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It was an intense game between Leipzig and Bergamo
Photo:
FILIP SINGER/EPO
RB Leipzig has to worry about reaching the semi-finals in the Europa League.
In the first leg of the quarter-finals, coach Domenico Tedesco's team drew 1-1 (0-1) against a strong team from Atalanta Bergamo.
In view of several great chances for the guests, the draw was even lucky.
RB, the Bundesliga's most successful second half team so far, started with the current best line-up, Lukas Klostermann returned to the starting XI for the first time in four weeks after an injury.
Opponents Bergamo, on the other hand, had acute injuries in defense, coach Gian Piero Gasperini had to rebuild his defense extensively.
Nevertheless, the Italians had the better start.
The guests took the lead after just 17 minutes, Luis Muriel first beat Klostermann in the penalty area and then didn't give goalkeeper Peer Gulasci a chance to defend himself.
Leipzig seemed impressed after that, but at least had a great chance through André Silva, the Portuguese only hit the post - as did striker Mario Pasalic on the other side shortly before half-time.
Overall, Leipzig was too cumbersome on the offensive and only rarely threatened to score.
The deficit at half-time was deserved.
After the change it got weird.
Christopher Nkunku was put down in the penalty area in the 56th minute, and the penalty was the logical consequence.
However, Silva initially failed because of goalkeeper Juan Musso, who reacted outstandingly.
But then the goal fell – in the next scene: A cross from Angelino jumped unhappily on the knee of Bergamo defender Davide Zappacosta, who wanted to clear Leipzig’s Willi Orban.
Musso was then powerless against his own teammate.
After that it went back and forth, another attack from the Italians landed on the post, then Bergamo's substitute striker Duvan Zapata had the opportunity to take the lead again, in this phase RB had luck on his side and then almost did in the final phase forced the win: But substitute Dominik Szoboszlai hit the crossbar with a header in the 82nd minute.
Aha