Explore Atalanta’s impressive 3-0 triumph against Shakhtar in the Champions League, showcasing their dazzling attack and strategic gameplay. Get the full match analysis.
Introduction:
Atalanta showcased their attacking flair in a commanding 3-0 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk, opening their away campaign in the Champions League with a statement performance. Goals from Berat Djimsiti, Ademola Lookman, and Raoul Bellanova secured the win, as their slick attacking play proved too much for Shakhtar to handle.
Early Pressure from Both Sides
Both teams seemed desperate to win the possession battle as this match started, but it was the away team, Atalanta, who seemed to be in charge in the early stages of the match. Shakhtar defended deep as Atalanta pressed high up and thereby looked for openings. Shakhtar had their first real chance as Ademola Lookman made a dangerous run into the penalty area and shot low, only just wide of the far post. It then was used to signal Shakhtar’s warning as Atalanta finally broke into their attacking rhythm.
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Djimsiti’s Opener Breaks the Deadlock
Atalanta’s pressure seemed to have some impact, for in the 20th minute they were rewarded with a goal. Lookman is a player who has been involved right throughout and proved a frequent thorn in Shakhtar’s side here. His clever one-two on the left had Riznyk in difficulties. He delivered a dangerous cross into the box, and the ball found its way to Berat Djimsiti. He controlled it with his knee before prodding past Riznyk, giving them a 1-0 deserved lead.
Still, they were not done looking for a second goal. This time, it was Lazar Samardžić, who had an attempt from just outside the box, and the ball was launched high, sailing over the bar, harmlessly into the night. Visitors were on top, with Lookman and his teammates repeatedly threatening the Shakhtar defense.
Lookman Tests the Crossbar, Then Scores
As the first half entered its final moments, came more and more into danger. Raoul Bellanova launched a curling cross from the right, and Lookman cushioned the volley out, only for the ball to cannon off the bar. Éderson went after the rebound but could not find his target. Atalanta didn’t have to wait long for their second.
And so, by the 39th minute, Lookman is enjoying a nice move from the left flank of the their half, two defenders beaten just outside the penalty area. Sead Kolašinac delivers an exquisite low cross across the goalmouth to Lookman, who gives the goalkeeper no chance with a cool right-footed slot home to make it 2-0 at the break. They have played some fluid, clinical attacking football and are far into halftime with this lead.
Shakhtar Struggle to Respond
Shakhtar changed things at half time in an attempt to mount a recovery in the tie, but the best of their first half opportunities came through Eguinaldo, who nodded a pass into the path of Konoplia inside the penalty area. The sub drove his shot wide, however, and wasted a golden opportunity to get back a goal for the Ukrainian side. Shakhtar found little respite in the persistent harrying and quick transitions that resulted in fewer clear attacks into the Italian side’s defense.
Bellanova Seals the Victory
Atalanta again dominated in the second half and sealed the win with an extra goal. In the 65th minute, Davide Zappacosta floated a cross from the left side to the far post. Here, Raoul Bellanova rose the highest to it to head it in, making it 3-0 for the home team. Well deserved by the former Benfica player who had constantly threatened down the right flank.
Lookman almost gave Atalanta a fourth in minutes when he created a good through ball for Zappacosta within the penalty area. It was a low shot and not a cross, hitting the base of the near post. Another near miss from Atalanta, and the result was already beyond doubt.
Atalanta Shine in Away Victory
From start to finish, Atalanta’s attacking display was dazzling, and the result has given the Italian side confidence as they approach the rest of their Champions League campaign. With this win, they move to four points in the group, while Shakhtar drops to one with their first defeat. Slick passing, fluid movement, and defensive solidity all marked Atalanta out as deserving winners on the night.