Atalanta delivered a commanding performance in their UEFA Champions League Group Stage match, defeating Sturm Graz 5-0 and securing their path to at least the knockout phase play-offs. The match showcased the team’s offensive prowess, with key players Mateo Retegui, Charles De Ketelaere, and Ademola Lookman making significant contributions.
The game began with Sturm Graz creating early chances, including a missed header by Isak Hien and a squandered opportunity by Camara. However, Atalanta quickly took control of the match. Mateo Retegui opened the scoring with a tap-in after a precise pass from Davide Zappacosta, setting the tone for the game.
Throughout the match, Atalanta demonstrated their attacking depth. Juan Cuadrado played a crucial role, providing assists and creating opportunities. Mario Pasalic extended the lead with a deflected goal, while Isak Hien added another with a close-range finish.
Mateo Retegui scored the opening goal and continued to pose a threat throughout the match. Ademola Lookman scored two goals in the final minutes, showcasing his clinical finishing. Charles De Ketelaere contributed to the team’s attacking play, and Juan Cuadrado provided crucial assists and maintained pressure on Sturm Graz’s defense.
With this victory, Atalanta now have 14 points from seven games and are guaranteed at least a play-off place in the Champions League. Their final group stage fixture against Barcelona will be crucial in determining their final standing.
The win comes after a challenging start to 2025, which included setbacks in the Supercoppa Italiana and Serie A. Despite injuries to key players like Odilon Kossouno, Nicolò Zaniolo, and Gianluca Scamacca, the team showed remarkable resilience and tactical flexibility.
Lookman sealed the comprehensive victory with two late goals, including a header from a Cuadrado back-heel and a solo run that resulted in a goal for Marco Brescianini, emphasizing Atalanta’s dominance in the match.
Goals: Retegui 12 (A), Pasalic 58 (A), De Ketelaere 63 (A), Lookman 90 (A), Brescianini 94 (A)
Atalanta (3-4-1-2): Carnesecchi; Toloi, Hien, Kolasinac (71′ Djimsiti); Palestra (46′ Cuadrado), Pasalic, De Roon (64′ Ederson), Zappacosta; Samardzic (64′ Brescianini); De Ketelaere, Retegui (46′ Lookman)
Sturm Graz (4-3-1-2): Scherpen; Malic, Aiwu, Wüthrich, Lavalée; Yalcouyé (69′
Horvat), Stankovic, Chukwuani (78′ Hierländer); Kiteishvili; Camara (46′ Jatta), Bøving (69′ Zvonarek)
