Atalanta Stuns Dortmund with Last-Gasp Champions League Penalty

Bergamo, Italy – Atalanta completed a remarkable comeback against Borussia Dortmund, winning 4-1 on Wednesday and advancing to the Champions League round of 16 with a 4-3 aggregate victory. A controversial penalty awarded in the eighth minute of stoppage time proved to be the decisive moment.

Dramatic Finish Seals Atalanta’s Progress

The match was leveled at 3-3 overall when a late attack by Atalanta, following a mistake by Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, led to a penalty after a VAR review. Dortmund defender Ramy Bensebaini was penalized for a high boot on an Atalanta substitute, Nikola Krstovic, and was subsequently shown a second yellow card.

ESPN News Services “Atalanta converted a penalty with the last kick of the game in the eighth minute of stoppage time following a video review to beat Borussia Dortmund 4-1 and secure a place in the round of 16 in the Champions League on Wednesday.”

Lazar Samardzic calmly converted the penalty, sending Atalanta through to the next stage. The goal, timed at seven minutes and 53 seconds into stoppage time, is the second-latest regulation goal in UEFA Champions League history.

First-Half Goals Set the Stage for Comeback

Atalanta quickly took control of the match, scoring twice in the first half through Gianluca Scamacca (5′) and Davide Zappacosta (45′). Mario Pasalic extended their lead in the 57th minute, making it 3-0 on the night and 3-2 on aggregate.

Dortmund Responds, But It Wasn’t Enough

Karim Adeyemi pulled a goal back for Borussia Dortmund in the 75th minute, seemingly sending the game to extra time. However, the late penalty drama ensured Atalanta’s progression.

Key Moments and Controversies

• Early Atalanta Pressure: Atalanta started strongly, taking the lead within the first five minutes.
• VAR Intervention: The decisive penalty was awarded after a VAR review of a challenge in the penalty area.
• Red Cards: Both Nico Schlotterbeck and Ramy Bensebaini received red cards for Dortmund in stoppage time.

What’s Next for Atalanta?

Atalanta will face either Arsenal or Bayern Munich in the round of 16.

BBC “Atalanta scored a dramatic penalty with the last kick of the game as the Italians staged an incredible fightback to beat Borussia Dortmund and progress to the last 16 of the Champions League.”

“Everyone had written us off,” said Davide Zappacosta, one of Atalanta’s scorers, but … We always believe and we never give up….”

FAQ

• What was the final score? Atalanta 4-1 Borussia Dortmund (4-3 on aggregate).
• Who scored for Atalanta? Gianluca Scamacca, Davide Zappacosta, Mario Pasalic, and Lazar Samardzic (penalty).
• Who scored for Borussia Dortmund? Karim Adeyemi.
• When was the penalty awarded? In the eighth minute of stoppage time.

This victory marks a significant achievement for Atalanta, securing their place among Europe’s elite. The dramatic nature of the win will undoubtedly be remembered as a classic Champions League encounter.