The first leg of Atalanta’s 2023/24 UEFA Europa League semi-final against Olympique de Marseille ended in a 1-1 draw at the Orange Vélodrome Stadium in Marseille.

The Nerazzurri started well and broke the deadlock in the 11th minute when Koopmeiners’ through ball found Scamacca, who controlled the ball and unleashed a right-footer into the far corner to give Atalanta the lead. On the quarter-hour mark, Kolašinac made a desperate save from Luis Henrique’s dangerous cross but also picked up an injury. For this reason, Pašalić replaced him, with de Roon moving back to defence. Olympique equalised in the 20th minute from a corner when Mbemba’s curling effort from the edge of the box ricocheted off the inside of the post and into the far corner. It was a balanced and hard-fought affair, with the hosts threatening just before half-time, but Aubameyang’s 42nd-minute angled shot one-on-one with Musso went wide of the far post.

Aubamyeang and Koopmeiners opened the second half with long-range efforts that were easily saved by the goalkeepers. More threatening was Kondogbia’s 58th-minute effort, which flew inches over the crossbar. In the 63rd minute, Lookman’s solo run resulted in the Nigerian striker firing wide from a tight angle. Olympique responded in the 73rd minute through Ounahi, whose effort smacked against the top corner. The last chance of the game saw the Nerazzurri threaten through Miranchuk, whose 90th-minute left-footer skimmed the post. The first leg of the semi-final at the Orange Velodrome ended in a 1-1 draw. In a week’s time, the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo will decide who will go through to the UEFA Europa League final.

OLYMPIQUE DE MARSEILLE 1-1 ATALANTA

Scorers: Scamacca 11 (A), Mbemba 20 (OM)

Olympique de Marseille: Pau Lopez, Clauss (Merlin 65), Mbemba, Balerdi, Murillo (Ounahi 72), Harit (Ndiaye 72), Veretout, Kondogbia, Sarr (Moumbagna 65), Aubameyang, Luis Henrique. Bench: Ngapandouentnbu, Blanco, Correa, Soglo, Abdallah, Lafont, Said M’Madi, Daou. Coach: Jean-Louis Gasset.

Atalanta: Musso, Scalvini, Djimsiti, Kolašinac (Pašalić 16), Zappacosta (Hateboer 85), de Roon, Éderson, Ruggeri, Koopmeiners, De Ketelaere (Miranchuk 85), Scamacca (Lookman 59). Bench: Carnesecchi, Rossi, El Bilal, Adopo, Bonfanti, Palestra, Comi. Coach: Gian Piero Gasperini.

Referee: Daniel Siebert (GER);
Assistant referees: Jan Seidel (GER) and Rafael Foltyn (GER);
Fourth official: Sven Jablonski (GER);
V.A.R.: Marco Fritz (GER);
A.V.A.R.: Christian Dingert (GER).

Notes: Balerdi (OM) booked.