In a thrilling night of Champions League action, Italian clubs delivered high drama as Atalanta secured a stunning comeback while Juventus fell agonizingly short in extra time. The Football Weekly Extra panel, hosted by Max Rushden with Barry Glendenning, Lars Sivertsen, and Mark Langdon, dissected these pivotal matches and more from across the football world.
Atalanta's Remarkable Turnaround Against Dortmund
Fears that Serie A might be excluded from the Champions League last 16 were quashed when Atalanta produced a stirring comeback in Bergamo, defeating Borussia Dortmund 4-3 on aggregate. The panel debated the decisive moment of the tie, questioning whether it involved a high foot or a low head, with Laws Lars introducing a new referee rhyme to clarify the controversy. Samardzic's top-corner penalty with the last kick of the game was hailed as a masterstroke, sealing Atalanta's progression and highlighting their resilience under pressure.
Juventus' Costly Near-Miss Against Galatasaray
Juventus nearly joined Atalanta in the next round, dragging their tie with Galatasaray level with 10 men before running out of steam in extra time. The panel scrutinized key incidents, including Lloyd Kelly's red card and whether VAR overreached in its decision-making. A late chance from Zhegrova that went begging left questions about Juventus' finishing, while Galatasaray was analyzed as chaos merchants by design, capable of spectacular wins or collapses.
Other European Highlights and Concerns
In Madrid, Vinícius Júnior had the final say as Real Madrid narrowly defeated Benfica, though concerns were raised about their lack of midfield control. Meanwhile, PSG barely overcame Monaco and appeared less dominant than last season, with a near-miss from Wout Faes underscoring their struggles. These results added layers to the Champions League narrative, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of top-tier European football.
Broader Football News and Previews
Beyond the Champions League, the panel covered significant developments in English football. Coventry City stretched clear in the Championship, Sheffield Wednesday's takeover collapsed, and Tottenham Hotspur's relegation worries deepened. Looking ahead, the weekend's Premier League action and a huge Old Firm clash were previewed, offering insights into key matches and potential outcomes.
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