Atalanta secured their spot in the Europa League after winning 5-2 against Monza in the final matchday of Serie A. The team, managed by Gian Piero Gasperini, knew that they only needed a victory to guarantee their place in the European tournament. Monza, the best newly-promoted team of the season, was no match for Atalanta’s intense pressing and quick passing game. Teun Koopmeiners was the standout player of the match, scoring two goals and assisting another.
The match got off to a lively start, and Koopmeiners had an opportunity to score in the 6th minute when Monza’s Caldirola gifted the ball to him in the box. However, the Dutch international missed his chance. He didn’t have to wait long to make amends, however, as he scored the opener for Atalanta in the 26th minute with a fantastic header from Maehle’s cross.
Atalanta didn’t let their foot off the gas even after taking the lead. They continued to push forward and created multiple chances. Monza rarely threatened, and when they did, Sportiello, the Bergamo goalkeeper, made some crucial saves to keep the scoreline at 1-0.
After the break, Monza’s Dany Mota and Bergamo’s Höjlund had big chances to score before Colpani equalized for Monza with a fantastic free-kick from outside the box. At that point, Monza seemed to be getting back into the game, but their hopes were dashed when Marlon was sent off for a foul on Koopmeiners, who was through on goal. Atalanta used their numerical advantage to score two quickfire goals, with Koopmeiners assisting one and scoring the other with a sublime long-range effort from the corner of the box that went over De Gregorio’s head and into the net.
Monza got a consolation goal through Petagna, but it was too little too late. Atalanta scored one more goal through Muriel to seal a 5-2 victory and secure their spot in the Europa League. It was a fantastic performance by Gasperini’s side, and Koopmeiners was the standout player, delivering a man-of-the-match performance with two goals and an assist.
Atalanta will now look to build on their success and compete in the Europa League next season. With the likes of Koopmeiners in their squad, they will be a force to be reckoned with.
