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Christopher Nkunku celebrates after the opening goal in Leipzig
Photo: Jan Woitas / dpa
RB Leipzig is in the semi-finals of the Europa League.
In the second leg of the quarter-finals, the fourth-placed Bundesliga team won 2-0 (1-0) against Italian representatives Atalanta.
The two teams drew 1-1 in the first leg.
Leipzig came to Bergamo with the confidence of twelve competitive games without defeat, but, like in the first leg, faced aggressive and dangerous opponents.
The eighth-placed side of Serie A had a good opportunity after just five minutes: Ruslan Malinovskyi forced Leipzig goalkeeper Péter Gulácsi to make a first save with a shot from a tight angle.
RB survived the hosts' initial attack unscathed and provided a highlight themselves in the 18th minute: Konrad Laimer was sent down the right flank, the Austrian started a long sprint from his own half and found the im with a precise cross Christopher Nkunku broke in behind the defense.
The French put the ball on the right inner post, from where the ball went into the goal – 0:1.
Lahoz checks - and decides in favor of Leipzig
Excitement then after the restart: Dani Olmo got a free kick on his arm, referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz rated the action as not punishable after a long time on the screen (52nd).
It went back and forth: On the other side, the outstanding Laimer just missed making it 2-0 (55') after a mistake by Atalanta goalkeeper Juan Musso, Hans Hateboer had the 1-1 on his foot after a sharp free-kick (63'). .).
Lahoz now had his hands full in the exciting and intense game.
There were yellow cards at two-minute intervals, nine in the second half alone.
The hustle and bustle benefited the guests in particular.
Leipzig was good and didn't allow much in the final phase either.
The decision was made shortly before the end: Nkunku was brought down by Musso and converted the penalty himself (87').
It was the 24-year-old's 30th goal in a competitive game this season.
RB Leipzig meets the winner of the duel Braga / Glasgow Rangers in the semifinals.
The two games will be played on April 28th and May 5th.
The final will take place in Seville on May 18th.
All dates and results of the Europa League can be found in our data center.
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