A goalless draw would have taken Atalanta through to the last-8, but they won it right at the end courtesy of Jeremie Boga’s solo goal.
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Atalanta head coach Gian Piero Gasperini was satisfied after his side overcame Bayern Leverkusen to reach the quarter-finals of Europa League. The Serie A side secured a 1-0 win in the last-16 second leg fixture at Bay Arena on Thursday to go through to the next round of the competition with an aggregate score of 4-2. A goalless draw would have taken Atalanta through, but they won it right at the end courtesy of Jeremie Boga’s solo goal.
Read more: Galatasaray vs Barcelona: The La Liga side win 2-1 to enter Europa League QF
✈️ Voliamo ai quarti!!!
? Quarter-finals, here we come!!!@Plus500 #Bayer04Atalanta #UEL #GoAtalantaGo ⚫️? pic.twitter.com/c7S4lmu34q
— Atalanta B.C. (@Atalanta_BC) March 17, 2022
“It’s very satisfying to reach the quarter-finals. We struggled a little in the second half, but overall qualified deservedly,” Gasperini told Sky Sport Italia.
“Now we wait for the draw, but first we enjoy this evening. We could’ve done better, but we showed important values that are needed at this level too.”
Leverkusen played good football for a large part of the game and created the better chances. But the Atalanta defence stood firm and goalkeeper Juan Musso made some brilliant saves to deny the Leverkusen attackers.
Boga scored the winner in the stoppages when he collected the ball and ran from his own half, and took on three defenders before firing into the far top corner from the left side of the box.
The coach added “I congratulated Gerardo Seoane, as he is getting the best out of a squad with lots of young talents. We are happy to have qualified, but it was really tough.
“Boga has these characteristics and we hope this goal can give him the confidence boost he needs for the rest of the season.”
Meanwhile Merih Demiral had an excellent game in the heart of Atalanta defence. The Turkish defender made a series of crucial tackles and blocks.
“Demiral has this physicality and is really strong in the air, but he’s also working hard and if he manages to become more of an athlete via training, he can improve a great deal. We are very happy with his performance.”
The winners of the Europa League will directly qualify for the UEFA Champions League. Atalanta are currently placed sixth in the Serie A standings, eight points adrift of the champions League spot.
