Seven days ago, Atalanta performed a small miracle at "Anfield" with a 3:0 victory over Liverpool, and whether they wanted to admit it or not, they are a big favorite to reach the semi-finals of the Europa League.
Two times Gianluka Skamaka and once Mario Pasalic were hitting the net of the "reds" who, both before and after the match with the "goddess", blew it in the Premier League - first with a draw with Manchester United, then when they lost to Crystal Palace at home.
Liverpool is no longer wondering in the fight for the championship title in England, everything depends on Manchester City, so the team Jirgen Klopp in a difficult moment before tomorrow's visit to Bergamo.
- We know it will be difficult. Liverpool is a team that can do everything and we have to enter the second leg with the right character - we have 3:0, but we have to think as if it is 0:0. We must not think about the result of the first game - said the coach of Atalanta Gianpiero Gasperini.
Atalanta wants to continue its European journey.
- We know that this is one of the most important matches in our history, if not the most important. Last week we were certainly not the favorites, but now we have a chance that we don't want to miss - added Gasperini.
The winner of this double-header will meet in the semi-finals with the better team from the duel between Marseille and Benfica - the giant from Lisbon defends the minimum advantage (2:1) at the Velodrome.
THE ITALIAN BATTLE IN THE ETERNAL CITY
There will certainly be an Italian team in the semi-finals, because tonight in Rome the decision will be made in the duel between Roma and Milan. "Vučica" celebrated 1:0 in the City of Fashion (goal Gianluca Mancini), but the Rossoneri do not want to surrender.
- Now is the moment to show everything - talent, quality and character. There is nothing to wait for - said the coach of Milan Stefano Pioli.
He reflected on the first game:
- We didn't deserve to lose, but we can make up for everything if we are honest. This is a match in which it is only important to win and pass - said Pioli, whose future on the Milan bench may depend on this match.
Roma coach Daniele de Rossi wants a similar match as seven days ago.
- Roma has a distinctive style and will not change it. A 1:0 advantage doesn't mean much, but it can help us make decisions on the field, because we need to be intelligent. However, nothing can be predicted in football no matter how much you prepare the team for certain details - said De Rossi.
Roma or Milan - the invincible Bayer, who defends a 2:0 advantage from Leverkusen in London against West Ham, is probably waiting for them in the semi-finals. After the first match with the Hammers, the "Pharmacists" celebrated the first German championship title in history, but the time for celebration has passed.
- We still have a lot of work ahead of us, nobody is satisfied - says midfielder Bajera Granite Jack.
West Ham did not wonder much in the first meeting, the rival had 33 shots on goal, tonight they have to attack a team that has not lost this season in 43 games.
- It's not easy for anyone in our stadium - the manager of West Ham was clear David Moyes.
CONFERENCE LEAGUE: JOVETIC WANTS TO CONTINUE THE SERIES
Tonight, the participants of the semi-finals in the Conference League will be announced, and the greatest excitement is expected in Istanbul, where they are visiting Stevan jovetić and Olympiakos.
The Greeks are defending their goal advantage against Fanebrahče (3:2), and for a long time in the match in Piraeus it looked like they would outclass The only Jack and friends, because after 60 minutes they were leading 3:0. The second goal was then scored by Jovetić, who wants to continue his scoring streak tonight (21 p.m.).
- I respect Fener, but I think we are favorites. I will tell the players only one thing before going on the field - to believe in themselves at all times and to play their game no matter what - the coach of Olympiakos is clear Jose Luz Mendilibar.
The best from the Istanbul duel will meet the winner of the Lille and Aston Villa doubleheader in the semi-finals - the English team has a goal advantage (2:1) before visiting France. Fiorentina welcomes Viktoria Plzen after a 0:0 draw in the Czech Republic, while PAOK plays Club Brugge after a 1:0 loss in Belgium.
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