Atalanta striker Josip Ilicic sent Valencia packing with his four goals as the Italian team advanced to the quarter-final of the Champions League.
The victory ensured that the Serie A team reach their first-ever Champions League quarterfinals in their history, on aggregate Atlanta recorded 8-4 victory at the empty Mestalla.
Valencia defender was fortunate enough to remain on the field of play without a red card before he was substituted, the centre defender conceded two penalties and Ilicic did well to convert them, Kevin Gameiro also scored a brace in the encounter but was not enough to help the weak Valencia team.
At some point of the game, Valencia went ahead after Gameiro scored a header and Ferran Torres put Valencia ahead on the night but Slovenian playmaker Ilicic completed his hat-trick and then curled in a sumptuous fourth as his team reached the quarter-finals.
]Valencia crashed out horribly and Atalanta made history for reaching this stage of the Champions League for the first time.
The draw for the Champions League quarter-finals will be held on March 20 at 11 am.
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