Atalanta BC

Athletic produce historic comeback to keep Champions League hopes alive

Goals from Guruzeta, Serrano and Navarro led the fightback against Atalanta, with Lions's ambitions now in their own hands against Sporting CP

Athletic Club fought back from 1-0 down at half-time to defeat Atalanta 2-3 in Bergamo.

It's a huge result for the Lions, whose Champions League dreams will be in their own hands when they host Sporting CP at San Mames next week.

With a win, and who knows, perhaps even a draw if results go their way, Ernesto Valverde's side could advance to the play-off round.

The unexpected victory in Italy came about because Athletic never stopped believing, even when things got very difficult.

The Lions turned the match around with a sensational second half. Robert Navarro had a hand in all three goals, setting up Gorka Guruzeta and Nico Serrano before scoring himself. Just rewards for the 1,500 supporters who never stopped cheering in the stands.

Athletic struggled in the first half. Gianluca Scamacca scored an early header to make all look bleak. At the other end, Unai Simón held the ship together with some excellent saves, and Charles de Keteleare almost made it 2-0 when his header hit the post.

The half-time break came at the right time. Valverde brought on Oihan Sancet and the team began to get a foothold in the game. In the 58th minute, Navarro laid the ball off smartly for Guruzeta and the striker surged towards the goal to get his fourth strike of the competition.

Doubts began to creep in for Atalanta and Athletic went for the jugular. Nico Serrano, fresh off the bench, met a measured Navarro cross with a sublime volley at the back post in the 69th minute. The winger was a man possessed as he ran to celebrate with the stands.

The win was sealed four minutes later with a moment of pure class. Sancet found Robert Navarro and the man of the match showed his class to beat Marco Carnesecchi with a well-placed finish.

Nikola Krstovic scored to make sure we got a nervous ending, but Athletic defended their lead with tooth and nail before celebrating their feat with the travelling fans.

Now it's time to gather strength for our trip to Sevilla. It's time to get back on track in LaLiga. These Lions always roar when it matters most.