Ukrainian Ruslan Malinovsky has shown Atalanta Bergamo the way to the eighth finals of the Europa League with two goals. The Italians won 3-0 in the intermediate round at the Greek Olympiakos. Last week Atalanta already won 2-1.
After Joakim Maehle’s opening goal just before half-time (assist Marten de Roon), Malinovsky claimed the leading role. Halfway through the second half he put the 0-2 on the board, after good preparatory work by substitute Teun Koopmeiners.
After his goal, Malinovksi showed a message on his undershirt: “No war in Ukraine”. Referring, of course, to the Russian invasion of his native country. A few minutes later, the attacking midfielder scored his second goal of the evening.
Zenit disabled
The only Russian team to play tonight, Zenit Saint Petersburg, was eliminated by Real Betis. In Seville, the VAR disallowed two Russian goals, including one in the final minute. The game ended in 0-0, which means that thanks to last week’s 3-2 victory, the Spaniards can prepare for the eighth finals in the Europa League.
At Zenit, the Ukrainian defender Jaroslav Rakitskiy did not appear at the kick-off. Earlier in the day, he spoke out on social media against the invasion of his home country.
