Milan (AP) - German soccer player Robin Gosens has made a big step towards the quarter-finals with the Italian surprise team Atalanta Bergamo.
The Champions League debutant won 4-1 (2-0) in the first round of the first leg in Milan against Valencia CF. Hans Hateboer (16th and 62nd), Josip Iličić (42nd) and Remo Freuler (57th) met for the hosts, who had moved to the neighboring Milan San Siro arena due to renovation work in their own stadium, as they did in the group phase. Denis Tscheryschew (66.) scored the only goal for Valencia.
While the guests found the game difficult, Atalanta showed offensive strength from the start. Bergamo put pressure above all on the wings - for example on Gosen's left wing. After an input from Aljeandro Gómez, Hateboer put Atalanta in the lead. Shortly before half-time, Iličić prevailed on the penalty area and increased to 2: 0. Until then, Valencia had hardly become dangerous, but was unlucky when Maxi Gómez (31) hit the post.
Bergamos Freuler and Hateboer further expanded the leadership. Valencia subsequently increased their chances, but substitute Denis Cheryshev (66.) could not be enough for the second leg on March 10 in Valencia.
Website Atalanta Bergamo
Valencia CF website
UEFA match information
Press kit for the game
UEFA Champions League website