Atalanta are set to take on Sporting in the Europa League last 16 first leg, but why is the match being played on a Wednesday instead of the usual Thursday?
THE Atalanta looked strong in the Europa League group stage in the first half of the season, remaining unbeaten as they finished top of the group after wins over Rakow Czestochowa, Sturm Graz και Sportingallowing her to bypass the knockout play-offs.
To big disappointment fans and neutrals, in the Europa League knockout draw at Neon last month, Atalanta were again paired with Sporting in the round of 16, despite their two meetings in the group stage. Why did UEFA decide to break the traditional Europa League schedule for the first leg of the last 16 tie between Atalanta and Sporting by scheduling the match for Wednesday night instead of the usual Thursday?
The reason is due to the complex schedules of both clubs. THE Benfica which hosts the Rangers in the Portuguese capital on March 7, forcing UEFA to find a solution due to public order concerns. Atalanta have had an incredibly busy schedule in recent weeks due to the participation ofof Inter in the Italian Super Cupwhich delayed its Serie A match from matchday 21 on February 28, leaving the Bergamo side to play four matches in just 10 days. The original plan was for Sporting to host Atalanta on March 5, but due to the Bergamo team’s schedule, Wednesday was considered the best solution.