Serie A's goddess avoids total collapse, staging a heroic home comeback; 4-1 win leads to a 4-3 aggregate victory as Dortmund advances to the Champions League last 16.

Upon waking, Serie A teams had not suffered a total wipeout in the Champions League. Atalanta, the true blue-black and goddess of Serie A, presented supporters with a thrilling comeback narrative.

At 01:45 on February 26 Beijing time, the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 playoff featured Atalanta hosting Borussia Dortmund, after losing the first leg 0-2 on the road.

In the first half, Scamacca’s quick strike broke the deadlock, Kobel made several outstanding saves, and Zappacosta added a long-range shot to make it 2-0 at halftime (aggregate tied 2-2). In the second half, De Jong assisted Pasalic to extend the lead; Adeyemi pulled one back with a curled shot (aggregate 3-3). During injury time, Bensebaini conceded a penalty, and Samardzic scored the decisive spot-kick.

Ultimately, Atalanta triumphed 4-1 over Dortmund, securing a narrow 4-3 aggregate win to advance to the Champions League last 16, where they will face either Arsenal or Bayern.

Atalanta lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation under Palladino, with a starting XI valued at €154 million; Kovac deployed the same 3-4-2-1 for Dortmund, whose starting lineup was worth €273 million.

Determined to qualify, Atalanta struck Dortmund’s goal within five minutes at home, setting the tone for their comeback. Under Atalanta’s relentless attack, Dortmund appeared disorganized—hesitant in offense, weak in defense, and lacking cohesion between lines. Atalanta scored three consecutive goals to take a 3-2 aggregate lead. Dortmund only scored after falling behind, with Adeyemi leveling at 3-3 on aggregate. Just when fans expected extra time, Dortmund faltered at a crucial moment, conceding a penalty in stoppage time. Atalanta converted the penalty to clinch a 4-3 aggregate win, preventing Serie A teams from a total Champions League elimination this season and becoming the only Italian side to reach the last 16. Atalanta truly embodies the spirit of Serie A’s blue-black, while Dortmund tends to falter in critical matches—a reflection of both teams’ characters. Congratulations to the goddess of Serie A; you are the pride of the Apennines.

Throughout the match,Atalanta held 44% possession, took 15 shots with 9 on target; Dortmund managed only 7 shots, 4 of which were on goal.Atalanta deserved to advance, as the Serie A goddess outplayed the Bundesliga’s Yellow Submarine.