Sporting Lisbon are set to take on Atalanta on Wednesday, 6 March in the first leg of the Europa League round of 16. This is Atalanta's first match in the competition since December as they topped their group while Sporting Lisbon were forced into a round of 32 fixture after finishing 2nd in Group D. Interestingly, both teams were in the same group so have already played each other twice this season which makes this match all the more intriguing.
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Sporting Lisbon vs Atalanta H2H record
Sporting Lisbon and Atalanta have played each other on seven previous occasions with their most recent two coming earlier this season. Prior to that, their last meeting was in 1988 in the Cup Winners Cup while their first-ever meeting came all the way back in 1963.
- Sporting Lisbon Wins: 2
- Draws: 2
- Atalanta Wins: 3
Overall, Sporting Lisbon's record against Italian sides isn't great. In 31 competitive matches, they have only won six times while they have suffered 13 defeats. Meanwhile, the only Portuguese side that Atalanta have ever faced is Sporting Lisbon.
Sporting Lisbon vs Atalanta last five H2Hs
Atalanta 1-1 Sporting Lisbon – 30th November 2023
The most recent Atalanta vs Sporting Lisbon H2H took place in November 2023 on matchday five of the Europa League group stages. Both teams had all but secured qualification from Group D by this point but with three points separating them, this match was effectively the decider for top spot. Scamacca gave the hosts the lead in the first half before Marcus Edwards equalised for Sporting in the second half. Atalanta hung on for the win and ended up finishing in first place in Group D.
Sporting Lisbon 1-2 Atalanta – 5th October 2023
Atalanta secured a huge win in Group D in October 2023 when they visited Lisbon on matchday two. Both sides had won their opening matches of the group stages so this win gave the Italians the advantage they needed in the race for top spot. Atalanta took a 2-0 lead into half time thanks to goals from Sculvini and Ruggeri but a triple change from Sporting boss, Ruben Amorim, changed the tide of the match. Viktor Gyokeres pulled one back from the penalty spot but Sporting failed in their search for an equaliser.
Sporting Lisbon 1-1 Atalanta – 15th March 1988
In 1988, Sporting Lisbon faced Atalanta in the quarter-finals of the Cup Winners Cup. Sporting came into this second leg with a mountain to climb after losing the first leg 2-0 in Italy but they looked on course to complete the comeback when they took the lead halfway through the second half. As they pushed for the much-needed second goal, Atalanta caught them on the break and secured passage through to the semi-finals thanks to a goal from Cantarutti.
Atalanta 2-0 Sporting Lisbon – 1st March 1988
The first leg of this quarter-final tie was far more one-sided than the return leg in Lisbon. Atalanta took full advantage of playing in front of their home supporters and in truth, they perhaps should have taken a larger lead with them to Lisbon. On the night, they had to settle for goals from Eligio Nicolini and Aldo Cantarutti. They would go on to win the tie but lose to Belgian side, Mechelen in the semi-finals.
Sporting Lisbon 3-1 Atalanta – 14th October 1963
Sporting Lisbon faced Atalanta three times in the Cup Winners Cup in the 1963/64 season. They were drawn to play each other in the first round of the competition but after the first two legs finished all square, they were forced to play a play-off to decide a winner. Sporting came through the tie but they needed extra time to do with the goals on the night coming from Figueiredo, Mascarenhas and Be. Sporting would end up reaching the final and winning the competition.
Potential MVP – Viktor Gyokeres
Viktor Gyokeres has put the whole of Europe on notice this season after a sensational campaign up front for Sporting Lisbon. He impressed for Coventry City last season but few could have predicted his transfer to Sporting going as well as it has done. The Swedish striker has already scored 26 goals in all competitions this season with five of those coming in the Europa League. Atalanta's defence will need to be at their very best to keep him quiet on Wednesday night.
Key trend
Looking at the Sporting Lisbon vs Atalanta last five H2Hs, the key trend is that both teams tend to get on the scoresheet when these sides meet regardless of the era or the quality of the individuals on show. Both teams to score has been priced at 4/7 for the match on Wednesday night. For more tips, check out our in-depth Sporting Lisbon vs Atalanta prediction.
