Gianluca Scamacca reignites Sporting Lisbon, three posts deny Atalanta success
Europa League: Sporting Lisbon-Atalanta 1-1
Atalanta did not go beyond 1-1 in the first leg of the Europa League round of 16 against Sporting Lisbon. The score, however, is very tight for Dea, who after finding the equalizing goal hit three posts in the course of the match. In addition, in the final the VAR cancelled out the momentary winning goal for the Nerazzurri, postponing all talk to the return match.
The first chance è for Sporting Lisbon on 17' and it was immediately fatal for Atalanta: Trincao served in depth Paulinho who with a precise diagonal left-footed shot beat Musso giving the Portuguese the lead. The Nerazzurri's response was not long in coming, as on 23'Holm and Scamacca's conclusions went to print on the ball with Israel beaten. Dea’s forcing was eventually repaid at 39': Miranchuk took advantage of a rearguard error and served deep into the net the former Sassuolo center forward, who got back on the strong foot and found the equalizing goal.
The second half opened with a double opportunity for Sporting Lisbon: Catamo at 52’ in front of Musso centrally kicks wasting a good chance, while five minutes later Trincao on a free kick just grazes the crossbar. On 60’ came the third woodwork for Atalanta with Lookman, who dribbled past his marker, finished at the first post and hit it wide. Two minutes later è Atalanta came to the rescue, as Coatesé s header went off the post with Musso beaten.
After a round of substitutions, Dea manages to find the lead goal in the final minutes with El Bilal Touré who beats Israel with a spectacular backhanded shot. However, the joy is short-lived, as VAR cancels everything for offside by the orobic center forward.
Compounding the draw accrued in Portugal, the qualification will be decided in the return match at the Gewiss Stadium, scheduled for Thursday, March 14 at 9 p.m.
