Zapata double rescues Atalanta against Ajax in Bergamo

Duvan Zapata scored a quick-fire double to help Atalanta rally to a 2-2 draw at home to Ajax in the Champions League on Tuesday.

But the hosts made a slow start upon their return to Joyce Stadium in a match played behind closed doors in northern Italy due to the Coronavirus crisis.

Gian Piero Gasperini's side had won their opener 4-0 at Danish club Midtjylland with Ajax losing 1-0 at home against Liverpool.

It means Liverpool move into pole position in the group, two points clear of Atalanta, with Ajax in third and Midtjylland still without a point.

"These are two points we lost if you look at the 90 minutes", said Atalanta coach Gasperini.

Zapata double saves Atalanta against Ajax in Bergamo

"But it's a group where all still remains to be played". Midtjylland made life hard for Liverpool.

The Slovenian sent in Zapata, but the Colombian missed the serve before Robin Goossens hit Traore's high boots, leading the referee to point to the penalty spot.

Traore added the second eight minutes later as a cross from the left by David Neres was spilt by Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Sportiello and Traore pounced to scramble it over the line.

Atalanta pulled one back nine minutes after the break when a shot was deflected into the path of Alejandro Papu Gmez and he crossed back in for Zapata to head in at the back post. "But a draw against Atalanta isn't a negative result". Erik Ten Hag's side scored 9 second-half goals, with teenager Lassina Traore scoring 5, to break their own record for the biggest ever win in the Dutch top flight.