Atalanta Moves into Third Place with Convincing 4-0 Win Over Sturm Graz

Atalanta secured a resounding 4-0 victory over Sturm Graz in the UEFA Champions League, temporarily moving into third place in the league phase table and eliminating Sturm Graz from European competition.

Atalanta Dominates Sturm Graz to Strengthen Champions League Hopes

Atalanta ended their five-game winless streak in all competitions with a resounding 4-0 victory over Sturm Graz in the UEFA Champions League. This win extended the unbeaten streak of Italian teams against Austrian sides in the competition to 15 matches. The visitors' chances were limited in the first half, with their only notable opportunity coming in the 11th minute. Amady Camara cut inside but failed to capitalize, shooting wide of the near post, a miss that highlighted his nine-game goal drought.

In contrast, Mateo Retegui continued his impressive goalscoring form for Atalanta, netting his third goal in as many matches. Retegui punished Sturm Graz's missed chance by tapping in Davide Zappacosta's cutback. Atalanta dominated the remainder of the first half, with Zappacosta narrowly missing a scoring opportunity, curling his shot just over the top corner. Retegui also had a chance to score his second goal, but his diving header sailed over the bar after connecting with Lazar Samardžić's whipped corner.

Atalanta's dominance persisted into the second half, with Kjell Scherpen making a crucial save to deny Sead Kolašinac's shot towards the far corner. Although Charles De Ketelaere's goal was disallowed due to an offside in the build-up, Atalanta continued to pressure Sturm Graz. Substitute Juan Cuadrado hit the post, while Ademola Lookman fired straight at Scherpen from close range. Scherpen denied Lookman again before Atalanta finally doubled their lead, courtesy of Mario Pašalić's touch from Cuadrado's cross.

Atalanta's Dominance Continues in the Second Half

Atalanta maintained their control over the match in the second half, with Kjell Scherpen making an early save to deny Sead Kolašinac's shot towards the far corner. Shortly after, Charles De Ketelaere's goal was disallowed due to an offside in the build-up, as substitute Ademola Lookman was offside when he fed the Belgian. Another substitute, Juan Cuadrado, then hit the post, adding to Sturm Graz's nervy start to the half. Lookman fired straight at Scherpen from close range, and the goalkeeper denied him again shortly after.

Atalanta's persistence eventually paid off, as Mario Pašalić touched home Cuadrado's cross to double their lead. The hosts continued to push forward, and De Ketelaere soon found himself on the scoresheet, poking home his 11th goal of the campaign following a corner routine. Cuadrado delivered another excellent ball into the box, but Lookman fired over. Atalanta was denied a fourth goal by the offside flag again, as Zappacosta struck late on. However, Lookman secured the scoreline with a headed goal just before stoppage time.

3 points secured for Monaco 🙏#UCL pic.twitter.com/CMghaj4baG

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) January 21, 2025

The scoring did not end there, as Marco Brescianini slotted past Scherpen after the ball fell kindly to him in the box. This comprehensive 4-0 victory temporarily propelled Atalanta to third place in the UCL league phase table, while eliminating Sturm Graz from European competition.