Atalanta delivered a masterclass performance in their UEFA Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk, securing a convincing 3-0 victory. The Italian side showcased their attacking prowess and could have easily added more goals to their tally.
The match, played on neutral ground in Gelsenkirchen, saw Atalanta dominate from start to finish. Both teams entered the game following goalless draws in their opening fixtures, with Atalanta having held Arsenal at home and Shakhtar drawing away to Bologna.
Injuries plagued both sides, with Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini forced to make several adjustments to his lineup. Notably, Charles De Ketelaere was deployed as a false nine, a tactical decision that paid dividends throughout the match.
Ademola Lookman was the standout performer for Atalanta, contributing both a goal and an assist. The Nigerian international set up the opening goal for Berat Djimsiti, who skillfully converted from close range. Lookman then added his name to the scoresheet with a well-placed finish just before halftime.
Atalanta’s dominance was evident throughout the first half, with Lazar Samardzic and De Ketelaere both coming close to extending the lead. Lookman was particularly unlucky not to score a second, as his powerful volley struck the crossbar.
The second half saw Atalanta continue their impressive form, with Raoul Bellanova scoring the third goal shortly after the restart. The wing-back connected with a cross from Davide Zappacosta to seal the victory.
Despite Shakhtar’s best efforts, including a close attempt by substitute Yukhym Konoplia, they were unable to breach Atalanta’s defense. The Italian side’s goalkeeper, Marco Carnesecchi, had a relatively quiet evening as his team controlled possession and created numerous chances.
The convincing win puts Atalanta in a strong position in their Champions League group, with four points from two matches and an impressive goal difference. The result demonstrates Atalanta’s ability to compete at the highest level of European football, even when faced with injury concerns.
Goals: Djimsiti 21 (A), Lookman 44 (A), Bellanova 48 (A)
Shakhtar Donetsk (3-4-1-2): Riznyk; Bondar, Ghram (46′ Konoplia), Matviyenko; Gomes (63′ Kevin), Kryskiv, Stepanenko (63′ Bondarenko), Pedro Henrique; Sudakov; Zubkov (75′ Newertton), Eguinaldo (63′ Traoré). All. Pusic.
Atalanta (3-4-3): Carnesecchi; Kossounou (83′ Godfrey), Djimsiti (46′ Pasalic), Kolasinac; Bellanova (75′ Cuadrado), De Roon, Ederson, Zappacosta; Samardzic, De Ketelaere (60′ Zaniolo), Lookman (59′ Retegui). All. Gasperini.
