Atalanta staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Borussia Dortmund 4-1 in the second leg of their Champions League playoff, advancing 4-3 on aggregate. A stoppage-time penalty by Lazar Samardžić sealed the Italian side's progression after Dortmund had leveled the tie. The match at Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo featured multiple red cards and intense drama in the closing moments.
Atalanta entered the second leg trailing 2-0 from the first leg in Germany but quickly turned the tide at home. In the fifth minute, Ramy Bensebaini's error allowed a low cross to reach Gianluca Scamacca, who slotted home the opener. Dortmund's Gregor Kobel denied Nicola Zalewski twice, but on the stroke of half-time, Kobel flapped at a cross, leading to Davide Zappacosta's drive deflecting off Bensebaini into the net for 2-0.
After the break, Marco Carnesecchi saved Serhou Guirassy's effort, and Maximilian Beier hit the post, but Atalanta struck again in the 57th minute. Marten de Roon's cross found Mario Pasalic, who headed past Kobel to make it 3-0 on the night and ahead on aggregate.
Substitute Karim Adeyemi pulled one back for Dortmund in the 75th minute, curling into the top corner after linking with Carney Chukwuemeka, leveling the tie at 3-3 aggregate and threatening extra time.
Deep into stoppage time, a mistake by Kobel led to a cross toward Nikola Krstović. Bensebaini, attempting a clearance, caught Krstović in the face with his studs, drawing blood. After a VAR review, referee Jose Maria Sanchez awarded a penalty and showed Bensebaini a second yellow card, sending him off. Additional red cards were issued to Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck and Atalanta's Giorgio Scalvini for a touchline altercation.
Samardžić converted the 98th-minute penalty into the top corner, sparking delirium among home fans. Atalanta became the first team since Liverpool in 2018/19 to overturn a two-goal deficit in a Champions League knockout tie.
Atalanta defender Sead Kolasinac described the final seconds as 'a whirlwind of emotions,' noting Samardžić's crucial conversion. Dortmund captain Emre Can admitted his side's errors cost them, saying they 'didn’t deserve to advance.' Atalanta coach Raffaele Palladino called it 'an unforgettable night.' The winners will face either Arsenal or Bayern Munich in the round of 16, with the draw on Friday.
