KEY POINTS
- Lazar Samardzic converted a 98th-minute penalty to seal a 4-1 victory and a 4-3 aggregate comeback.
- Atalanta overturned a two-goal first-leg deficit with goals from Scamacca, Zappacosta, Pasalic, and Samardzic.
- Borussia Dortmund defender Ramy Bensebaini received a red card in stoppage time after conceding the decisive foul.
Atalanta completed one of the most remarkable comebacks in recent Champions League history on Wednesday night. The Italian side defeated Borussia Dortmund 4-1 at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo. This result overturned a 2-0 loss from the first leg in Germany. The victory sends Atalanta through to the round of 16 with a 4-3 aggregate win.
The hosts began the match with incredible intensity to erase the visiting side’s two-goal advantage. Gianluca Scamacca opened the scoring in the fifth minute with a clinical right-footed finish from close range. This early strike ignited the home crowd and put the Dortmund defense under immediate pressure. Atalanta continued to dominate the first half by controlling the midfield and winning physical duels.
Davide Zappacosta doubled the lead on the night just before the halftime whistle. His powerful shot from the edge of the area took a slight deflection to beat the Dortmund goalkeeper. At the interval, the aggregate score was level at 2-2, completely erasing Dortmund’s head start. The German side struggled to find their rhythm as the Italian hosts maintained a high-pressing defensive line.
The momentum stayed with the home team during the early stages of the second half. Mario Pasalic made it 3-0 in the 57th minute by connecting with a pinpoint cross from Marten de Roon. His firm header put Atalanta ahead in the tie for the first time. Dortmund responded by introducing fresh attacking players to find a way back into the contest.
Karim Adeyemi provided a lifeline for the visitors with 15 minutes remaining in regulation time. The substitute curled a superb left-footed effort into the top corner to level the aggregate score. With the score at 3-1 on the night and 3-3 overall, the match appeared destined for extra time. Both teams missed late opportunities as the clock ticked into five minutes of added time.
The final moments of the match were defined by chaos in the Dortmund penalty area. Ramy Bensebaini caught Nikola Krstovic in the face with a high boot during a defensive clearance. Following a lengthy video review, the referee awarded a penalty and sent Bensebaini off for a second yellow card. Lazar Samardzic stepped up to the spot under immense pressure in the 98th minute.
Samardzic remained composed and blasted his penalty into the top corner with the final kick of the game. The goal sparked wild celebrations among the players and supporters as the referee immediately blew for full time. Atalanta becomes one of the few teams to ever overturn a two-goal deficit in a knockout tie. They now wait for the Friday draw to learn their next European opponent.
Dortmund captain Emre Can expressed deep disappointment after the match regarding his team’s individual errors. The German side has now been eliminated after appearing to be in control following the first leg. Atalanta’s resurgence under manager Raffaele Palladino continues as they extend their unbeaten run in 2026. The club remains one of the final Italian representatives in this season’s premier European competition.
