Atalanta's miracle, Gasperini: “We knew we could do it”

La Dea are in their first ever Champions League campaign and lost the opening three matches, but clawed their way back and won 3-0 away to Shakhtar Donetsk.

Only one team had ever come back from three defeats to qualify for the last 16, but that was Newcastle for a second group phase in 2002-03 rather than the knockouts.

“It was hard-fought and very difficult in the first half, as we had some very good chances and failed to take them,” said the coach in his press conference.

“Then Shakhtar created their opportunities too, as they have a lot of quality and pace, but fortunately it went well. I am very happy for the lads, for the approach they took. We knew that if we reached the final half-hour and were still in the game, we could do it”.