Andrea Petagna’s glancing header proved enough for Atalanta to get the better of Olympique Lyonnais, winning their Europa League group.
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Both these sides had already qualified and the Orobici needed only a point to be sure of top spot, so they kept squad rotation to a minimum.
Andrea Petagna’s glancing header proved enough for Atalanta to get the better of Olympique Lyonnais, winning their Europa League group.
Both these sides had already qualified and the Orobici needed only a point to be sure of top spot, so they kept squad rotation to a minimum.
It could’ve been 1-1 within four minutes, as first Mendy’s cross from the left surprised defenders and Mariano Diaz forced a desperate save from point-blank range, then at the other end Bryan Cristante turned a free header wide on Papu Gomez’s cross from just six yards.
Atalanta broke the deadlock with a frankly bizarre goal, as Hans Hateboer’s scuffed volley into the ground bounced up and Andrea Petagna anticipated Lyon defenders to nod in at the back post from 30cm out.
Petagna had the chance to double their advantage when he nodded over from a corner, while Memphis Depay’s long-range strike was deflected.
Lyon lost Maxwell Cornet after a knock to the knee on the stroke of half-time.
Papu Gomez turned defender Rafael inside out, riding one tackle and forcing a foul on the second, while Ilicic drilled over from the edge of the box.
Petagna drilled wide following a promising run and Leonardo Spinazzola cleared a looping Amine Gouiri header practically off the line from a corner.
Nabil Fekir’s scorcher stung Berisha’s gloves and in stoppages his free kick smacked the base of the upright, but Atalanta held on comfortably to win the game and their Europa League group.
Atalanta 1-0 Lyon
Petagna 10 (A)
Atalanta: Berisha; Toloi, Caldara, Masiello; Hateboer, Cristante (De Roon 87), Freuler, Spinazzola; Gomez, Petagna, Ilicic (Palomino 83)
Olympique Lyonnais: Lopes; Rafael, Diakhaby, Marcelo, Mendy; Ndombele, Ferri; Cornet (Geubbels 45), N Fekir, Depay (Aouar 68); Diaz (Gouiri 75)
Ref: Eskov (RUS)