Borussia Dortmund travel to Bergamo on Thursday for their second leg last-32 clash with Atalanta. The Germans won the first leg, 3-2, and now Dortmund are a win away from making the last-16.
Atalanta have been a surprise team over the past 18 months in Serie A. The Italians will be buoyed by their home supporters and Thursday night's fixture will be a tremendous match to watch for neutral fans.
Dortmund entered the Europa League after finishing third in their Champions League group. The side massively disappointed in the competition and it cost former manager Peter Bosz his job in December. His exit from the Signal Iduna Park was during an eight game Bundesliga winless streak. Since the arrival of manager Peter Stoger, Dortmund have not lost in their last eight league matches. It is a run that also saw the yellow and black win against Atalanta a week ago.
Dortmund's biggest problem is an inability to keep goals out. The side has improved under Stoger, but the first leg against Atalanta was an example of the best and worst of Dortmund. The team raced out to a 1-0 lead thanks to Andre Schurrle. Atalanta scored twice through Josip Illic in a five-minute span. Michy Batshuayi scored to level the match before adding the winner in the first minute of stoppage-time. It was sheer drama and Thursday night's second leg should be the same.
Atalanta are having another sensational season in Serie A. However, La Dea have had their eye on the Europa League which has prevented the team from pushing on like they did a season ago. Atalanta only average 1.5 goals per game compared to Dortmund's 2.1. The team doesn't score many goals, but at least Atalanta have been able to keep opponents from scoring. Atalanta didn't lose during the group stages and dominated the likes of Premier League side Everton and France's Lyon. However, taking on Dortmund, a team that appeared in the Champions League group stage, Atalanta are taking a big step up.
Despite losing in the first leg, Atalanta go into the fixture with the advantage. Atalanta tallied two away goals, which means a 3-3 aggregate score will send the Italians through to the last-16.
Dortmund need an away goal and the team could get it. Marco Reus is back from injury and he has hit form. Batshuayi, who arrived in January, hit the ground running. He has three goals since joining Dortmund. The team will be near full strength, but defensive midfield linchpin Julian Weigl will miss out due to suspension.
Dortmund just need an away goal and 1-1 draw on Thursday will see them through. The yellow and black have been brilliant under Stoger. He should lead the side into the next round and a deeper run into the Europa League.