Final result: Shakhtar Donetsk-Atalanta 0-3
SHAKHTAR DONETSK (Report cards by Andrea Carlino)
Riznyk 5 – Nightmare evening for the Ukrainian goalkeeper, helpless against the three goals conceded but not very reactive in various circumstances. His insecurity is transmitted to the entire rearguard, contributing to the defeat of the team.
Bondar 4.5 – A performance to forget for the central defender, constantly struggling against Atalanta’s attackers. He lost several aerial duels and was never able to get the measure of his opponents, leaving gaps in the defense.
Ghram 4 – A nightmare Champions League debut for the young defender. Disoriented and out of position, he was replaced at half-time after 45 minutes of pure suffering. From 46′ Konoplia 5.5 – He comes in and immediately comes close to scoring, showing more resourcefulness than his replaced teammate. However, it was not enough to change the fate of the match.
Matviyenko 5 – The most experienced of the defensive department is unable to lead his teammates. A few good closings do not compensate for the numerous mistakes and lack of leadership at a critical moment.
Gomes 5 – On the right wing he never manages to contain the opponents’ attacks. In the offensive phase he is practically non-existent, limiting himself to obvious and non-dangerous passes. From the 63rd minute Kevin 5 – His entry does not change the inertia of the match, which is now compromised.
Kryskiv 5 – Dominated by the Atalanta midfield, he never manages to dictate the timing of the game. He loses too many balls in dangerous areas, facilitating opponents’ counterattacks.
Stepanenko 5 – The captain goes down with the ship. He is unable to act as a barrier in front of the defense and is systematically skipped by the insertions of the Bergamo midfielders. From the 63rd minute Bondarenko 5.5 – He brings some energy to the middle of the pitch, but by now it’s too late to change the fate of the match.
Pedro Henrique 4.5 – On the left wing is a ghost. He never manages to present himself in the offensive phase and in defense he suffers tremendously from Bellanova’s incursions.
Sudakov 5.5 – The only one to partially save himself from the collective shipwreck. Some interesting ideas and a couple of dangerous conclusions, but too little to affect the result.
Zubkov 4.5 – Isolated and never served by his teammates, he is unable to create dangers for the Atalanta defense. His lackluster performance reflects the team’s offensive difficulties. From 76′ Newertton 5 – Enter when the games are already over, without the possibility of making an impact.
Eguinaldo 4.5 – The young Brazilian striker is literally eliminated by the Bergamo defense. He never manages to make himself dangerous and systematically loses duels with opposing defenders. From 63′ Traoré 5.5 – He brings some liveliness to the attack, but the game is now compromised.
Marino Pusic 4 – His team is literally overwhelmed by Atalanta. His tactical choices prove unsuccessful and he never manages to find effective countermeasures. An evening to forget which highlights all the limitations of his team in Europe.
ATALANTA
Carnesecchi 6 – Idle, he watches his teammates tear apart Shakhtar’s defence. Quiet afternoon.
Kossounou 6 – He always plays early, with excellent timing. His opponents are few and far between but he is always attentive when called upon. From 83′ Godfrey sv.
Djimsiti 7 – He leads the defense with personality, he has the luxury of breaking the deadlock and scoring his first goal in the Champions League. A dream first half. From 46′ Pasalic 6 – He gives vitality to the midfield, the usual offensive insertions are missing because he has more defensive tasks.
Kolasinac 6.5 – The most aggressive of the defensive trio, he assisted for Lookman’s second goal at the end of the first half. He knows the stadium well and gets excited.
Bellanova 6.5 – After a quiet start, he dissolves like all of Atalanta and becomes a factor. First goal in the Champions League, a lot of running: a player already very important for Gasperini. From 75′ Square 6 – He tries to make himself useful with a couple of runs down the right flank. Immediately in the game.
De Roon 6.5 – Midfielder or central defender, the result does not change: the professor it’s always him, the others can only learn.
Ederson 6.5 – Muscles, lungs, running and intensity. The Brazilian is the all-round man: he presses, recovers balls, provides assists. Total performance.
Zappacosta 6.5 – He goes wild after a first half with the brakes on: assist for Bellanova and post after a solitary percussion. He runs down the left-handed lane a thousand times, never stops.
Samardzic 6.5 – He doesn’t feel the pressure, on the contrary. It is he who gives the shock together with Lookman to an Atalanta who enters the field too confident. Some really interesting ideas and world-class ball control.
De Ketelaere 5.5 – Perhaps the only discordant note in a perfect evening for the Goddess. The Belgian moves a lot but is the least dangerous of the attackers and has yet to postpone his goal. From 60′ Retegui 5.5 – He tries a lot to attack in depth but his teammates practically never serve him. Not exactly an unforgettable half hour.
Lookman 7 – The real star of this wonderful team. When he decides to enter the game it’s painful: his conclusions are always dangerous, a goal and a crossbar are almost the minimum wage. From 60′ Zaniolo 6 – He has the desire and it shows. He immediately launches a missile that goes just wide, then perhaps tries a little too much for personal play.
Gian Piero Gasperini 7 – He asks to attack, to attack and to score as many goals as possible because goal difference is important in the new Champions League format. His boys satisfy him and show off a great performance, dominating Shakhtar.