By Olaitan Ibrahim
Atalanta stormed into the UEFA Champions League knockout stages with a dominant 5-0 win over Sturm Graz on Tuesday evening at the Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo, Italy.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s side secured their spot in the “Round of 16” with one game to spare, celebrating President Antonio Percassi’s 800th match at the helm in style, according to a statement on the club’s website.
The victory, which marked the 350th win during Percassi’s tenure, sparked jubilant celebrations among the black-and-blue faithful.
The Nerazzurri opened the scoring in the 12th minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse by Sturm Graz. Lazar Samardžić won the ball at the edge of the box and played it to Davide Zappacosta, whose low cross was clinically finished by Mateo Retegui
Atalanta dominated the first half, with Charles De Ketelaere, Zappacosta, and Retegui all forcing saves from goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen. However, the score remained 1-0 at the break.
The second half saw relentless pressure from the hosts. Mario Pašalić doubled the lead in the 58th minute, tapping in Juan Cuadrado’s precise cross after Lookman and Cuadrado had come close moments earlier.
Charles De Ketelaere made it 3-0 in the 63rd minute, bundling the ball home during a corner-kick scramble.
Ademola Lookman, who replaced Retegui at halftime, impressed throughout the second half and capped his performance with a powerful header in the 90th minute, assisted by De Ketelaere.
Marco Brescianini completed the rout in stoppage time with a stunning long-range strike, sealing the emphatic 5-0 win.
The result lifted Atalanta to 14 points from seven matches, securing their progression to the next round. Sturm Graz, meanwhile, exited the competition, languishing in 31st place with just three points.
Reflecting on the victory, Gasperini praised his team’s performance.
He said: “This result is a testament to our hard work, determination, and belief. Securing qualification with a game to spare is no small feat, and I’m proud of how the players executed tonight.”
Match Details
Scorers: Retegui (12’), Pašalić (58’), De Ketelaere (63’), Lookman (90’), Brescianini (90+4’)
Atalanta Starting XI: Carnesecchi, Toloi, Hien, Kolašinac (Djimsiti 71’), Palestra (Cuadrado 46’), Pašalić, de Roon (Éderson 64’), Zappacosta, Samardžić (Brescianini 64’), De Ketelaere, Retegui (Lookman 46’).
Unused Subs: Rui Patrício, Rossi, Bellanova, Ruggeri, Scalvini, Vlahović.
Coach: Gian Piero Gasperini.
Sturm Graz Starting XI: Scherpen, Malic, Aiwu, Wuthrich, Lavalee, Chukwuani (Hierländer 79’), Stankovic, Yalcouye (Zvonarek 70’), Kiteishvili (Grgic 91’), Boving (Horvat 70’), Camara (Jatta 46’).
Coach: Jurgen Saumel.
This victory not only cements Atalanta’s status among Europe’s elite but also adds another glorious chapter to their European campaign under Percassi’s leadership, the club statement noted.
With one group match remaining, the Nerazzurri are well-poised for a deep run in the competition.