Atalanta Stuns Dortmund with Dramatic Comeback to Reach Champions League Last 16

In a thrilling UEFA Champions League knockout playoff second leg on February 25, 2026, Atalanta orchestrated a sensational 4-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund at the Gewiss Stadium (also known as New Balance Arena), overturning a 2-0 first-leg deficit to advance 4-3 on aggregate.

Gianluca Scamacca opened the scoring early in the 5th minute, igniting hope among the home fans. Davide Zappacosta doubled the lead just before halftime in the 45th minute, leveling the tie. Mario Pašalić then headed in a third goal in the 57th minute, putting Atalanta ahead on aggregate.

Borussia Dortmund responded through Karim Adeyemi's sublime curler in the 75th minute, forcing what seemed destined for extra time at 3-3 overall. Tension peaked in stoppage time when Dortmund's Ramy Bensebaini received a red card in the 90+8th minute for a dangerous studs-up challenge on Nikola Krstović in the penalty area, confirmed by VAR.

With the final kick of the match in the 98th minute, Lazar Samardžić calmly converted the resulting penalty into the top corner, sealing an unforgettable comeback and sending Atalanta into the round of 16.

The result marks a heartbreaking exit for Dortmund despite their first-leg advantage, while Atalanta's resilience delivered one of the competition's most dramatic turnarounds this season. They now await a clash with either Arsenal or Bayern Munich.