By Milcah Tanimu

Ademola Lookman’s Atalanta BC is gearing up to maintain their unbeaten streak in the 2023-24 Europa League as they face SK Sturm Graz at Gewiss Stadium this Thursday evening.

In their previous encounter a couple of weeks ago, these teams played to a 2-2 draw during the first group stage meeting, leaving the hosts leading with seven points while the visitors secured the third spot with four points.

Atalanta has established a solid position atop the group standings, holding a three-point advantage over Sporting Lisbon and Sturm Graz. Another victory in this match would position them favorably to advance to the knockout stages with just two group matches remaining.

In the prior match at Merkur Arena, the hosts earned a point with both goals courtesy of Luis Muriel. Despite playing the majority of the second half with a numerical advantage, they might feel they could have secured more from the game.

Nonetheless, La Dea remains optimistic about securing a win on their home turf, where they have excelled this season, suffering only one defeat in six matches across all competitions. The recent loss to Inter Milan halted a five-game unbeaten streak at home, during which Atalanta did not concede a goal. Notable achievements during this run included shutting out formidable opponents like Juventus and Rakow Czestochowa, while also scoring nine goals in the process.