Atalanta, two heavy absences but wild card is ready to overturn Borussia Dortmund

Atalanta is gearing up for an in-or-out night with one clear goal: overturn the 2-0 loss it received in the first leg against Borussia Dortmund. Bergamo will need heart, soul and an over-the-top performance to turn a steep climb into a European feat. The double disadvantage accrued in Germany weighs heavy, and recent history in continental competitions is not tender with those who start from a similar situation. In the last four knockout confrontations lost in the first leg, the Nerazzurri have never managed to overturn fate. And, from the most recent Champions League seasons, comebacks from 0-2 down after the first round are a very rare commodity.

If in Dortmund the “Yellow Wall” is a symbol, in Bergamo the Nerazzurri crowd wants to respond with the same intensity. The Gewiss Stadium is preparing to become the 12th man, an emotional boost capable of dragging the team beyond its limits. In the three previous matches against Borussia, Atalanta has never won (one draw and two defeats), but the only positive result came at home: a detail that fuels hope.

The Gewiss Stadium is preparing to become the twelfth man, a boost capable of dragging the team beyond its limits.

Without De Ketelaere and Raspadori, La Dea will have to put up a nearly flawless performance. Concreteness under goal and defensive solidity will be unavoidable conditions: conceding a goal would further complicate an already borderline mission.

With two goals to spare would go to overtime; with three, qualification would be a reality. It’s a tough challenge, but Atalanta has already shown it can rewrite its own history at the most critical moments. Bergamo is ready to believe again, knowing that certain European nights can turn into unforgettable chapters.