Atalanta failed to win the home game against FC Midtjylland (1-1) in the Champions League on Tuesday-evening, but the Italians are nevertheless positive. Due to the defeat of Ajax at Liverpool (1-0), they only need a point to qualify for the eighth finals.
“We are not there yet, but we will travel to Amsterdam next week with a small advantage. Two of the three possible results are enough for us to continue,” coach Gian Piero Gasperini said after the game in Bergamo. Sky Italy.
“At the start of the group phase, we probably immediately signed on to enter the last match of the group with this starting position. It would of course be a great success if we manage to eliminate Ajax.”
Due to the victory of Liverpool, Atalanta eventually got away well against Midtjylland, because with a draw or win by Ajax at Anfield, a (small) draw would have been enough for the team from Amsterdam to winter in the Champions League next week.
‘We have to fight for the victory at Ajax’
Midtjylland owed the first point in group D to a goal by Alexander Scholz in the thirteenth minute. Atalanta only tied the score eleven minutes before the end by a goal from defender Cristian Romero, who headed home from a cross by Hans Hateboer.
“We created enough opportunities and should have won,” said Atalanta’s goalscorer. “Midtjylland put us under good pressure at times and also did well, but fortunately we will soon have a good starting position against Ajax.”
The 22-year-old Romero emphasizes that his team in the Johan Cruijff ArenA next week will not lean on the idea that one point is enough for wintering. “We have to play there next week as we often do: with an offensive mentality. It’s important to really fight for the win.”
View the program, the results and the standings in the Champions League
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