Atlanta get knocked out after ‘Saving Italian Football’

What a crazy week it was for Atalanta BC! On 25 February 2026, they pulled off one of the most exciting games you’ll see. After losing 2–0 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League tie, Atalanta smashed Borussia Dortmund 4–1 in the second leg at home and won 4–3 on aggregate thanks to a last-minute penalty from Lazar Samardžić. That comeback had fans and even some commentators saying they were “saving Italian football” and gave everyone big hopes about Serie A’s strength in Europe.

However, just a few days later, on 1 March 2026 in Serie A, things didn’t go the same way. At Sassuolo’s Mapei Stadium, Atalanta lost 2–1 even though Sassuolo played with 10 men from very early in the game after Andrea Pinamonti received a red card. Ismaël Koné scored first, then Kristian Thorstvedt added another, and Atalanta only got a late goal from Yunus Musah at the 88th minute, which wasn’t enough to save them. This was a tough follow-up after their big win in Europe, and it slowed down their push toward a Champions League spot in the league.