Bergamo (dpa) – It would be the first time for RB Leipzig. The Bundesliga soccer club can celebrate its premiere in the semi-finals of the Europa League if it succeeds in today’s quarter-final second leg (6.45 p.m. / RTL +) at Atalanta Bergamo. The first meeting ended 1:1.
Leipzig in flow:
RB Leipzig travels to Bergamo with an enormous increase in self-confidence. They are the best second-round team in the Bundesliga, have the best offense and the best defense in the league after the winter break. In addition, the Saxons have not lost in all competitions for twelve games. The last defeat was 2:3 at Bayern Munich in early February. Although Bergamo plays solidly in the European Cup in their own stadium, things are not going well in the league. The Italians are only 13th in the home table.
Personal relaxation:
It got really crowded on the plane to Bergamo on Wednesday afternoon. Only Amadou Haidara, who had a knee injury, was missing from the Leipzig squad. It can be assumed that coach Domenico Tedesco will allow striker André Silva and playmaker Dani Olmo to start again. The duo last paused in the Bundesliga. Bergamo is worried about some top performers like Remo Freuler and captain Rafael Toloi.
Tedesco’s pleasure:
When it comes to his country of birth, Tedesco knows exactly what he likes. The day before the game, the 36-year-old reported his fondness for pistachio ice cream – and Italian journalists immediately congratulated him on his choice. It should be noted that the Stracciatella variety was invented in Bergamo. In the Lombard city, Tedesco was more attracted to a sausage stand at the stadium, which he discovered during a visit last October. “When you come in, turn right immediately,” explained the coach.
Tedesco’s Tactics Lesson:
“Bergamo plays an extreme man-marking. They follow the opponent almost over the entire pitch. You rarely see that in Germany.”