De Ketelaere misses a penalty, Lookman argues with Juric, but Samardzic comes off the bench to decide it with a masterpiece in stoppage time.
Atalanta pulled off a dramatic late win in Marseille, edging the French side 1–0 at the Vélodrome thanks to a brilliant left-footed strike from Lazar Samardzic in the 90th minute. It was a victory full of grit and character for Ivan Juric’s team, who climb to seven points in their Champions League group.
The Bergamaschi started well and earned a penalty after 14 minutes when Krstovic was brought down by Rulli. However, the Marseille keeper redeemed himself with a superb save on De Ketelaere’s attempt from the spot. The Belgian’s miss didn’t break Atalanta’s rhythm — moments later, Lookman set up Krstovic for a great chance, but the Montenegrin fired well over.
Marseille responded only once in the first half, when Aubameyang forced Carnesecchi into a diving save to tip the ball over the bar. Atalanta stayed sharper and more compact, dictating tempo without finding the breakthrough.
After the restart, Lookman thought he’d finally put Atalanta ahead on a Bellanova assist, but the VAR ruled it out for Krstovic’s earlier offside position. The match became increasingly tense — Lookman’s visible frustration at being substituted led to a sideline clash with Juric — but the turning point came right at the end.
In the 90th minute, substitute Samardzic produced a moment of pure class: a curling left-footed shot from distance that left Rulli helpless. Marseille’s protests for a penalty in the previous phase fell on deaf ears, and Atalanta held firm to seal a priceless European win.
Match Report
UEFA Champions League – Group Stage
Venue: Stade Vélodrome (Marseille)
Scorer:
- 90’ Samardzic (Atalanta)
Marseille (3-4-2-1): Rulli; Pavard, Aguerd, Egan-Riley; Murillo, Højbjerg, O’Riley (79′ Gomes), Garcia (95′ Mmadi); Greenwood, Paixão (72′ Vaz); Aubameyang.
Coach: De Zerbi
Atalanta (3-4-2-1): Carnesecchi; Kossounou (58′ Hien), Djimsiti, Ahanor; Bellanova, De Roon (46′ Pašalić), Ederson, Zappacosta; De Ketelaere (84′ Samardzic), Lookman (75′ Musah); Krstovic (84′ Scamacca).
Coach: Juric
Referee: Sánchez (Spain)
Bookings: Ederson (Atalanta), Kossounou (Atalanta), O’Riley (Marseille)
Note: Rulli saved a penalty from De Ketelaere (14’)
