Atalanta scored late in the game to tie Serie A leader Juventus 2-2 in what was a back and forth game played at the Mario Brumana Stadium in Bergamo.
Swiss international Remo Freuler scored in the 89′ minute to deny the victory to a Juventus team that is looking for its sixth consecutive league title.
Brazilian defender Dani Alves had given Juventus the lead with a header in the 83’ minute, but Atalanta managed to react in time to get an important point that should help it stay in contention for a spot in next year’s Europa League.
Juventus currently has a nine-point lead on AS Roma who are second. On Sunday, the team from the capital host Lazio and a win at home would allow them to cut Juventus lead down to six points.
The game in Bergamo featured a match with solid defending that was nonetheless fast paced. It was Atalanta who managed to make the most of their offensive chances to take the lead just before halftime thanks to a goal from defender Andrea Conti after a pass from Argentine forward Alejandro Gomez.
The U-21 Italian international scored his seventh goal this season and took advantage of a great assistance from Gomez, who this season has nine assists along with fourteen goals.
However, Juventus reacted quickly and just five minutes into the second half tied 1-1 thanks to an own goal by Leonardo Spinazzola. After a free kick taken by Bosnian Miralem Pjanic, Spinazzola surprised his keeper Etrit Berisha as he headed the ball into the back of his own net when he tried to clear the center.
Juventus, who had won 14 games in a row against Atlanta, kept the pressure up as they went forward looking for the victory goal. Their effort was rewarded in the 83’ minute when Alves headed a pass from Pjanic past Berisha to take the 1-2 lead.
However, Atalanta did not give up and when it seemed like Juventus would get another road win, Freuler managed to take advantage of a rebound in the penalty area to equalize and give his team its first draw against the defending champions since 2009.
