Atalanta Attacker is One Level with Lionel Messi

DBasia.news –  Atalanta attacker, Josip Ilicic, became a concern after scoring four goals when they traveled to Valencia’s headquarters in the second leg match of the Champions League round 2019/20, at the Mestalla Stadium, Wednesday (11/03) AM. The Quattrick has made Ilicic equal to Lionel Messi’s achievements.

Josip Ilicic is believed to be the spearhead since the beginning of the fight. He accompanied the captain, Papu Gomez, in Atalanta’s attack line.

The Slovenian striker’s rays were seen when the match was three minutes in. Ilicic neatly finished the chance from the spot.

Ilicic increasingly showed his ability for the rest of the match. He packed three goals each created in the 43rd minute (P), the 71st minute, and the 82nd minute. Meanwhile, Valencia were only able to pack three goals through Kevin Gameiro (21 ‘, 51’) and Ferran Torres (67 ‘). Atalanta also qualified for the quarter-finals after winning 8-4 on aggregate.

Based on Squawka’s record, Ilicic became the most prominent player in the match. The striker carries the accuracy of the bait up to 74 percent. He also fired six shots in which four of them were aimed at the goal.

Not only sharp in attacking, Ilicic also contributed when defending. Ilicic packed two intercepts and two tackles throughout the game.

Amazingly, Josip Ilicic became the fourth player who was able to pack four goals in one Champions League knockout match. Previously, three players who were able to do so were Lionel Messi (2), Mario Gomez, and Robert Lewandowski. Specially, Ilicic was the first player to carve that record in an away match.

Furthermore, Josip Ilicic is the oldest player who was able pack a hat-trick in away matches in the Champions League. Ilicic is 32 years and 41 days old.

Josip Ilicic has indeed showed a brilliant performance at his age. So far, the former Fiorentina player has packed 21 goals and nine assists in various events. Interestingly, La Dea only spent 5.75 million euros when bringing in Ilicic in 2017.