Atalanta vs RB Leipzig
Atalanta and RB Leipzig played arguably the most entertaining first leg of the Europa League quarter-finals. Both of these European upstarts hit the woodwork twice, Leipzig had a penalty saved, and Atalanta conceded an own goal in an action-packed 1-1 draw.
The two sides are now set to battle it out in Bergamo with a spot in the semi-finals still very much up for grabs.
The Europa League 2022 betting odds are tilted ever so slightly in Atalanta’s favour due to home advantage. However, the Red Bulls remain quite a dangerous side that possesses the weapons to defeat La Dea.
Talking Points
Atalanta still have attacking spark
This season’s Atalanta have not been nearly the same attacking force that they’ve been in past seasons. But they rediscovered their attacking verve in their 1-1 draw in the first leg in Leipzig. Atalanta outshot their hosts 20-14 and hit the woodwork twice in a terrific display away from home.
Unfortunately, Atalanta couldn’t quite recreate that performance on the weekend as they lost 2-1 to Sassuolo, their second straight defeat in Serie A.
Luis Muriel, who scored the opener against Leipzig, came off the bench to grab a late consolation in stoppage time. With fellow Colombian Duvan Zapata playing the entire 90 minutes against Sassuolo, Muriel looks likely to get the start again in the second leg.
Although, it’s anyone’s guess which of Atalanta’s several attacking midfielders Gian Piero Gasperini will pick. But Teun Koopmeiners has started each of their last three European matches and had a team-leading seven shots in the first leg, so it’s a good bet that he keeps his place.
It also remains to be seen whether Gasperini will stick with the back four he played with in the first leg or return to a back three. Captain Rafael Toloi, who missed the first leg in Leipzig, made his return against Sassuolo and should be fit to lead the defence. Berat Djimsiti also looks set to return after missing the weekend match.
Red Bulls continue remarkable unbeaten run
RB Leipzig continued their remarkable run of form by beating Hoffenheim 3-0 in their Bundesliga showdown this past weekend. Domenico Tedesco’s side has now gone unbeaten in their last 12 games in all competitions, with eight wins and four draws.
Christopher Nkunku, who added a goal and assist against Hoffenheim, now has 28 goals and 13 assists in a sensational campaign. The French forward had a quiet game in the first leg, but he will be keen to create more Europa League 2022 highlights in the return leg.
Similarly, striker partner Andre Silva will be keen to make up for his first-leg showing. The Portuguese striker hit the post and had a penalty saved.
Silva was rested against Hoffenheim but is expected to return to the starting line-up. Meanwhile, Dominik Szoboszlai shone in place of Silva and could play a part in the second leg as a substitute. The Hungarian had a fine game against Hoffenheim as he scored a goal – his first since January – and got an assist.
Leipzig have been superb away from home this calendar year. They have won seven of eight matches in 2022, with their only loss coming against Bayern Munich. Moreover, they have scored four or more goals four times during that stretch, including four away to Borussia Dortmund.
History
Atalanta have not made the semi-finals of a European competition since reaching the final four of the European Cup Winners’ Cup back in 1988. They lost both legs to eventual champions Mechelen of Belgium.
As for RB Leipzig, they will be gunning for their second European semi-final berth in the span of three seasons. They made the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League under Julian Nagelsmann in 2020 after beating Atletico Madrid in a one-legged tie. They lost 3-0 in the semis to Paris Saint-Germain.
Betting Tip
The SBOTOP odds for this second leg are remarkably close. Atalanta are very narrow 2.42 favourites to win at home, while Leipzig are not too far behind at 2.47. Meanwhile, a draw is 3.30.
As Atalanta showed in the first leg in Leipzig, they are still a dangerous side that can cause some trouble in attack.
However, it’s hard to look past the rampaging Red Bulls, who are in fantastic form and have the superior weapons to get the win they need to seal a semi-final spot.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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