In a thrilling Serie A encounter at the Stadio Dall’Ara, Atalanta managed to secure a 1-1 draw against Bologna, thanks to a stunning late goal from Lazar Samardzic. The match was marked by dramatic turns, with Bologna taking the lead early in the second half before being reduced to 10 men.
The first half saw both teams creating opportunities, with Santiago Castro’s diving header going wide for Bologna and Ademola Lookman being denied by an impressive save from Lukasz Skorupski. Atalanta faced a setback when Marco Brescianini was forced off due to a thigh injury, with Samardzic coming on as his replacement.
Bologna broke the deadlock just 40 seconds into the second half. Santiago Castro capitalized on Dan Ndoye’s through ball, skillfully evading challenges to score from the edge of the penalty area. However, Bologna’s joy was short-lived as Jhon Lucumi received a straight red card moments later for bringing down Charles De Ketelaere just outside the box.
Despite the numerical advantage, Atalanta struggled to break down Bologna’s resolute defense. The visitors came close several times, with Raoul Bellanova hitting the crossbar and Lookman narrowly missing the target. As the match progressed, Atalanta intensified their attacks, introducing additional offensive players in search of an equalizer.
With time running out, Lazar Samardzic emerged as Atalanta’s hero. After hitting the post with an earlier attempt, the midfielder unleashed a spectacular left-footed curler from outside the box that found the top corner, leveling the score in the 90th minute.
Atalanta pushed for a winner in the dying moments, but Bologna’s defense held firm. De Ketelaere narrowly missed connecting with a cross in the final seconds, while Juan Cuadrado’s volley sailed over the bar. The draw leaves both teams with 6 points after 5 matches in the Serie A standings. Atalanta will rue missed opportunities against 10 men, while Bologna can take pride in their resilient defensive display despite being a man down for much of the second half.
Goals: Castro 46 (B), Samardzic 90 (A)
Sent off: Lucumi 51 (B)
Bologna (4-2-3-1): Skorupski; Posch, Beukema, Lucumi, Lykogiannis; Aebischer (68′ Erlic), Freuler; Orsolini (53′ Casale), Fabbian, Ndoye (84′ Holm); Castro (68′ Dallinga).
Atalanta (3-4-1-2): Carnesecchi; Djimsiti, Kossounou (63′ Retegui), Kolasinac (79′ Zaniolo); Bellanova (63′ Cuadrado), de Roon, Ederson, Ruggeri (79′ Pasalic); Brescianini (45′ Samardzic); de Ketelaere, Lookman.
