Europa League: Why Sporting-Atalanta play on Wednesday night | OneFootball

Atalanta are ready to battle it out with Sporting CP in the first leg of their Europa League Round of 16 tie, but why is the match being played on a Wednesday and not the usual Thursday?

Gian Piero Gasperini’s side looked strong in their Europa League group stage in the first half of the season, remaining undefeated as they finished top of Group D following wins over Rakow Czestochowa, Sturm Graz and Sporting, allowing them to bypass the knockout play-offs.

Much to the disappointment of fans and neutrals, at the Europa League knockout draw in Nyon last month, Atalanta were again paired up with Sporting in the Round of 16, despite their two meetings in the group stage.

Calcio e Finanza explained why UEFA decided to break traditional Europa League convention for the first leg of the Round of 16 tie between Atalanta and Sporting, scheduling the match for a Wednesday night instead of the usual Thursday.

The reason is due to the complicated schedules of both clubs; Benfica host Rangers is the Portuguese capital on March 7, forcing UEFA to find a solution due to public order concerns.

Atalanta have had an incredibly packed calendar in recent weeks due to Inter’s participation in the Supercoppa Italiana, which delayed their Serie A match from the 21st matchday to February 28, leaving the Bergamo outfit to play four matches in just 10 days.

The initial plan was for Sporting to host Atalanta on March 5, but due to the Bergamo outfit’s schedule, Wednesday was considered the best solution.