Atalanta push until the final whistle, but Athletic Club edge it in Bergamo

On Matchday 7 of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League League Phase, Athletic Club came away from the Stadio di Bergamo with a 3–2 victory despite a spirited performance from the Nerazzurri.

Atalanta broke the deadlock in the 16th minute when Scamacca rose highest to head home Zalewski’s inviting cross from the left. The Nerazzurri continued to press and went close to doubling their advantage in the 37th minute, as Bernasconi’s right-footed curler skimmed the post. Scamacca then had the ball in the net again on 41 minutes, but the goal was ruled out due to De Ketelaere being offside in the build-up. Just before the break, Atalanta threatened once more, with De Ketelaere’s header crashing against the post in the 43rd minute.

The Nerazzurri started the second half on the front foot, pushing for a second goal. In quick succession, Zappacosta tested the goalkeeper with a left-footed strike before seeing his right-foot effort drift narrowly wide. Against the run of play, Athletic levelled the score on 58 minutes through Guruzeta, who found the bottom corner. The visitors then turned the game on its head, taking the lead in the 70th minute with Serrano’s volley, before Navarro added a third just four minutes later. Atalanta refused to give in and pulled one back late on, as Krstović fired home on 88 minutes after being set up by Lookman. Despite a final push in the closing stages, the Nerazzurri were unable to find an equaliser, with Athletic holding firm to claim all three points.

ATALANTA 2-3 ATHLETIC CLUB

Scorers: Scamacca 16 (A), Guruzeta 58 (AC), Serrano 70 (AC), Navarro 74 (AC), Krstović 88 (A).

Atalanta: Carnesecchi, Kossounou, Djimsiti, Kolašinac (Ahanor 76), Zappacosta (Samardžić 76), De Roon, Éderson, Bernasconi (Kamaldeen 83), De Ketelaere, Zalewski (Lookman 66), Scamacca (Krstović 66). Unused bench: Rossi, Sportiello, Hien, Musah, Pašalić, Scalvini, Maldini. Coach: Raffaele Palladino.

Athletic Club: Unai Simón, Inigo Lekue, Vivian, Paredes, Adama Boiro (Sancet 46), Jauregizar (Vesga 59), Alejandro Rego (Ruiz de Galarreta 59), Gorosabel (Jesus Areso 81), Unai Gomez (Serrano 68), Navarro, Guruzeta. Unused bench: Mikel Santos, Padilla, Hierro, De Luis, Ibon Sanchez, Selton Sanchez. Coach: Ernesto Valverde.

Referee: Danny Makkelie (NED).
Assistant referees: Hessel Steegstra (NED) and Jen de Vries (NED).
Fourth official: Allard Lindhout (NED).
V.A.R. Michael Salisbury (ENG), A.V.A.R. Andrew Dallas (SCO).

Notes: Vivian (AC), Jauregizar (AC) and Carnesecchi (A) booked.