Atalanta vs Bayer Leverkusen
10 March 2000hrs
Football – Europe – Europa League
Pick Atalanta
Bookmaker Boylesports
Odds: Evens odds taken 2000 GMT, Monday 7 March
It is the tie of the round and one that wouldn’t look out of place in the Champions League. Italy meets Germany as Atalanta take on Bayer Leverkusen for a place in the last eight of the Europa League.
Table of Contents
Atalanta Preview – Can Atalanta get a lead to take with them to Germany next week?
This is not the knockout phase that Atalanta would hope to be competing in but it is now the reality for Gian-Piero Gasperini and his players. After their exploits in the Champions League over the last couple of years the expectation has increased in Bergamo but they were found wanting this season, losing out on a last-16 place to Villareal after a disappointing defeat on match day six.
For a team who have virtually no European pedigree there is still so much importance on their participation in the the Europa League and a potential first continental trophy. Atalanta wasted no time in disposing of Olympiakos in the knockout playoff round last time out, defeating the Greeks 5-1 on aggregate.
Atalanta have just slipped back in the race for the top four in Serie A following just one win in their last five and only two wins in their last 10 Serie A matches. Prior to that, there was talk they could be involved in one of the most competitive title races in history but their drop in form has put paid to that and is in danger of them not qualifying for the Champions League via the domestic route.
It places even more significance on this tie and the Europa League as a whole with the winners guaranteed entry into the Champions League group stages for next season.
Bayer Leverkusen Preview – Will Leverkusen continue their form from the knockout phase of this competition?
Gerardo Seoane has not had it all his own way since taking over as Bayer Leverkusen boss in the summer but the longer the season goes the more impressive the appointment looks. Leverkusen’s weekend draw away to Bayern Munich was not only encouraging from the perspective of the result, but also the performance. Bayern had thumped Leverkusen earlier in the season but Seoane’s men were the better team on Saturday.
The result leaves them in third place in the Bundesliga, five points behind Dortmund and four ahead of fifth placed RB Leipzig as the race for Champions League places in Germany also hots up.
Don’t miss out on other Betting Tips & Predictions 
Click here for more Betting Tips
Their performance in the group stage of this competition would give them confidence of a strong showing in the knockout phase. Leverkusen lost only one of their six matches and that came when they had already qualified and topped the group. They were superior to both Real Betis and Celtic in the section.
Top scorer Patrik Schick is unlikely to be fit for this game and doubtful for the return leg following the injury he picked up last month. His absence is a blow having scored 20 goals in as many Bundesliga games.
Atalanta vs Bayer Leverkusen Betting Advice
You sense that whoever progresses from this tie will fancy their chances of going all the way. These teams have impressive squads, are chasing top four places in two of Europe’s top five leagues and it is clear from their approach to the Europa League that it is a competition they are prioritising.
Atalanta and Bayer Leverkusen hae an abundance of attacking talent and their styles of play lend themselves to be an open and expansive couple of games over the next week.
Key Facts – Atalanta vs Bayer Leverkusen Betting Tip
- Atalanta play their first game in this competition in four years
- Bayer Leverkusen topped their section with four wins from six matches in the group stage
- This will be the first ever competitive meeting between the sides
If Atalanta are to go through then they will think they need to win this game at home. Leverkusen have won just three of their last 10 away games. That may just swing it in Atalanta’s favour.
Best Betting Odds for Atalanta vs Bayer Leverkusen
