Atalanta, Sporting’s opponent in the round of 16 of the Europa League, lost this Sunday against Bologna (2-1), in the fight for fourth place in the championship.
In the game preceding the visit to Alvalade, Atalanta started better and came out on top in the 28th minute, with a goal from the Nigerian Lookman, after Zappacosta’s initial attempt.
At half-time, Thiago Motta, Bologna coach, changed the team. 12 minutes later, Saelemaekers, recently introduced, was fouled in the area and Zirkzee didn’t flinch when taking the penalty.
The 2-1 came from outside the box, with a strong shot from Lewis Ferguson, which guaranteed the three points for Thiago Motta’s team.
With this result, Atalanta is in sixth place, with 46 points, in the Conference League access zone, and Bologna is fourth, with 51, in the Champions League zone.
Next Wednesday, March 6th, Sporting will host Atalanta, at 5:45 pm, counting for the round of 16 of the Europa League.