Atalanta storm Vélodrome with a Samardžić coup de théâtre!
Zona Cesarini clincher sews up the Nerazzurri's win over OM
A 90th-minute stunner from Samardžić sends Atalanta to a memorable victory at the Vélodrome! The Nerazzurri snatch three crucial points from Olympique de Marseille in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League League Phase MD4.
A strong start from the Nerazzurri, who came out firing and hit the ground running with intent and grit, carving out the chance to break the deadlock already on 14 minutes: Krstović was brought down in the box by Rulli, with the OM keeper making amends right after to deny De Ketelaere from the spot. Carnesecchi then stood firm in the 23rd to block Aubameyang's effort from the edge of the box. Then Hojbjerg then dragged his effort wide on 32 minutes before Krstović fired over the bar three minutes later.
The second half kicked off with a bright chance for Bellanova, nodding the ball just wide of the mark. Five minutes later, Bellanova shone again, defensively this time around, stopping Greenwood in his tracks with a clutch slide tackle. In nthe 69th minute, the Nerazzurri took the lead with Looman, neatly set up by Bellanova, only for the goal to be chalked out after a VAR check due to an earlier offside. Atalanta threatened once more in the 78th minute as De Ketelaere cut inside and unleashed a shot, but Rulli was equal to it. In the 90th minute, Samardžić, just on the pitch, scored a masterpiece to seal the match: the Nerazzurri’s number ten cut inside and curled a brilliant left-footed shot into the top corner past Rulli. A frantic finale saw the home side pushing for an equalizer, but the Nerazzurri defense held firm. Carnesecchi denied Greenwood’s last attempt, and Atalanta secured three hugely important points in Marseille.
OLYMPIQUE DE MARSEILLE 0-1 ATALANTA
Scorers: Samardžić 90 (A)
Olympique de Marseille: Rulli, Murillo, Aguerd, Pavard, Egan-Riley (Gomes 80), Garcia (Mmadi 94), Greenwood, O'Riley, Hojbjerg, Paixao (Vaz 72), Aubameyang. Unused Bench: De Lange, Van Neck, Gomes, Vermeeren, Bakola, Clement, Ouro Bang Na, Lago. Coach: Roberto De Zerbi.
Atalanta: Carnesecchi, Kossounou (Hien 55), Djimsiti, Ahanor, Bellanova, De Roon (Pašalić 46), Éderson, Zappacosta, De Ketelaere (Samardžić 84), Krstović (Scamacca 84), Lookman (Musah 75). Unused Bench: Rossi, Sportiello, Kamaldeen, Kolašinac, Bernasconi, Zalewski, Maldini. Coach: Ivan Jurić.
Referee: José María Sánchez (ESP);
Assistant referees: Raúl Cabañero (ESP) and Iñigo Prieto (ESP);
Fourth official: Cesar Soto Grado (ESP);
V.A.R.: Guillermo Cuadra Fernandez (ESP);
A.V.A.R.: Pol van Boekel (NED).
Notes: Rulli (OM) saved a De Ketelaere (A) penalty on 14 minutes; Éderson (A), Kossounou (A), O'Riley (OM), Jurić (A), De Zerbi (OM), Aguerd (OM) booked.