In an exhilarating Champions League encounter, Atalanta managed to eliminate Borussia Dortmund with a stunning 4-1 victory at home. Having lost the first leg 2-0 in Germany, Atalanta overturned the deficit and secured their place in the Round of 16. The dramatic conclusion featured a penalty awarded in the eighth minute of injury time, which was converted by Serbian forward Lazar Samardzic.

The penalty was a result of a VAR review that determined a foul had been committed by Algerian defender Ramy Bensebaini on Nikola Krstovic, who was left bloodied from the incident. This decision was critical, as it not only granted Atalanta the penalty that sealed their comeback but also led to Bensebaini's expulsion from the match, further diminishing Dortmund's hopes of recovery. The match demonstrated Atalanta's resilience and ability to perform under pressure, highlighting their status as a formidable contender in European football.

This result is particularly significant as Atalanta is now the only Italian team to advance to the knockout stages of the tournament. The victory serves as a vital boost for Atalanta’s confidence while marking a disappointing exit for Juventus, who were eliminated after extra time in their respective matchup. The outcome of this match underscores the unpredictable nature of knockout football and sets the stage for an exciting Round of 16 in the Champions League.