An unforgettable European night in Bergamo as Atalanta BC overturned a 2-0 first-leg deficit to defeat Borussia Dortmund 4-1 and book their place in the Champions League Round of 16.
It was a performance of maturity, intensity, and belief from Palladino’s side—one of the club’s greatest European comebacks.
Fast Start Sets the Tone
The mission was clear: score early and ignite the stadium.
After just five minutes, Gianluca Scamacca delivered. A low cross from Bernasconi slipped through Dortmund’s defense, and Scamacca finished from close range to halve the aggregate deficit.
Atalanta dominated the first half with pace and width, especially down the left. The pressure paid off just before halftime when Davide Zappacosta reacted quickest to a loose ball and fired home—via deflections—to level the tie on aggregate.
Pasalic Turns the Tie
Dortmund attempted to respond after the break and nearly struck through Beier, who hit the post in the 54th minute.
But Atalanta answered immediately.
In the 57th minute, Mario Pašalić rose brilliantly to head home De Roon’s cross, completing the aggregate turnaround and sending the stadium into delirium.
Late Drama and Samardžić’s Ice-Cold Finish
The drama was far from over. Substitute Adeyemi curled in a superb strike in the 75th minute, putting Dortmund back within one goal of extra time.
With seconds remaining and extra time looming, chaos unfolded. Bensebaini recklessly kicked Krstović in the face while attempting to clear. After VAR review, a penalty was awarded.
Up stepped Lazar Samardžić in the 98th minute. Calm, precise, decisive. 4-1.
Game over. Qualification secured.
Match Report
ATALANTA 4-1 BORUSSIA DORTMUND
(Aggregate: 4-3)
Scorers:
5’ Scamacca
45’ Zappacosta
57’ Pašalić
75’ Adeyemi
98’ (pen.) Samardžić
ATALANTA (3-4-2-1)
Carnesecchi 6.5; Scalvini 6.5 (Djimsiti 77’ 6), Hien 6, Kolašinac 7 (Ahanor 72’ 6); Zappacosta 7, De Roon 7, Pašalić 7.5, Bernasconi 7; Samardžić 7.5, Zalewski 7 (Sulemana 85’ s.v.); Scamacca 7 (Krstović 72’ 7).
Coach: Palladino
BORUSSIA DORTMUND (3-4-2-1)
Kobel 6; Can 5, Anton 5, Bensebaini 4; Ryerson 5 (Yan Couto 70’ 6), Bellingham 5 (Adeyemi 70’ 7), Nmecha 5, Svensson 5.5; Brandt 5.5 (Chukwuemeka 60’ 5.5), Beier 6 (Fábio Silva 60’ 6); Guirassy 5.
Coach: Kovac
Referee: Sanchez (ESP)
Bookings: Bensebaini, Can, Hien, Fábio Silva
Red cards: Bensebaini; Schlotterbeck (bench)
