The Europa League semi-finals are upon us, and Atalanta, with Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman in their ranks, find themselves on the precipice of European glory. Their first challenge lies in the form of a daunting clash against Olympique de Marseille at the Stade Vélodrome, known for its electrifying and often intimidating atmosphere.
Ahead of the crucial first leg on Thursday, OM president Pablo Longoria has issued a stark warning to Atalanta, declaring, “They will experience the hell of the Vélodrome.” Marseille boasts an impressive home record this season, with their sole defeat coming against the Ligue 1 giants, Paris Saint-Germain. While Atalanta is undoubtedly aware of the hostile reception that awaits them, they can expect a similarly passionate response upon their return to the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia.
Lookman, who has seamlessly integrated himself into Gian Piero Gasperini's attacking unit, has his sights firmly set on securing Champions League football for Atalanta, either through a top-six Serie A finish or by lifting the Europa League trophy. His recent form has been nothing short of impressive, contributing a goal and an assist in their 2-0 victory over Empoli, further solidifying Atalanta's position in the race for a Champions League spot.
2024/2025 UCL qualification race
Currently occupying the sixth position in Serie A, two points behind Roma who have played a game more, Atalanta are well within reach of securing a top-four finish and the coveted Champions League qualification that comes with it. However, with the new format of the competition offering five qualification spots for Serie A teams next season, their fate may hinge on Roma's performance in the remaining fixtures.
The alternative path to Champions League glory lies in conquering the Europa League, a competition where Atalanta has already defied expectations. Their most recent foray into the Champions League came two seasons ago, and now they stand on the brink of replicating that feat, with the added incentive of potentially facing their Serie A rivals, Roma, in the final.
Reflecting on their recent win against Empoli, Ademola Lookman emphasized the significance of the victory, stating, “This victory is very important because we have to reach the Champions League. We also have commitments in the Italian Cup and the Europa League, winning today was important.”
His confidence extends to the challenge posed by Roma, a team he acknowledges as strong but one that Atalanta is prepared to face. “Yes, Roma are a strong team but so are we. We know that every match is difficult but we are ready to try to win them all,” he declared.
Clash with OM: Ademola Lookman weighs in
Looking ahead to the Europa League semi-final clash with Marseille, Ademola Lookman acknowledged the difficulty of the encounter but expressed optimism about achieving a positive result. “It will be a difficult match but we are confident that we can achieve a positive result and then we will see.”
Atalanta's European dream hangs in the balance as they prepare to face the wild supporters of Marseille in the first leg of the semi-final. A victory in this crucial tie would propel them towards the final, where they could potentially face either their Serie A rivals, Roma, or Lookman's compatriots in Bayer Leverkusen, Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella. Should Atalanta emerge victorious, it would mark a historic moment for the club, their first trophy since their Italian Serie B title in the 2010/2011 season.
Marseille's home advantage
Adding to the challenge Atalanta faces is Marseille's formidable home record. OM has won their last three European matches at the Vélodrome, qualifying each time thanks to the advantage gained at home. This includes their quarter-final triumph over Benfica, which was decided on penalties after a 2-2 draw.
Marseille president, Pablo Longoria, has himself acknowledged the intimidating atmosphere that awaits Atalanta, describing it as “the hell of the Vélodrome.”
Statistically, Marseille boasts the second-best home record in Ligue 1, with only one draw and victories in all other matches. In the Europa League, they have been even more dominant, winning all their home games except for a draw against Brighton in the group stages.
Atalanta, aware of this daunting challenge, will need to be at their best to overcome the passionate Marseille crowd and the strategic advantage that OM holds by playing the first leg at home.
