On a chilly night in Bergamo, Italian side Atalanta delivered one of the most dramatic comebacks in recent UEFA Champions League memory, overturning a daunting first-leg deficit to eliminate Borussia Dortmund and seal their place in the 2025-26 Round of 16. The match, played at the roaring New Balance Arena (formerly known as Gewiss Stadium), kicked off at 2:45 AM Korean time on February 26, 2026, with both sides fully aware of the high stakes—not just sporting glory, but also crucial financial rewards for their respective 2026 season ambitions.
Heading into this decisive second leg, Atalanta faced a steep uphill battle. They had fallen 0-2 in the first leg at Signal Iduna Park, conceding to goals by Serhou Guirassy and Maximilian Beyer. That result left the Italian club trailing by two goals on aggregate, a margin that, historically, Dortmund had never surrendered in their last ten Champions League knockout ties. The German side, under coach Niko Kovač, arrived in Italy with a reputation for resilience and a track record of holding onto first-leg leads, but their recent away form in Italy was less reassuring: five defeats in their previous eight visits.
Atalanta, meanwhile, had been enjoying a purple patch domestically. Under coach Raffaele Palladino, they had racked up seven wins and two draws in their last nine Serie A matches, including a resounding 3-0 triumph over Juventus to book a Coppa Italia semifinal spot. Their home form was particularly intimidating—six consecutive victories at the New Balance Arena had turned their stadium into a fortress. However, the hosts were not at full strength. Key attackers Giacomo Raspadori and Charles De Ketelaere were both ruled out due to physical issues, forcing tactical tweaks and placing extra creative burden on Mario Pašalić and the versatile Davide Zappacosta.
Both managers opted for matching 3-4-2-1 formations, prioritizing control in midfield and rapid transitions. Atalanta’s starting lineup featured Carnesecchi in goal, protected by a back three of Scalvini, Hien, and Kolasinac. The midfield engine room included captain Marten de Roon, who anchored the side and provided the assist for a crucial goal. Scamacca led the line, supported by Zalewski and Samardžić, while Zappacosta and Bernasconi provided width and energy on the flanks. Dortmund, for their part, lined up with Kobel in goal, shielded by Anton, Bensebaini, and the uncertain but ultimately available Schloterbeck. The German midfield was marshaled by Bellingham and Nmecha, with Brandt and Beyer supporting Guirassy up front.
The match exploded into life almost immediately. Just five minutes in, Scamacca pounced to put Atalanta ahead on the night, sending the home fans into delirium and instantly halving the aggregate deficit. The early goal set the tone for a frenetic, high-octane encounter, with Dortmund struggling to regain their composure amid the hostile Bergamo atmosphere. Atalanta pressed relentlessly, and their efforts paid off again on the stroke of halftime as Zappacosta surged forward to slot home a second, bringing the aggregate score to 2-2 and wiping out Dortmund’s advantage.
With the tie now level, both teams emerged from the break with everything to play for. Atalanta, buoyed by their home support and newfound momentum, continued to push forward. In the 57th minute, de Roon picked out Pašalić, who made no mistake in firing Atalanta into the lead for the first time in the tie. The aggregate now stood at 3-2 in favor of the Italians, a turnaround few had predicted just an hour earlier.
Dortmund, sensing the tie slipping away, responded with a flurry of substitutions. Silva and Chukwueze entered at the hour mark, followed by Adeyemi and Jan Kuto at 70 minutes. The changes injected fresh energy, and in the 75th minute, Adeyemi found the net to level the aggregate at 3-3. The German fans, both in the stadium and watching worldwide, dared to hope once more.
The closing stages were a cauldron of tension. Both teams created chances, but as stoppage time approached, tempers flared and discipline waned. In a dramatic twist, Dortmund’s Schloterbeck and Bensebaini were both shown red cards in added time, reducing the visitors to nine men and handing Atalanta a numerical advantage just when it mattered most.
Atalanta seized their moment. With Dortmund reeling, Samardžić capitalized on the chaos to score a breathtaking late goal, sending the stadium into raptures and sealing a 4-1 victory on the night—4-3 on aggregate. The final whistle was met with scenes of jubilation from Atalanta players and fans alike, their improbable comeback complete.
“We never stopped believing,” said Atalanta’s captain Marten de Roon, who was instrumental throughout. “Even after the first leg, we knew we had the quality and spirit to turn things around at home.”
Dortmund’s coach Niko Kovač, meanwhile, reflected on the fine margins that define Champions League knockout football. “We lost our composure at key moments, especially after the red cards. At this level, those details make all the difference.”
The atmosphere in Bergamo was electric from start to finish. The New Balance Arena, filled to capacity, provided a deafening backdrop that spurred the home side to new heights. Security was tight, with local authorities ensuring a safe environment for traveling fans from Germany. The match was broadcast live on TNT and Max, with millions watching the drama unfold across the globe.
For Atalanta, this victory is more than just progression to the next round. It’s a validation of their project under Palladino, a testament to their resilience, and a potential springboard for further European adventures. The financial rewards and heightened visibility will bolster the club’s ambitions, while the players—many of whom are eyeing moves to Europe’s elite—have enhanced their reputations on the grandest stage.
Borussia Dortmund, on the other hand, are left to rue what might have been. Despite their strong first-leg showing and Champions League pedigree, their away woes in Italy continued, and disciplinary lapses proved costly. The defeat will prompt soul-searching as they turn their focus back to domestic matters and future European campaigns.
As the dust settles in Bergamo, Atalanta’s remarkable night will be remembered as one of the great comebacks in recent Champions League history. The city celebrates, the continent takes notice, and the Champions League marches on—its magic undimmed.