It’s too tiring to write a full review – the aftermath of this match was just too exhausting. Extra time was Atalanta’s friend on Saturday, but it’s enemy against Manchester United, as Cristiano Ronaldo (who else, ugh) put away two goals including a match tying goal with three minutes remaining in the match. Atalanta played so well, and deserved three points, but this is just who it falls sometimes. A valuable point was still earned, making a draw against Villarreal a sufficient result to advance (as long as ManU and Atalanta win their next games).
There’s not much else to talk about that won’t provoke anger and agitation. There were more fantastic performances on Atalanta’s side of the ball than disappointing ones, and there’s a lot to be encouraged about going forward. Atalanta is back to four healthy non youth league centerbacks, and the long ready to health is getting closer and closer. Let’s not dwell too long on this, and come out with kicking next weekend!
Atalanta Passione’s Match Ratings
Juan Musso- 6.5: Could he have gotten the last Ronaldo shot? Who knows, but let’s not blame him for not stopping a perfectly placed shot.
Marten de Roon- 7: He moved into midfield in the second half, and did an excellent job slowing down Bruno Fernandes
Merih Demiral- 6.5: Had some heavy touches, and was a little lackadaisical situationally. Nonetheless he stepped up on numerous occasions in the second half to stifle United’s attacks.
Jose Luis Palomino- 7.5: An excellent defensive match, Greenwood did nothing, and a perfectly placed assist to set up Zapata in the second half.
Davide Zappacosta- 6.5: His motor was revving, but the finishing product on offense wasn’t there.
Joakim Maehle- 6.5: He’s found his production floor, now he just needs to find his next level. Almost set up Zapata on a brilliant outside of the boot assist (eerily similar to Denmark’s goal in the Euros).
Remo Freuler- 6.5: He could’ve been the catalyst to calm things down more in the second half, but got lost in the fury of the build up too often.
Teun Koopmeiners- 7: Lively hustle all over the pitch, and his long balls were on point, hitting on 9 of 12.
Mario Pasalic- 6: Not his greatest game, but when he doesn’t make grave mistakes – take it and run.
Josip Ilicic- 7: De Gea gifted him a goal, but he still took his chance well. He was noticeably tired in the second half. It would’ve been nice for Gasperini to take him off sooner.
Duvan Zapata- 8: A workhorse up front, causing problems all day for Bailly and Maguire.
Berat Djimsiti- 7: In the first game back for the Albanian, it looked like he barely missed any time. His steady presence has been missed.
Luis Muriel- 5.5: Nothing has clicked for him yet, spoiled some good opportunities to threaten the goal with poor passing and shot selection.
Atalanta Passione’s Man of the Match – Duvan Zapata
Zapata continues to be scorching hot, setting up Josip Ilicic on La Dea’s first goal and putting the afterburners on to beat Harry Maguire for the club’s second. Beyond this bruising offensive form, right now he’s one of the only offensive outlets to initiate attacks, and his physicality is on another level this year. With Luis Muriel continuing to struggle, who knows where Atalanta would be offensively without him blowing up defensive setups. He’s been the club’s best player so far, and hopefully he doesn’t slow down anytime soon.
With two games left in Group F, it is paramount that Atalanta beat Young Boys in a month’s time. A lot can happy between now and then, but with a draw, Atalanta will need too much help to realistically advance. If Atalanta takes six points, the boys advance, and it is definitely in their power. If they bring the same fury they brought against Manchester United, it should definitely be enough to take down Young Boys and Villarreal in the confines of the Gewiss. Tuesday’s pill is tough to swallow, but let’s remember a point was still earned – and we can at least take the consolation prize of thoroughly outplaying Manchester United over two legs (whatever that’s worth). Let’s keeping forging on, and as always, Forza Dea!!!
