Marten De Roon expressed confidence in Atalanta’s ability to rebound in the Champions League play-off against Borussia Dortmund following their 2-0 defeat in the first leg. The match is set to commence at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo at 17:45 GMT (18:45 CET). Atalanta will seek to overcome a challenging situation after the first leg, which saw goals from Serhou Guirassy and Maximilian Beier secure Dortmund’s victory.
Atalanta’s Strategy for Success
To advance, Atalanta must win by a two-goal margin to force extra time, as the away goals rule has been discontinued. De Roon emphasized the importance of defensive adjustments for this crucial match.
- Atalanta needs to minimize spaces in their defense.
- Improving ball control is essential for mounting an effective offense.
- Being aggressive and intense on the field will be key to their chances.
De Roon remarked on Dortmund’s high defensive line, indicating that Atalanta has the potential to exploit this weakness. Historically, Atalanta has faced Dortmund three times without a win, earning one draw and losing both matches in Germany.
Expectations for the Match
Despite Dortmund’s strong squad, De Roon anticipates an attacking approach from them rather than a purely defensive game. He called for Atalanta to push hard for the entire 90 minutes while relying on their home crowd for support.
- Atalanta’s fans are crucial for motivation and encouragement.
- The home advantage in Bergamo can bolster their performance.
De Roon concluded by acknowledging the supporters, emphasizing their role as the team’s “12th man.” The recent morale boost from a 2-1 victory against Napoli further enhances Atalanta’s readiness for this pivotal encounter with Dortmund.
