Marten de Roon emphasizes that Atalanta must have faith in their ability to overturn the deficit in the Champions League play-off following a 2-0 loss to Borussia Dortmund. “We can hit back and capitalize on that,” he stated.
The match experienced a 15-minute delay as Borussia Dortmund arrived late due to traffic issues.
Despite the late arrival, Dortmund struck first just three minutes into the game with a header from Serhou Guirassy, who later assisted Maximilian Beier in doubling their lead before halftime.
De Roon Optimistic About Atalanta’s Future
DORTMUND, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 17: Mario Pasalic, Isak Hien, and Marten de Roon of Atalanta applaud the fans after their defeat in the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off First Leg match at BVB Stadion Dortmund on February 17, 2026. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
“We had difficulty dealing with their speed early on, but as the match progressed, it became more even. We created a few opportunities, and it was disappointing to concede the second goal,” De Roon remarked to Sky Sport Italia.
The second leg will take place in Bergamo on February 25, and Atalanta faces a significant challenge if they wish to progress to the Champions League Round of 16.
“We must have unwavering belief, and we truly do, as the final 25 minutes gave us confidence that we can also create danger for them. They exploit spaces well, but we know our capabilities and want to build on that,” De Roon added.
“When we went into the locker room, we reassured each other that we must have faith because we are a strong team. We were more attacking in the second half, which left us exposed at times, but we managed to prevent conceding a third goal.”
DORTMUND, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 17: Gianluca Scamacca of Atalanta looks despondent after conceding the second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off First Leg match at BVB Stadion Dortmund on February 17, 2026. (Photo by Pau Barrena/Getty Images)
Defensive lapses led to both goals, with Guirassy and Beier finding themselves unmarked, leading to easy finishes. Additionally, Atalanta struggled to generate significant scoring opportunities.
After a dominant 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League Final in 2024, the team’s dynamics have shifted.
DORTMUND, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 17: Gianluca Scamacca of Atalanta is challenged by Waldemar Anton of Borussia Dortmund during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Knockout Play-off First Leg match at BVB Stadion Dortmund on February 17, 2026. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
“At least we elevated our performance tonight, as it was the Champions League, not the Europa League,” De Roon acknowledged.
“I was truly impressed by Borussia Dortmund, especially Felix Nmecha, who possesses significant physicality, but I still believe we can compete with them and make our mark in Bergamo.”