UCL: Ilicic Scores 4 As Atalanta Beat Valencia In Spain in 7-Goal Thriller

 
Italian side, Atalanta moved into the Quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League for the first time in their history after they managed home and away wins of Spanish La Liga side, Valencia.

After the first leg had ended 4-1 at the San Siro on the 19th of February in favour of Atalanta, they went into the second leg on Tuesday at the Mestalla rocked by the COVID-19 which has ensured that games in the Serie A are now played behind closed doors with a potentiality of the Serie A season to called off, being mooted.

The game at the Mestalla in Spain was also played behind closed doors due to the fear of COVID-19.

Nevertheless, this didn’t stop the tempo of a game that went on to produce 7 goals on the night and 12 goals on aggregate.

The goal rush started as early as the 8th minute as Josip Ilicic scored his first of his quartet from the spot.

Kevin Gameiro equalized for the Spaniards in the 21st minute, but Atalanta managed to lead into the break with another spot-kick converted by Josip Ilicic two minutes before half time.

French forward Kevin Gameiro scored his second goal of the game 6 minutes after the restart as they drew level on terms of the night.

Then the tie was made 5-4 on aggregate when the hosts led momentarily on the night in the 67th minute as Ferran Torres gave them a 3-2 lead.

However, Josip Ilicic scored twice in the final 20 minutes, first in the 71st minute to complete his hattrick and tie the game and then another to win the tie in the 82nd minute.

The game ended in an 8-4 aggregate scoreline in a tie that had 12 games in 2 legs.

Meanwhile, in Germany, RB Leipzig, with the presence of fans, defeated Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 on the night and 4-0 on aggregate to move to the next round.

 

 

Written by: Daniel Ademiju Idowu