Atalanta head to Ajax with a slender advantage ahead of Wednesday’s showdown for a place in the Champions League last 16 on the final day of group action.

Gian Piero Gasperini’s Atalanta sit second behind Group D winners Liverpool and one point ahead of third-placed Ajax, and need to avoid defeat in Amsterdam to book their place in the knockout stages for the second consecutive year.

Four-time European champions Ajax — last winners in 1995 — must win to ensure their passage after missing out last season.

The encounter at the Johan Cruyff Arena features two teams who drew 2-2 in Bergamo on matchday two, when Atalanta came back from two goals down thanks to a Duvan Zapata brace.

“We have the advantage of going to Amsterdam with the possibility of qualifying with a draw,” said Gasperini after a disappointing 1-1 home draw with Danish side Midtjylland last time out.

 

Continue reading this article on Sports Desk, the new sports website by Times of Malta

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