Lazar Samardzic stood up in the stoppage time to score Atalanta BC to the last 16 of the UEFA champions league with a dramatic 4-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund. After their defeat to Germany last week, 2-0 the Italian side achieved a gorgeous 4-3 aggregate come back.
The game was not easy at the beginning. Atalanta had to respond with force at home and demonstrated intentions to attack early. The pressure worked and they started to erode the lead(Dortmund). The turnaround was made by Gianluca Scamacca who scored in close range to ignite the confidence of the home fans.
It was a decisive night in Dortmund towards the end of the game. Defender Ramy Bensebaini was sent off when his studs snared Nikola Krstovic as he was in a penalty area. The referee indicated the point following a tense examination of video footage.
In the 98th minute, Samardzic came up. There was a moment of silence in the stadium. He switched the ball home calmly and the comeback was closed and the crowd was celebrating. It was a composure in a time of high pressure.
The win signifies the strength of Atalanta in the competition of Europe. It is their character and tactical discipline that are reflected by their ability to come back with two goals down on aggregate. Dortmund struggled to its best and lost eventually.
Atalanta will either have to play Arsenal FC or FC Bayern Munich at the round of 16, and the draw will be made on Friday.
The dramatic night is going to be remembered as one of the most significant European rebirths in Atalanta.
