Atalanta striker Luis Muriel reveals what he was thinking when beating Mike Maignan and Milan with that back-heel flick in stoppages. ‘You can’t really train for that.’
The hosts twice took the lead through Ademola Lookman goals, only to be clawed back both times by an Olivier Giroud header and Luka Jovic tap-in.
Davide Calabria saw red for a second bookable offence and Aleksei Miranchuk set up Muriel for the back-heel flick winner deep into stoppages.
It was the Colombian veteran’s first Serie A goal of the season and sealed a 3-2 result.
“It was a wonderful end to the game, because we were able to win it! We played a great match, holding out when Milan had the ball and then effective to convert our chances,” Muriel told DAZN.
“We have proved ourselves after the defeat to Torino and made up for it with this win.”
How did he decide to go for it with a back-heel flick in that situation, with the pressure on his shoulders?
“At that moment, you don’t think, you just do it. You can’t really train for that, but I had gone a bit wide and there was no other way of getting it on target from that position.
“I am calm, I put myself at the disposal of my teammates, the coach and the club. I always want to play, naturally, but when I do get the opportunity, I try to give my all. Everyone played well and contributed to this victory.”
This victory puts Atalanta back in the running for a top four finish, as Napoli already lost, Lazio were held to a draw and they have now beaten Milan.
It is quite the turnaround after one point from four Serie A games, including Monday’s 3-0 loss away to Torino.
“Of course, it gives you great motivation and strength. We also qualified in Europe with a game to spare, so we know that we have a great squad. There were problems with injuries recently, but this team always gets back on its feet after stumbling.”