Mario Pašalić secured his place in Atalanta history after scoring the winning goal in a 2-1 victory over Club Brugge on Tuesday. The Croatian midfielder netted in the 87th minute to complete the comeback, and his late header became his eighth Champions League goal for the Italian club. That total moved him past Duván Zapata and Josip Iličić, who each scored seven goals in the competition.
The 30-year-old played a key role in the turnaround after Atalanta trailed until the 74th minute. Pašalić earned a penalty that Lazar Samardžić converted to tie the match. He then delivered the winning goal with a close-range header. Croatian manager Ivan Jurić praised his compatriot after the match, saying the goal showcased the midfielder's determination. Italian media widely named Pašalić as the best player on the field.
The 30-year-old played a key role in the turnaround after Atalanta trailed until the 74th minute. Pašalić earned a penalty that Lazar Samardžić converted to tie the match. He then delivered the winning goal with a close-range header. Croatian manager Ivan Jurić praised his compatriot after the match, saying the goal showcased the midfielder's determination. Italian media widely named Pašalić as the best player on the field.
