Athletic Bilbao staged a thrilling second-half revival to edge Atalanta 3–2 in Wednesday’s Champions League clash, breathing new life into their push for a playoff qualification spot.
The Italian side were dominant before the interval and took a deserved lead in the 16th minute when Gianluca Scamacca rose highest to meet Nicola Zalewski’s curling delivery, powering his header beyond Unai Simón.
Bilbao returned from the break with renewed purpose and sharper control in midfield. Their improvement paid off in the 58th minute as Gorka Guruzeta calmly finished from close range to restore parity.
Ernesto Valverde’s men then seized full control. Just two minutes after replacing Unai Gómez, Nico Serrano made an immediate impact in the 70th minute, latching onto a Robert Navarro assist to fire Bilbao ahead.
The visitors pressed on and struck again four minutes later, with Navarro turning scorer as he slipped the ball past Marco Carnesecchi to make it 3–1.
Atalanta managed a late response when Nikola Krstović bundled home from close range following a pinpoint cross by Charles De Ketelaere, but it proved too little, too late.
The defeat means Atalanta must beat Union Saint-Gilloise in their final group game next Wednesday to guarantee automatic progression.
Athletic Bilbao, meanwhile, host Sporting and will need another win to keep their Champions League hopes alive.
