Atalanta creates a Champions League miracle to eliminate Dortmund

(Football results) - Atalanta pulled off an unbelievable turnaround against Dortmund with a goal in the dying moments, earning qualification to the Champions League last 16 after a dramatic game to the very end.

The UEFA Champions League knockout second-leg match between Atalanta BC and Borussia Dortmund became one of the most memorable comebacks of the season. The Serie A side won the return leg 4-1, clinching the aggregate 4-3 and becoming the first team since the 2018/19 season to overturn a two-goal deficit from the first leg.

Dortmund started confidently due to their strong Bundesliga form, but their advantage quickly faltered. In the fifth minute, the home side’s relentless pressure paid off when Gianluca Scamacca capitalized on a rebound inside the box to open the scoring. Earlier, Nicola Zalewski had repeatedly tested goalkeeper Gregor Kobel with impressive saves.

The German team gradually regained control after about 30 minutes and began creating clear chances. Serhou Guirassy narrowly missed with a header, while Julian Brandt’s quick shot was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi. However, just before halftime, Davide Zappacosta’s deflected shot doubled Atalanta’s lead.

After the break, the game became more balanced as both sides exchanged attacks. Mario Pašalić missed a chance inside the box, and Maximilian Beier hit the post despite breaking through the defense. Dortmund’s wasted opportunities proved costly when Pašalić headed in the third goal from a precise cross by Marten de Roon.

Coach Niko Kovač immediately made several substitutions, and the decision paid off. Two substitutes combined perfectly as Karim Adeyemi played a wall pass with Carney Chukwuemeka before curling a beautiful shot, leveling the aggregate score and pushing the match into an intense final phase.

The drama peaked during stoppage time. Kobel made a mistake handling the ball outside the box, creating a decisive chance. After VAR confirmed Ramy Bensebaini committed a dangerous foul on Nikola Krstović, the referee awarded Atalanta a penalty and sent off the Dortmund defender. From the spot, Lazar Samardžić calmly scored the final goal, completing an unbelievable comeback and emotionally advancing Atalanta.