In a decisive Champions League match, Atalanta triumphed over Borussia Dortmund with a significant score of 4-1, showcasing the strengths of the Italian team and the contributions of Croatian midfielder Mario Pašalić. Pašalić was instrumental in the victory, scoring a crucial goal and assisting in the build-up to a penalty. Robert Matteoni noted that the result was not unexpected given Borussia Dortmund's ongoing struggles in the competition.

Matteoni emphasized that the match mirrored Borussia Dortmund's challenges throughout the Champions League season, where they often scored a high number of goals but also conceded far too many. This inconsistency contributed to their downfall against a well-organized Atalanta squad known for their high-intensity playing style, typical of Italian football. Despite Atalanta's impressive performance, there was a note that they sometimes lack the extra quality needed to advance further in European competitions.

The victory not only highlights Atalanta’s growing reputation in Europe but also reinforces Mario Pašalić's position as a key player, having delivered a strong performance by scoring and contributing to team success. The match serves as a significant moment for both Pašalić and Atalanta, showcasing that they are serious contenders in the European football landscape.