The European flame is reignited this evening as Marseille, the former glory of the French Ligue 1, take on Serie A rivals Atalanta in their own stadium. Marseille is going all out with their sights set on the glory of being European champions. Atalanta, on the other hand, will play both offense and defense. It's worth noting that the core defenders of both teams are out due to injuries. This is expected to be a goal battle, and the 2.5 goals handicap is definitely the best choice for this feast of European giants.
Marseille has had an eventful season, with many internal conflicts and two managerial changes. With no hope of winning the league, the team has made a decisive change in strategy and shifted its focus to European competition in an effort to win a ticket to the Champions League. Marseille won 3, drew 1, and lost 2 of their last 6 knockout matches in legal time, including a 2-2 draw with Benfica in the last 8. In penalty shootouts, the six matches have produced five goals or more. The team's scorers, Aubameyang and Moe N'Banana, have repeatedly scored. However, the central midfielder Kiegert will miss the game due to suspension, which is undoubtedly a big loss for the team's defensive end.
Meanwhile, Atlanta has always had an attacking philosophy, especially when playing on the road. In the past five road games of the European champions, the team has scored three goals or more four times, including a 3-0 win over Liverpool away from home in the first round, breaking the Reds' 33-game unbeaten streak at home. Arrowhead Schickamaka is in hot form with 4 goals in his last 4 matches. Although keeper Ishakheen is suspended, it will not affect Atlanta's attacking style on the road, and they may break the deadlock at any time, and the 2.5 goals handicap is more attractive.
