Atalanta continued his dream by qualifying for the quarter-finals of the Champions League after beating Valencia 4-3 in the second leg of the last 16 of the Champions League at the Mestalla Stadium on Wednesday (11/3). In this match, La Dea striker Josip Ilicic scores a quattrick.
These results make Atalanta superior 8-4 fantastic aggregate to qualify for the next round. In the first leg, Atalanta beat Valencia by a score of 4-1.
The match was held without spectators because of fears of the spread of the corona virus. Apparently, it affected the appearance of the Calades army.
In this match, Atalanta only needed three minutes to lead 1-0 in a match that took place without spectators. Gian Piero Gasperini’s opening goal was scored by Ilicic through the penalty spot.
Atalanta 1-0 advantage can be likened to Valencia. El Che’s striker, Kevin Gameiro, managed to shake the visitors’ goal to capitalize on the error of one of Atalanta’s defenders who tried to control the ball in the penalty box.
Atalanta, who appeared patient in this match, was back ahead two minutes ahead of the first half. Ilicic scored the second goal in this match back through the penalty spot.
Penalties are given after the referee considers Valencia center back, Mouctar Diakhaby, to handball in the penalty box.
Gameiro became an important figure for the host after scoring a goal that made the score 2-2 at the beginning of the second half. The French striker’s accurate header made use of a cross breaking into Atalanta’s goal.
Valencia could even turn around 3-2 ahead in the 67th minute. Ferran Torres netted a goal against Marco Sportiello through a short shot from outside the penalty box.
The advantage lasted only four minutes because Atalanta could even score 3-3 thanks to Ilicic’s third goal. The Slovenian striker fired hard from outside the penalty area through a counter-attack scheme.
Eight minutes before the second half was over, Ilicic scored the fourth goal aka quattrick in this match. Ilicic’s shot at the far post from inside the penalty box couldn’t be dammed by Jasper Cillesen.
This victory makes Atalanta get rid of Valencia with an 8-4 aggregate. Atalanta also qualified for the first time in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
