Atalanta Stuns Dortmund with Last-Gasp Champions League Penalty
Atalanta advanced to the Champions League round of 16 in dramatic fashion on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, defeating Borussia Dortmund 4-1 in the second leg of their playoff tie. The Italian side secured a 4-3 aggregate victory after a penalty in the eighth minute of stoppage time.
Dramatic Comeback in Bergamo
Trailing 2-0 from the first leg, Atalanta quickly overturned the deficit at the Gewiss Stadium. Goals from Gianluca Scamacca (5′) and Davide Zappacosta (45′) leveled the aggregate score before halftime. Mario Pasalic extended Atalanta’s lead in the 57th minute, putting them ahead on aggregate.
Dortmund Responds, But Drama Unfolds
Karim Adeyemi scored for Borussia Dortmund in the 75th minute, equalizing the tie at 3-3 on aggregate and seemingly sending the match to extra time. Yet, the game took a dramatic turn deep into stoppage time.
Penalty Drama and Bensebaini’s Dismissal
A giveaway in Dortmund’s defense led to a cross towards Nikola Krstović, who was struck in the forehead by a high boot from Dortmund defender Ramy Bensebaini. After a VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty to Atalanta and showed Bensebaini a second yellow card, resulting in his dismissal.
Samardzic Secures Victory
Lazar Samardžić calmly converted the penalty, sending Atalanta through to the round of 16. His goal, timed at seven minutes and 53 seconds into stoppage time, is the second-latest regulation goal in UEFA Champions League history and the latest in the knockout stage. USA Today
Round of 16 Awaits
Atalanta will now face either Arsenal or Bayern Munich in the round of 16, with the draw scheduled for Friday, February 27. USA Today
Match Details
- Atalanta: Scamacca (5′), Zappacosta (45′), Pasalic (57′), Samardzic (90’+8′ Pen)
- Borussia Dortmund: Adeyemi (75′)
- Aggregate Score: Atalanta 4-3 Borussia Dortmund
ESPN provides detailed game analysis, and highlights.
Key Moments
- Ramy Bensebaini received a second yellow card and was sent off for a reckless challenge on Nikola Krstovic.
- Lazar Samardzic’s penalty was the decisive moment, securing Atalanta’s place in the next round.
BBC Sport detailed the dramatic sequence of events leading to the penalty.
Worth a look