Lazar Samardzic Penalty Sends Atalanta Through After Dramatic Win Over Dortmund

Atalanta secured a thrilling 4-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday, overturning a first-leg deficit to progress 4-3 on aggregate into the Champions League last 16.

Despite Dortmund holding a 2-0 advantage from the first leg, Atalanta dominated from the start. Goals from Gianluca Scamacca and Davide Zappacosta erased the deficit by halftime, while Mario Pasalic put the hosts ahead on aggregate. Dortmund’s Karim Adeyemi briefly leveled the tie with a spectacular solo effort.

With extra time looming, a late VAR intervention penalised Ramy Bensebaini for a high boot on Nikola Krstovic, earning him a second yellow card. Lazar Samardzic calmly converted the stoppage-time penalty in the 98th minute, sending the Italian side through to face either Arsenal or Bayern Munich in the next round.

Sead Kolasinac, Atalanta’s former Arsenal defender, described the penalty as a “whirlwind of emotions” but praised Samardzic’s composure. Under Raffaele Palladino, Atalanta remain unbeaten in 10 domestic matches this year and are the only Serie A side, alongside Juventus, left in the Champions League after Inter Milan’s shock exit to Bodo/Glimt.

Dortmund captain Emre Can admitted his side deserved elimination due to “individual errors,” as the Bundesliga leaders now refocus ahead of their domestic clash with Bayern Munich.

In one of the most dramatic knockout matches of the Champions League, Atalanta overcame a first-leg deficit to defeat Borussia Dortmund 4-1 on the night and 4-3 on aggregate at the Stadio di Bergamo.

Atalanta’s Gianluca Scamacca and Davide Zappacosta erased Dortmund’s two-goal first-leg lead by halftime. Mario Pasalic’s header gave Atalanta the advantage in the tie, but Dortmund’s Karim Adeyemi equalised with a brilliant solo goal, setting up a tense finish.

In stoppage time, Ramy Bensebaini was shown a second yellow for a high boot on Nikola Krstovic, awarding Atalanta a penalty. Lazar Samardzic calmly converted, sending the home side into the last 16.

The victory continues Atalanta’s resurgence under coach Raffaele Palladino, who replaced Ivan Juric in November. The club’s progress preserves Serie A representation in the Champions League after Inter Milan’s shock elimination and puts them alongside Juventus as Italy’s sole remaining sides in the competition.

Dortmund coach Niko Kovac had warned of a “50-50” tie, but admitted his team’s errors ultimately cost them, as the Bundesliga leaders prepare for a crucial league clash with Bayern Munich.