Atalanta was the biggest surprise in the first round of the Europa League quarter-finals. The Italian team traveled to England and surprised Liverpool by winning the duel 3-0. Scamacca scored twice and Pasalic completed the scoring.
The triumph gives the Italians a good margin to qualify. In the return match, next Thursday, coach Gian Piero Gasperini’s team continues in the tournament despite losing by two goals difference.
Despite the hosts’ favoritism, the Bergamo team was able to withstand the initial pressure, had luck in seeing Liverpool’s best chance hit the post, and opened the scoring in the first half.
With space to attack, Zappacosta made a perfect cross for Scamacca. The striker finished first time and counted on goalkeeper Kelleher’s mistake to make it 1-0, in the 37th minute of the first half.
After the break, the excessive retreat of the visitors even gave the impression that Liverpool would change the scenario of the match. Darwin Nuñez, in the small area, missed the chance to declare a draw. But the journey really belonged to the Italians.
De Ketelaere was precise with the cross and found Scamacca free again in the penalty area. With a low kick, what few people believed happened: 2-0 for Atalanta and silence in the Anfield stands.
And there was more. In a mistake with the ball, Scamacca advanced and passed it to Ederson. Goalkeeper Kelleher made a partial save, but Pasalic got the rebound and tapped it into an empty goal: 3-0 in the 39th minute.
In the other game of the round, Roma beat Milan 1-0 in the Italian classic of these quarter-finals of the Europa League. The away win gives the Roman team the advantage of playing for a draw in the second leg, which takes place next Thursday, at the Olympic Stadium.
Even playing as a visitor, coach Daniele De Rossi’s team was not intimidated, knew how to exploit counterattacks, and opened the scoring in the 16th minute. In an aerial play, Mancini, well positioned, headed firmly to make it 1-0.
Also in the quarterfinals of the Europa League, Bayer Leverkusen knew how to control the field and took advantage for the second leg of the quarterfinals by beating West Ham 2-0. Hofmann made it 1-0 at the end of the second half, taking advantage of a surplus in the area. In stoppage time, Boniface secured the triumph.
The German team now has the advantage of being able to lose by a goal difference, to confirm their classification at West Ham’s home ground.
Completing the round, Benfica defeated Olympique de Marseille 2-1 playing in Lisbon. Rafa Silva and Di María scored for the Portuguese team, while Aubameyang scored.
With the triumph, the Portuguese team is one draw away from guaranteeing themselves in the semi-finals, while Olympique, who will play at home, needs a two-goal victory to progress to the other stage in normal time.
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