Atalanta v Ath. Bilbao: Basques grab play-off spot before hosting Sporting | OneFootball

In a thrilling clash during the 7th round of the league phase of the UEFA Champions League, Athletic Bilbao secured a crucial away victory against Atalanta, winning 3-2. Despite the Italians’ dominant possession, controlling 70% of the game, it was the visitors who proved more effective, capitalizing on the chances they created.

The match started well for Atalanta, who opened the scoring in the 16th minute through Gianluca Scamacca, heading the ball into the back of the net after a precise cross from Nicola Zalewski. However, in the second half, Gorka Guruzeta leveled the match in the 58th minute with a precise shot assisted by Robert Navarro.

Nico Serrano put the Basques ahead in the 70th minute, once again assisted by Robert Navarro. Four minutes later, it was Robert Navarro’s turn to score, extending the lead to 3-1 with an assist from Oihan Sancet. Atalanta managed to reduce the deficit in the 88th minute with a goal from Nikola Krstovic, assisted by Ademola Lookman, but it was not enough to avoid defeat.

The victory leaves the Basque side in 23rd place, the penultimate spot granting access to the Champions League play-offs, with the same eight points as PSV, Olympiakos, Napoli, and Copenhagen. This means everything will be decided in the final round, precisely when Athletic Bilbao hosts Sporting – which recently gained prominence – at San Mamés.

It should be noted that the green and white team, as far as the Champions League is concerned, will be back on the pitch next Wednesday, January 28th, at 8:00 PM, facing Athletic Bilbao away. This will close out the regular phase of the prestigious competition.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.