Atalanta coach Gasperini: De Gea double save key to Man Utd comeback | OneFootball

Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini was proud of his players in their 3-2 defeat at Champions League opponents Manchester United.

La Dea were 2-0 ahead at halftime, but Gasperini insists his players gave their all.

“I don't know if we couldn't have done more. Of course, we believed, but in an environment like this it just takes a spark to get them fired up again," Gasperini told Sky Italia.

“We had the sensation we were holding out, we went very close to going 3-1 up and their goalkeeper made a wonderful double save, then the 2-2 happened.

“Inevitably, we might've held out longer with a few more players available, but we conceded three goals on fairly messy situations."

He continued: “We keep learning! These are top level fixtures, you must learn to hold out during their moments of enthusiasm.

“We hoped to be in there at the end, because Manchester United throw a lot of forwards on and are dangerous, but they also leave spaces at the back. Manchester United comebacks and late wins are typical at Old Trafford, I've lost count of how many times they've done it here, so it's a characteristic of theirs.

“We played with character, there were moments when we couldn't get out, but we did try to attack every time we had the chance. We weren't clinical enough in our finishing.

“The second leg is going to be tough, as they are so dangerous when spaces open up, but we showed tonight that we can have our say in this group and at this level."