November 30, (THEWILL) – Atalanta and Sporting CP have both qualified for the UEFA Europa League knockout stages after their 1-1 draw on Thursday night. With one game still left to play in Group D, Atalanta top the group with 11 points, while Sporting sit second with eight points.
The match saw Atalanta take an early lead through Gianluca Scamacca’s 23rd minute strike, assisted by Teun Koopmeiners. Sporting hit back with an equaliser on 56 minutes – Marcus Edwards getting the goal, thanks to an assist from Viktor Gyökeres. Both sides had opportunities to find a winner, but a draw was probably the fair result in the end.
It was a significant result for both clubs in their hopes of progressing further in the competition. Atalanta are still unbeaten in five group games and with Sporting, who drew two, won two and lost one, they can rest key players in the final group game in two weeks.
Atalanta will face Rakow Czestochowa, while Sporting finish their group campaign at home against Sturm Graz. Both sides though can already start planning for knockout round football when the competition resumes in 2024.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
