Croatian footballer Mario Pašalić played the entire match as Atalanta defeated Borussia Dortmund 4-1, securing a place in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 after a dramatic comeback in the playoff second leg.
In a thrilling UEFA Champions League playoff match, Atalanta triumphed over Borussia Dortmund with a decisive 4-1 scoreline, allowing them to advance with an aggregate victory of 4-3. The match illustrated a remarkable turnaround for the Italian side, where Croatian midfielder Mario Pašalić played a pivotal role. The game began with Gianluca Scamacca scoring in the fifth minute, setting the stage for an electric first half in which Davide Zappacosta doubled the lead shortly before halftime, leveling the aggregate score.
The second half saw Pašalić make his mark, heading the ball into the net in the 57th minute to give Atalanta a crucial 3-0 advantage. Although Dortmund pulled one back through Karim Adeyemi, the tension escalated in stoppage time when a VAR review led to a penalty for Atalanta. Lazar Samardžić converted the penalty, sealing the match and ensuring Atalanta's progression to the next round. This victory not only highlighted Atalanta's resilience but also showcased Pašalić's significant contribution to the team's success in this high-stakes encounter.
This dramatic win in Bergamo emphasizes Atalanta's growing strength in European competitions and adds to the narrative of Croatian players making impactful contributions abroad. As they now advance to the round of 16, the excitement around Atalanta's potential in the Champions League continues to build, with fans eagerly anticipating their next challenge against formidable opponents in the European arena.
