atalanta stuns dortmund with last-second penalty to seal historic comeback
Bergamo, woensdag, 25 februari 2026.
Atalanta pulled off a stunning Champions League comeback against Borussia Dortmund, winning 4-1 on the night and 4-3 on aggregate. Trailing 2-0 from the first leg, the Italian side fought back in Bergamo with goals from Gianluca Scamacca, Davide Zappacosta, and Mario Pasalic. The decisive moment came deep into stoppage time when Dortmund defender Ramy Bensebaini was penalized for a high boot following a VAR review. Lazar Samardzic calmly converted the resulting penalty, marking the latest knockout-stage goal in Champions League history. The win sends Atalanta to the last 16 in dramatic fashion, ending Dortmund’s resistance in a chaotic finale. Marten de Roon played a crucial role throughout the tie.
historic comeback sealed in stoppage time
Atalanta completed a remarkable Champions League comeback against Borussia Dortmund, winning 4-1 on the night and 4-3 on aggregate [1]. After losing the first leg 2-0 in Germany, La Dea overturned the deficit at home [1]. Goals from Gianluca Scamacca, Davide Zappacosta, and Mario Pasalic put them in control before Karim Adeyemi reduced the gap [1]. The decisive moment came in the fourth minute of stoppage time when Ramy Bensebaini was penalized for a high boot following a VAR review [1]. Lazar Samardzic coolly converted the penalty to secure qualification.
de roon instrumental in midfield battle
Netherlands international Marten de Roon played a pivotal role throughout the tie [2]. Speaking before the match, he emphasized learning from the first-leg defeat and attacking Dortmund’s high defensive line [1]. His influence was most visible in the second leg when he delivered a precise cross for Pasalic’s headed goal in the 57th minute [1]. De Roon controlled the tempo amid intense pressure, embodying the resilience coach Gian Piero Gasperini demanded [3]. His leadership helped stabilize Atalanta during critical phases of the contest.
controversial penalty sparks celebrations
The winning penalty followed a dangerous challenge by Ramy Bensebaini on substitute Nikola Krstovic inside the box [1]. Initially missed by the referee, the incident was flagged by the VAR officials who prompted a review [1]. Referee José María Sánchez Martínez consulted the pitchside monitor before awarding the spot-kick [1]. Samardzic remained composed under immense pressure, converting the 94th-minute penalty without hesitation [1]. The decision triggered chaos as Dortmund players protested vehemently, resulting in red cards for Bensebaini and Nico Schlotterbeck [1].
italian football survives european test
This victory ensured Italy maintained its presence in the Champions League knockouts [1]. Prior to this match, Napoli failed to progress past the league phase while Inter Milan lost in the playoff round to Bodø/Glimt [1]. Had Atalanta fallen, it would have broken a streak dating back to 2003–04 of at least one Italian team reaching the Round of 16 [1]. Now, Atalanta advances alongside Juventus, who also progressed despite trailing Galatasaray earlier on the same day [1]. Their next opponent will be either Arsenal or Bayern Munich, determined in Friday’s draw [1].
late heroics rewrite champions league records
Samardzic’s penalty ranks among the latest ever scored in a Champions League knockout fixture [1]. Occurring at 88+7 minutes, it stands as the second-latest regulation goal in tournament history and the latest in any knockout stage encounter [1]. The strike mirrored the dramatic nature of previous comebacks but surpassed them due to timing and stakes involved [GPT]. Atalanta’s journey continues after previously exiting in the round of 16 during the 2020–21 campaign [1]. Fans celebrated wildly at the Gewiss Stadium as dreams of deeper European runs reignited across Bergamo.