Atalanta Knockout Borussia Dortmund In UCL Second-Leg Playoff Showdown

 

Atalanta have eliminated Borussia Dortmund in a stunning comeback, winning 4-1 in the second-leg playoff of the UEFA Champions League and securing their place in the round of 16 on an aggregate score of 4-3. 

Coming into the game, Dortmund led from the first leg by 2-0. Unfortunately, they failed to live up to the task at Atalanta's Gewiss Stadium. The Italians secured level terms before the halftime break and went on to wrap it up in the second period. 

Gianluca Scamacca set the game on course with an early opener in the first. He slid for a tap-in of Bernasconi's cross that ricocheted off a defender in front of an empty net. Davide Zappacosta added the second goal from an individual effort in the added minutes. He guided home a shot that deflected off Mitchel Bakker to beat Gregor Kobel to the goal. 

Christian Pulisic claimed the lead on aggregate score for Atalanta, nodding home Marten de Roon's cross from close range. Karim Adeyemi scored Dortmund's only goal, curling home a delightful shot from inside the box. The striker, who came in as a substitute, restored level terms on aggregate scores of 3-3. 

Eventually, Atalanta retook the lead when Ramy Bensebaini drew a penalty for a tackle against Nikola Krstovic. Lamar Samardzic converted the spot-kick to give the Italians a 4-1. Raya was red-carded for a second yellow card offense.

Atalanta will progress to participate in the knockouts, while Borussia Dortmund are out. The Italians qualified for the Champions League for the first time in the club's history in 2019

Overview 

Dortmund's challenges came from their defense. They conceded both goals from a build-up on the left wing, resulting in defensive lapses that gave away two crucial goals. They were impressive, but not as impressive as their opponents, who had more shots and made something out of it.  

It was obvious that Adeyemi was missing in action until he was introduced. The Germans quickly gained pace and vibrance from the right wing, leading to the striker scoring their only goal at Gewiss Stadium. However, the Germans' defense was still defective. The penalty was a consequence of the flaws.