Mario Pašalić and Atalanta started off their Champions League group stage campaign with three straight losses – which began with a 4-0 thumping at Maksimir by the hands of Dinamo Zagreb. Now, they will be playing in the Champions League quarterfinals.
Atalanta have been the definition of persistence this season in Europe. They clawed back to win their last two group stage matches against Shakhtar Donetsk and Dinamo Zagreb to set up a date with Valencia in the Round of 16. The Italian club rattled off four goals in each leg to beat Valencia 8-4 (on aggregate).
The 25 year-old Pašalić has been a pivotal piece in Atalanta’s success as he has finally found a home; even though he is still technically on loan from Chelsea. Pašalić should get some proper playing time in Qatar later this month when Croatia play two friendlies against Switzerland and Portugal. Brekalo, Rebić, Vlašić, and Pašalić have all had phenomenal seasons. Modrić and Perišić always rise to the occasion when it’s time to put on the checkers and defender Šime Vrsaljko is finally back – both for club and country.
A Croatian has lifted the Champions League trophy every year since 2013 when Mario Mandžukić did it for Bayern Munich. Pašalić has now entered his name in the CL quarterfinals with Atalanta. On Wednesday, either Dejan Lovren or Šime Vrsaljko will join him when Liverpool host Atletico Madrid in their second leg from Anfield.
But what’s most weird abut this year’s Champions League is that Pašalić and Atalanta will be playing in the quarterfinals but there’s a good chance Luka Modrić and Real Madrid won’t.
Ilicic is great right now. He plays for Slovenia because he says that’s where he grew up. I can’t do anything but respect him for that.
@Suba
I wouldn’t start him, because I would rather start the younger and better CAM (Vlasic) who has also scored 4 Champions League goals.
🙂
The market wanted more from Trump yesterday. He didn’t deliver. To much fear now. However greed is stronger than fear and hopefully it makes a come back. Poor old folks in Italy dying left and right. Baba and Dido are under threat. ZDS!
Was looking forward to the games against Switzerland and Portugal. What a shame.
@Maminjo-you probably posted that Ilicic knowledge 3 yrs ago too. Thx.
@All-Vrsaljko comes on for Atletico at start of extra time. Atletico pull off miracle comeback, with all 3 goals coming after Vrsaljko subs on.
Stay healthy guys and gals! This is gonna get bumpy.
It’s only a correction in the market until the panic ends
It actually has more to do with crude oil prices as well
We talk sports …we talk politics …religion …sexuality…how come no banter of the stock market?
All you mega intelligante on here have any opinions of where the markets are headed ?
Ha ha who wouldn’t start a bloke who bangs in 4 goals in a champions league game
It’s not a one off either he’s had a cracker of a season too
He’d be in my euro squad for sure
@BZ
Iličić is a full Croat (not half).
Both his parents are Croats. His dad died when he was an infant, so his mom moved to Slovenia as they had family working there.
Iličić would have never been called up for Croatia in his earlier years. He’s a late bloomer, and I still wouldn’t start him on our squad anyway.
This season is Pasalic’s break out year.
@ BZ
Ilicic is one of those Flair players that’s nice to watch. He reminds me of Rivaldo.
If he was smart he shoulda chosen Croatia, it woulda taken his career to another level.
Sucked in to Liverpool fans and Van Dick
Let the incriminations begin haha
Although admittedly I don’t like either club
Bye bye Liverpool!!
Volim piti, volim piti.
I dont think the HNS was able to predict an average player to have a good season way later on at 32 years old
Slovenes love taking our sea and our soccer players
But seriously how we let Ilicic slip through the net is our mistake and HNS should have been more alerted to his talents in his younger days
Would been nice to have him up front with Perisic
Diego Simeoni is an idiot he has no idea
HNS announces that the Qatar tournament is cancelled
Surprising, I thought Šime did a great job of shutting them down in Madrid.
Alleged starting Atleti lineup posted at Marca, and no Vrsaljko.
Said it 3 years ago, but I still love watching Half Croat Ilicic play. Fun to watch, reminds me of watching Rodney Rodgers play college ball. Man amongst boys, and a make it look easy lefty.
Ilicic finally found a team he can thrive with, but who gives a shit, he plays for Slovenia.
Chelsea fans are upset about losing Pašalić to Atalanta, since the buyout fee is only something like 15 million pounds (which Atalanta will surely exercise).
Pašalić is better than Mason Mount, who gets time at Chelsea. Too bad for Chelsea.
Hopefully he sticks with Atalanta for several years and continues to develop.
I never liked Pašalić, but he’s had a great year. Hopefully he keeps getting better.
https://www.croatiaweek.com/croatian-teen-boris-tisma-set-to-be-next-big-basketball-star/