Nikola Krstović (26, Atalanta), who collapsed after being hit by a high kick, revealed his "sweet wound."
The British Sports Bible reported on the 27th (Korean time) that "Atalanta forward Krstović has shared shocking photos of his facial injury after a 'high-kick collision.'"
Atalanta beat Dortmund 4-1 in the second leg of the 2025-2026 UEFA Champions League (UCL) round of 16 playoff held on the 26th at Stadio di Bergamo in Bergamo, Italy.
Thanks to that, Atalanta completed a dramatic comeback. After losing the first-leg away match 0-2 and facing elimination, they achieved a big home victory and succeeded in overturning the aggregate score to 4-3.
There was Krstović's sacrifice behind Atalanta's drama-like advancement to the round of 16. Although Atalanta quickly scored three goals to turn the tie around, they conceded to Karim Adeyemi in the 30th minute of the second half, allowing the aggregate score to become 3-3. The outcome became uncertain again.
The fortunes of the two teams were decided in added time of the second half. A cross from the left went over the goalkeeper's reach, creating a decisive chance, and Krstović attempted a header toward the empty goal. At that moment, Dortmund defender Ramy Bensebaini raised his leg high backward to try to stop it and struck Krstović's face.
Krstović collapsed on the field and complained of pain. His face was partly torn, and he had to receive emergency treatment while bleeding.
After video review, the referee awarded a penalty kick, and Bensebaini, who had already received one caution, was shown a second yellow card and sent off. Lazar Samardžić stepped up as the kicker and calmly scored to secure Atalanta's place in the round of 16.
Atalanta coach Raffaele Palladino applauded Krstović's fighting spirit. According to Montenegro's Vijesti, he publicly praised Krstović for not giving up. In the locker room he also lifted a bloodstained towel and shouted, "Give a big round of applause to the player who threw his body for the last ball and won the penalty, Krstović."
The outlet wrote, "Krstović is Atalanta's hero. He put his head where even his feet could not be placed. He suffered multiple lacerations from contact with Bensebaini's boot, but his brave action gave the team the chance to reach the Champions League round of 16," adding, "A high kick, a collision that struck the head, blood flowing from the forehead, and a smile on his face. A hero was born in Bergamo."
Krstović, leaving with bandages and bleeding, revealed his condition through social media. His torn forehead and bloodstained appearance were visible, but his expression was bright. He looked satisfied simply to have brought victory to the team. Sports Bible noted, "The victory was not obtained without a price."
Meanwhile, tough opponents await Atalanta in the round of 16. Vijesti reported, "Krstović proudly showed off his "sweet wound" on Instagram. Now Atalanta will face Bayern Munich or Arsenal at the gateway to the quarterfinals."
[Photo] ⓒGettyimages (unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited), Krstović, Sports Bible social media.
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