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Atalanta sealed their place in the UEFA Champions League knockout stages with a dominant 5-0 win over Sturm Graz.
The victory, which secured their progression with a game to spare, was also a celebration of President Antonio Percassi’s 800th match in charge.
The hosts wasted no time, taking the lead in the 12th minute after exploiting a defensive mistake by Sturm Graz. Lazar Samardžić intercepted the ball on the edge of the box and laid it off to Davide Zappacosta. His low cross was clinically finished by Mateo Retegui as Atalanta took the early advantage.
La Dea controlled the first half, though they were unable to extend their lead despite several attempts. Charles De Ketelaere, Zappacosta, and Retegui all tested goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen, but the score remained 1-0 at halftime.
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In the second half, Atalanta continued their dominance. Mario Pašalić doubled their advantage in the 58th minute, tapping in Juan Cuadrado’s pinpoint cross after a flurry of near-misses. Just five minutes later, De Ketelaere made it 3-0, converting during a corner-kick scramble.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman, who came on at halftime, added his name to the scoresheet with a powerful header in the 90th minute. His effort was assisted by De Ketelaere, and Atalanta’s lead was further extended.
Lookman went further to assist Marco Brescianini who completed the rout in stoppage time, sealing the emphatic 5-0 victory. This result pushed Atalanta to 14 points, securing their place in the “Round of 16.” Meanwhile, Sturm Graz finished bottom of the group with just three points.
Reflecting on the performance, Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini expressed his pride: “This result is a testament to our hard work, determination, and belief.”
Tags: Atalanta, Sturm Graz, #UCL, #ChampionsLeague, La Dea, Antonio Percassi, Lazar Samardžić, Davide Zappacosta, Mateo Retegui, Ademola Lookman, Super Eagles, Mario Pašalić, Charles De Ketelaere, Juan Cuadrado, Marco Brescianini, Kjell Scherpen, Gian Piero Gasperini, #NewsRoundTheClock, #nrtcnewsnigeria, #nrtcnigeria, #nrtcnews, #nrtcsports.
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