Atalanta defeat Marseille to advance to Europa League Final

Photo: Stephen Gormley (Red Eye Photo Agency)

Atalanta cruised to the Europa League Final in Dublin with a 3-0 home win over Marseille

The crowd were packed into the stadium in Bergamo, Italy 90 minutes before kick off as everyone awaited the second leg semi final match with the tie evenly balanced at 1-1 after the first leg the previous week.

The Italians looked fitter and physically stronger than their French counterparts and went ahead after only 30 minutes. Nigerian striker Ademola Lookman cut in from the left and struck a shot that went into the net with a little help from a deflection. The crowd went wild and Marseille players’ heads dropped.

It did not take Atalanta long in the second half to get a firm grip on the game. Ruggeri made it 2-0 on the night and Atalanta fans could dare to dream of their final night in Dublin.

The final whistle could have been blown right after that second goal. Marseille just kept on hitting a blue and black wall and in the 94th minute Toure made it 3-0 on the night and 4-1 overall.

It is Atalanta v the “Invincibles” Leverkusen on the 22nd of May in Dublin. Leverkusen will be the favourites but Atalanta will have confidence after convincing wins over decent sides such as Liverpool and Marseille on their way to the final.