Real Madrid’s next European meeting with Gian Piero Gasperini carries an old grievance with it. When Atalanta were reduced to 10 men in the first leg of their 2020-21 Champions League last-16 tie, a refereeing concept few supporters had previously heard of became central to a 1-0 Madrid win — and to a night that still colours the Italian coach’s encounters with the Spanish club.
The red card that defined Atalanta’s first leg
Atalanta were level with Madrid in Bergamo when Remo Freuler was dismissed after 17 minutes by German referee Tobias Stieler. Freuler was not the last defender, but Stieler judged that he had stopped a clear scoring chance and produced a straight red card.
The decision brought “DOGSO” into the wider football vocabulary. The abbreviation stands for Denying an Obvious Goal-Scoring Opportunity, with the relevant area often described as a corridor formed by lines from the corners of the six-yard box towards those of the penalty area and extending almost to halfway.
- Being in that area does not automatically mean a red card will follow.
- Officials must assess how far the incident is from goal and whether the attack is moving towards it.
- They also consider whether the attacker is likely to retain or reach the ball, as well as the positions and numbers of defenders and attackers.
Madrid eventually took the advantage through Ferland Mendy, whose right-footed strike from outside the area arrived in the 86th minute. But the evening’s lasting argument in Bergamo concerned Freuler’s expulsion rather than the goal.
Gasperini said the sending-off had ruined the match, arguing that football risked damaging itself through an urge to punish every tackle. He stopped short of expanding on his criticism because he did not want a UEFA sanction, but said officials with playing experience were needed and complained about referees who had never played the game spoiling major fixtures.
Freuler offered an apology to Atalanta’s players, supporters and everyone connected to the club, while midfield partner Marten de Roon immediately replied: “Brother, you do not need to apologise to us.”
Madrid finished the job
Gasperini insisted Atalanta would travel to Madrid looking to win, but the return at the Bernabéu ended 3-1 to Real Madrid and confirmed their Champions League exit.
That tie became part of a difficult record against Madrid for an Atalanta side led by Gasperini and featuring De Roon. The pair did lift the Europa League together, yet subsequent meetings with the Spanish giants also went Madrid’s way.
- Real Madrid beat Atalanta 2-0 in the 2024 UEFA Super Cup final.
- Madrid then won 3-2 when the clubs met in the 2024-25 Champions League league phase.
Gasperini and De Roon return with Roma
The latest crossing of paths comes with Gasperini now at Roma. At the Olimpico, he has been reunited with goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini and has also brought De Roon into his squad — both were starters on the night the DOGSO debate erupted against Madrid.
Mile Svilar’s injury could give Gollini the chance to begin in goal against Real Madrid. De Roon, meanwhile, is competing for a place in the double pivot alongside Manu Koné because Cristante is unavailable.
The Dutchman completed the full 90 minutes in Roma’s 0-0 draw with Como, coached by Cesc Fàbregas. In that match, he made three successful tackles from four attempts, the second-highest Roma total, and completed 33 of 41 passes, more than any teammate.
De Roon’s weight in Gasperini’s European plan
At 35, De Roon offers Roma considerable continental experience. Only Paulo Dybala, with 53 appearances, has played more Champions League matches for the club than De Roon’s 43.
- He has appeared 362 times under Gasperini, more than any other player.
- He holds Atalanta’s record for duels contested, with 445.
- His leadership has helped earn him the nickname “The Master” in Rome.
De Roon has said Gasperini made him stronger: “You follow him blindly, without thinking.” With the Netherlands international also present at the World Cup, the coach’s trusted on-field lieutenant is now part of Roma’s attempt to turn an unhappy history with Madrid into a different European night.
