Croatian international Mario Pašalić etched his name into Atalanta history on a dramatic Champions League night in Bergamo.
The 30-year-old midfielder struck in the 87th minute to secure a 2–1 comeback victory over Club Brugge. In doing so, he became the club’s all-time leading scorer in Europe’s elite competition.
Pašalić’s decisive header marked his eighth Champions League goal for Atalanta, lifting him above club icons Duván Zapata and Josip Iličić, who each sit on seven. For Atalanta, it was a moment of record-breaking brilliance.
The Croatian was the heartbeat of Atalanta’s fightback. With the hosts trailing until the 74th minute, Pašalić won the penalty that Samardžić calmly converted to level the score. Then, with the clock ticking down, he found his way into the box and guided a close-range header past the Brugge goalkeeper.
Italian media were near-unanimous in naming Pašalić man of the match, praising both his influence and his knack for rising to the occasion. Ivan Jurić, the Croatian coach who took charge of Atalanta this summer, had no shortage of admiration for his compatriot:
“That finish was beautiful, not only for him, but for our supporters. We deserved this win, and once again he showed that unbreakable Split spirit,” Jurić told reporters.
For Pašalić, it was a night to remember!
