Atalanta stun Dortmund with stoppage-time penalty to reach Champions League last-16

Atalanta dramatically eliminated Borussia Dortmund from the UEFA Champions League with a thrilling 4-1 victory in the second leg of their knockout round playoff, advancing 4-3 on aggregate thanks to a last-gasp penalty.

Dortmund entered the match in Bergamo holding a 2-0 advantage from the first leg, marking their 100th Champions League (formerly European Cup) win. 

However, they faced immediate pressure. Atalanta struck early in the fifth minute when Gianluca Scamacca converted after Gregor Kobel had denied Nicola Zalewski.

The Germans enjoyed their strongest period late in the first half, but defensive lapses proved costly. 

Just before halftime, a dangerous delivery from Bernasconi forced Kobel into a punch, allowing Davide Zappacosta a shot from distance. Ramy Bensebaini deflected it into his own net, leveling the aggregate score.

Niko Kovac responded at halftime by bringing on Karim Adeyemi and Fabio Silva. Adeyemi equalized for Dortmund after a pass from substitute Carney Chukwuemeka in a packed penalty area, seemingly forcing extra time.

Chaos ensued in stoppage time. Kobel erred again, leaving Bensebaini awkwardly positioned against Nikola Krstović. 

The referee, following a VAR review, awarded a penalty for Bensebaini’s studs catching an opponent’s head, issuing him a second yellow card and sending him off. Nico Schlotterbeck received a straight red for protesting from the bench.

With virtually the final kick of the tie in the 98th minute, Lazar Samardžić calmly converted the penalty, sealing Atalanta’s comeback and progression to the round of 16.

This marks Dortmund’s earliest Champions League exit since the 2021/22 season, falling before the round of 16 stage.

Atalanta, ensuring continued Italian presence in the competition, now await the draw to face either Arsenal or Bayern Munich.

Dortmund will face another season-defining game on Saturday when they host league leaders Bayern Munich. 

Since they’re already out of the Cup, the Bundesliga is their only chance to end the season with silverware.