All Square Between FC Copenhagen and Atalanta
Marco Iacobucci EPP / Shutterstock.com
The 2018/19 UEFA Europa League group stage is getting ever closer and there is just one round of games remaining before the draw takes place. One of the tightest ties is between FC Copenhagen of Denmark and Atalanta of Italy.
With the first leg ending 0-0 in Bergamo, FC Copenhagen will believe they have the advantage with this home leg still to come. However, despite picking up a draw in Italy, the Danes did not score a goal and the lack of an away goal could prove costly in this match.
FC Copenhagen have made a strong start to the season and not only are they one game away from the group stages of the Europa League, they are also top of the Danish SuperLiga. A 3-2 win over SonderjyskE on the weekend means FC Copenhagen are top of the league.
Trends show they are undefeated in their last twelve games in all competitions this season. FC Copenhagen have won nine of those twelve matches, with the other three ending in draws.
FC Copenhagen have won each of their last five games at home, defeating AaB, Brondby and SonderjyskE in the Danish SuperLiga plus Stjarnan and CSKA Sofia in the Europa League. FC Copenhagen have scored at least 2 or more goals in each of those five matches and 3 or more goals in four of them, which is a sign of their attacking intent.
Atalanta were disappointed not to get a win in the first leg. They registered 11 shots on target in comparison to one for FC Copenhagen but could not find the back of the net. However, they will be happy with the clean sheet.
The Serie A team met Roma on Monday night and despite taking a 3-1 lead were pegged back and had to settle for a 3-3 draw.
Atalanta have played five games in the Europa League this season having started their campaign in the second qualifying round. They were held to a shock 2-2 draw at home by Sarajevo before demolishing the Bosnians 8-0 in the reverse fixture. The third qualifying round paired Atalanta with Hapoel Haifa and the Italians won 4-1 away before finishing the job with a comfortable 2-0 home win.
The one thing which stands out from Atalanta’s Europa League fixtures this season is their away form. They have won both away matches and done so convincingly, scoring 12 goals and conceding only one.
Team news and FC Copenhagen are waiting to hear on the fitness of Zeca and Rasmus Falk Jensen, who could both feature in the game. Jonas Wind is not expected to return until after the international break.
Atalanta will travel without Josip Ilicic, Marco Varnier and Leonardo Spinazzola who are on the treatment table. Marco Tumminello is back in training but this match is expected to come too soon.
FC Copenhagen will be feeling good following the first leg in Italy but Atalanta are very dangerous in attack. We could see a scoring draw in this game, which would be enough for Atalanta to progress.
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