In a dramatic Champions League encounter, Atalanta secured their progression to the last 16 by overcoming Borussia Dortmund with a 4-1 triumph in the second leg, sealing the tie at 4-3 on aggregate. This remarkable comeback was capped by a decisive penalty converted by Lazar Samardzic during stoppage time, a moment that ultimately extinguished Dortmund’s hopes of advancing further.
Match Overview and Turning Points
Despite entering the second leg with a comfortable 2-0 lead from the first match, Dortmund found themselves under relentless pressure from the outset. The Italian side, determined to overturn the deficit, quickly eroded the visitors’ advantage through clinical finishing. By the interval, Gianluca Scamacca and Davide Zappacosta had each found the net, leveling the aggregate score and shifting the momentum firmly in Atalanta’s favor.
The momentum continued to build for the hosts, with Mario Pasalic contributing a crucial goal that further tilted the balance. This series of strikes not only invigorated the home crowd but also placed Dortmund on the defensive, struggling to regain composure in the face of Atalanta’s relentless offensive display.
Ultimately, the match’s climax arrived during stoppage time, when Lazar Samardzic confidently converted a penalty, cementing the final 4-1 scoreline and confirming Atalanta’s advancement to the Champions League last 16. The outcome underscores the unpredictable nature of knockout football, where early leads can be overturned by determined opposition.