Sporting Lisbon vs Atalanta
UEFA Europa League
Round of 16
Wednesday
6th March 2024
Estadio Jose Alvalade
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the UEFA Europa League fixture between Sporting Lisbon and Atalanta.
Sporting Lisbon vs Atalanta: Preview
Sporting Lisbon form analysis
Lisbon’s recent European form shows a resilient team capable of grinding out results but with room for improvement going forward. They started this Europa League campaign strongly by beating Rakow Czestochowa 2-1 at home on November 10th thanks to two Pote penalties. Away to Serie A high-flyers Atalanta on November 30th, Sporting went ahead through Scamacca before Edwards equalized to earn an impressive 1-1 draw. Sporting built momentum by comfortably dispatching Sturm Graz 3-0 at home on December 15th, with goals from Gyökeres and a Gonçalo Inácio brace highlighting their defensive solidity and set-piece prowess.
This foundation served them well during a 3-1 first leg victory away to Young Boys on February 15th, with an Amenda own goal, Gyökeres penalty and Gonçalo Inácio strike giving Sporting control ahead of the second leg. However, their 1-1 home draw last week shows limitations going forward, with Young Boys equalizing late through Ganvoula after Gyökeres had opened the scoring. Overall, Sporting’s form suggests they have the defensive organization to progress but must improve offensively to trouble likely next opponents Atalanta. Harnessing midfield creators like Edwards and maximizing striker Paulinho will be key.
Atalanta form analysis
Atalanta’s recent European form paints the picture of an entertaining attacking side but one prone to defensive lapses. They started their Europa League campaign with an impressive comeback 2-1 home win over Sporting Lisbon on October 5th, overturning Gyokeres’ penalty to triumph through Scalvini and Ruggeri goals. However on October 26th away to Sturm Graz, despite Muriel’s brace, sloppy defending saw them pegged back twice in a 2-2 draw. Atalanta tightened up defensively at home to Sturm on November 10th, grinding out a 1-0 win courtesy of Djimsiti’s winner to secure knockout qualification.
Their attacking flair shone during an entertaining 1-1 home draw with Sporting on November 30th, Scamacca netting before Edwards equalized late on. Atalanta ended the group stages in blistering fashion, destroying Rakow Czestochowa 4-0 on December 15th as Muriel netted twice more in an emphatic display. Overall, Atalanta’s form shows they carry lots of attacking threats from the likes of Muriel, Hojlund and Lookman but remain prone to losing concentration defensively. Addressing these lapses will be vital to maintain balance ahead of a tricky playoff tie with Sporting Lisbon.
