Atalanta BC progressed to the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League after a 4-1 win against Borussia Dortmund in Bergamo secured a 4-3 aggregate victory. The result confirmed a comeback from a two goal first leg deficit, marking the first such turnaround in a knockout tie in the competition since the 2018 to 2019 season.
Dortmund arrived with strong domestic form, having lost only once in the Bundesliga this season. However, their aggregate advantage was reduced within five minutes. Nicola Zalewski had already forced a save from Gregor Kobel before Lorenzo Bernasconi delivered a cross that was redirected by Ramy Bensebaini into the path of Gianluca Scamacca, who finished from close range.
Atalanta continued to create chances during the opening half hour. Zalewski tested Kobel again and later shot over from the edge of the area. Dortmund responded with opportunities of their own. Serhou Guirassy headed wide at the far post, while Marco Carnesecchi denied Julian Brandt with a low save.
The hosts doubled their lead on the night shortly before half time. Davide Zappacosta struck from distance and the ball deflected off Bensebaini, wrong footing Kobel and finding the net.
😨 0-2 down on aggregate at KO
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 25, 2026
😄 2-2 on aggregate at HT
Atalanta are back in it 💪#UCL pic.twitter.com/du3ZK615Jy
After the interval, both teams created openings. Mario Pasalic shot at Kobel from inside the area, and Maximilian Beier struck the post from a tight angle when through on goal.
Atalanta moved ahead in the tie with their third goal of the evening. Pasalic met Marten de Roon’s inswinging cross with a header that beat Kobel and gave the home side the aggregate advantage.
Dortmund head coach Niko Kovac introduced four substitutions within ten minutes in an attempt to alter the momentum. Guirassy missed an opportunity from close range before two of the substitutes combined to restore parity in the tie. Karim Adeyemi exchanged passes with Carney Chukwuemeka and finished into the top corner to make it 3-1 on the night.
As extra time approached, a late incident proved decisive. Kobel lost possession outside his area, allowing Atalanta to deliver a final attack. Pasalic lifted the ball forward and although Bensebaini cleared, he made contact with Nikola Krstovic in the follow through. Following a review by the video assistant referee, a penalty was awarded and Bensebaini was shown a red card.
Lazar Samardzic converted the spot kick with the final action of the match to seal the 4-1 win and a 4-3 aggregate success. Nico Schlotterbeck was also sent off while on the bench during the closing stages.
The victory ended a three match losing run in the competition for Atalanta and secured their place in the next round. They will now await the draw to discover whether they face Bayern Munich or Arsenal in the last 16.
