Atalanta stun Dortmund with remarkable comeback

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Atalanta 4 - 1 Borussia Dortmund (Atalanta won 4-3 on aggregate)

Atalanta scored a dramatic last-gasp penalty to complete a remarkable comeback against Borussia Dortmund 

Author | Jack L

Stadium | New Balance Arena

Facing a daunting task after a 2-0 defeat in Germany, the hosts tore into the tie with first-half goals from Gianluca Scamacca and Davide Zappacosta to draw level on aggregate. 

The momentum continued after the break when Mario Pasalic made it 3-0 on the night in the 57th minute.

There was to be some late drama

Dortmund appeared to have forced extra time when Karim Adeyemi curled in a crucial goal to restore parity overall, but the drama was not done. Deep into stoppage time, Ramy Bensebaini caught Nikola Krstovic with a high boot in the penalty area as the Atalanta forward attacked a cross following an error by goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.

After a VAR review, referee Jose Maria Sanchez Martinez awarded a penalty and showed Bensebaini a second yellow card. Lazar Samardzic held his nerve to fire the spot-kick into the roof of the net, sealing progression for Atalanta in extraordinary fashion.

The Italians will now face either Arsenal or Bayern Munich in the next round. At full time, the home supporters erupted in celebration after witnessing a stirring display of belief, intensity and resolve.

Location: Bergamo, Province of Bergamo, Italy

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