28 goals this season, including eight in Europe. He is 6/1 to break the deadlock and 7/4 to add to his tally.
Match preview
It finished all square in Saxony but, as these two reconvene in Bergamo, there must be a winner this time.
But, ten minutes into the second half, RB Leipzig were awarded a golden chance to get back into the game when Christopher Nkunku was tripped; penalty!
André Silva shouldered the responsibility, but saw his spot-kick saved by Juan Musso who then managed to repel Willi Orbán’s rebound.
It mattered little though because, a mere 24 seconds later, Angeliño’s cross was inadvertently turned into his own net by Davide Zappacosta.
Teun Koopmeiners then came very close to winning it for Atalanta, hitting the upright, before Dominik Szoboszlai header struck the crossbar for Leipzig.
After all that, it finished 1-1 meaning, with the away goals rule having been abolished, it is winner takes all.
Atalanta were Champions League quarter-finalists in 2020, but are aiming to reach their first continental semi-final since a run in the Cup Winners’ Cup 34 years ago.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s side finished third in their Champions League group, but have since overcome Olympiacos and Bayer Leverkusen in this competition.
In Serie A, la Dea were beaten 2-1 at Sassuolo on Sunday, meaning they’re now eighth having won just three of their last 14.
RB Leipzig, like their hosts, were also in the Champions League group stages earlier this season but finished third in their section.
Domenico Tedesco’s side then saw off Real Sociedad in the first knockout round before receiving a bye past Spartak Moskva.
So, die Roten Bullen are one victory away from just their second semi-final in Europe, following the Champions League from two years ago.
In contrast to their opponents, Leipzig are in fantastic domestic form, hammering Hoffenheim 3-0 at the weekend.
This means they remain fourth in the Bundesliga, only losing to Bayern Munich in any competition since 18 December.
Who will set up a semi-final clash against Rangers or Braga with victory at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia?
Atalanta team news
Remo Freuler is currently injured while Josip Iličić is unavailable following compassion leave.
Key defender Rafael Tolói is back though, managing 57 minutes on Sunday after recent right hip flexor issues.
He could keep his place in the back three, alongside José Luis Palomino and Merih Demiral, with Berat Gjimshiti injured.
Marten de Roon was suspended for the weekend defeat to Sassuolo, but could return to the midfield here.
Duván Zapata hadn’t featured since 6 February before playing the full 90 minutes at the weekend.
So, the Colombian could get the nod up front over his compatriot Luis Muriel who scored in Leipzig.
Ruslan Malinovskyi, Jérémie Boga and Aleksei Miranchuk are the other attacking options.
RB Leipzig team news
Amadou Haidara is RB Leipzig’s only injury concern right now, but they still boast plenty of midfield options.
Domenico Tedesco’s preferred midfield pairing has been Kevin Kampl and Konrad Laimer, chosen over USA international Tyler Adams.
Further forward, they have options too with Emil Forsberg and Dominik Szoboszlai getting the nod at the weekend.
However, top-scorer Christopher Nkunku and Dani Olmo, who started in the first leg, re expected to return.
André Silva will lead the line with Yussuf Yurary Poulsen, who’s only just back after injury, an option off the bench.
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