AtalantaRB LeipzigEuropa League

For me personally, the most interesting clash in the quarterfinals of the Europa League is the one between RB Leipzig and Atalanta. The big favorite in the race is Barcelona, ​​but the hidden one is hidden in this elimination pair. For a series of seasons, these two teams are doing well not only in domestic championships, but also in European club tournaments.

Opponents come from the Champions League, where they remained third in their groups. In the 1/16 finals of the Europa League RB Leipzig finished 2: 2 with Real Sociedad at home, but in the rematch he managed with ease, winning it 3: 1. It was easier for Atalanta against an insidious, but still easier opponent. The team from Bergamo conceded the first goal in the double clash with Olympiacos, but then scored five in a 2-1 victory at home and 3-0 in Piraeus.

The draw for the round of 16 assigned RB Leipzig to play with Spartak Moscow, and I guess you are all aware that the Russian teams were eliminated from the European club tournaments. This time Atalanta had a stronger opponent, but he was also eliminated with two wins. The Italians won their home game with 3: 2, and the rematch in Leverkusen offered only one goal, which was in their favor.

The great results for RB Leipzig in 2022 continued over the weekend. The Bulls won their visit to Borussia Drotmund 4-1, and I expected them to lose. Thus, the team is already three points ahead in the Top 4 and with its current form is unlikely to be eliminated from the top four. Atalanta did not have a good weekend, as they lost 1: 3 to the champion candidate Napoli. Thus, the team remained outside the Top 6 and may not play in European club tournaments next year.

If we compare the performance of these two teams recently, RB Leipzig is the absolute favorite today. The Bulls have the advantage of hosting today. At least in the German Bundesliga, the team did much better at home, but so far three consecutive matches of all tournaments at the Red Bull Arena ended in a draw. Atalanta never won as a guest in the Champions League, but very often achieves this in Serie A, and still has not conceded a goal outside in the Europa League. Well, today I think it's time for the first loss of the Italian team in the tournament.