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Atalanta secured a 1–1 draw away at Leipzig in the first leg of this Europa League quarter-final fixture, and they host the Germans in midweek in what is shaping up to be a potentially deciding game. The match is scheduled for 22:15 IST on the 14th of April, 2022.
Atalanta raced to a 1–0 lead in Germany courtesy of Luis Muriel before being undone by an own goal from Davide Zappacosta. RB Leipzig responded well to the first leg draw, winning over the weekend to preserve their unbeaten run, which now stretches to 12 matches. They will hope to make it 13 games unbeaten, while Atalanta, who are yet to cross this stage of the competition, have their sights set on the semifinals.
Here is the latest form and team news from Atalanta and RB Leipzig:
Gasperini’s charges are not in the form they hoped for, struggling to close out games and failing to win any of their last 3 competitive fixtures (two losses and one draw). They have, however, been impressive against German opposition in the Europa League, winning two and drawing one of three encounters in all.
Atalanta have also struggled to convert their chances in recent weeks, scoring one or fewer per game in their last 6 matches. Their ability to turn on the heat in crucial matches is one to look out for, and it suggests they still have a say in how this match is expected to play out. Luis Muriel is also in fine form for the Italian side, scoring in three straight games on the continent, and he represents a bright spot in attack for Gasperini’s team.
For injuries and suspensions, Josip Ilicic, Bryan Cabezas, Berat Djimsiti and Remo Freuler are doubts to feature for Atalanta as they are currently on the sidelines due to injuries.
RB Leipzig returned to winning ways over the weekend, thrashing Hoffenheim by 3 goals to nil in front of their home fans. That win extended their unbeaten streak to 12 games in a row, 8 wins and 4 draws, and the Germans will know they can go to Bergamo and get the desired result as they look more like an in-form team than their hosts.
After losing two games on the road in the Champions League, RB Leipzig won 5-0 at Club Brugge before seeing off Real Sociedad by 3 goals to 1 in their away fixture before the Europa League quarter finals. Two wins and two losses in four away games do not tell the full story, but Leipzig’s present form suggests they will be a hard nut to crack for any team in Europe.
For injuries and absences, Malian midfielder Amadou Haidara will have to sit this one out as he is sidelined with a knee injury.
RB Leipzig are slight favorites to win this match, according to the three sportsbooks mentioned, although on the Parimatch sportsbook, the odds for a win for Atalanta and RB Leipzig are placed at 2.65, respectively. The odds for a draw stand at 3.60.
On the Melbet sportsbook, Atalanta to win is placed at 2.752 odds, a draw is at 3.66 odds, and a win for the away side Leipzig is placed at 2.635 odds. The Paripesa sportsbook has similar odds, with Atalanta winning at 2.752, a draw at 3.66, and Leipzig winning at 2.635 odds.
The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw, and with the away goal rule abolished, there is all to play for in this fixture. Atalanta have been impressive against German opposition but have failed to win in their last 3 matches. RB Leipzig have had mixed results in away games (2 wins, 2 losses), but they are currently on a 12-match unbeaten run which they do not look like giving up anytime soon. Here are our tips for this fixture:
Atalanta and Leipzig play a beautiful brand of attacking football and are known for their goal scoring prowess, although the former have struggled in front of goal recently. We expect both teams to find the back of the net as they have sufficient attacking talent to create chances and are not exactly popular for their defensive mastery. Both teams to score is available on the Sportsbet.io sportsbook at 1.58 odds.
Both teams have natural goalscorers and in-form players leading their lines in the form of Luis Muriel for Atalanta, Andre Silva, Christopher Nkunku, and Co. for RB Leipzig. We expect both teams to approach the game with an attacking mindset, as a winner will have to emerge either through open play or through a penalty shootout. Over 1.5 goals is available on the Melbet sportsbook at 1.21 odds.
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