Benatia claims Marseille were ‘robbed’ against Atalanta in Champions League

Olympique de Marseille sporting director Mehdi Benatia has claimed that his side were ‘robbed’ at the end of Wednesday night’s Champions League tie against Atalanta after referees failed to award a penalty against Dea midfielder Ederson in the dying minutes. 

Atalanta jumped up to 16th place in the Champions League standings thanks to their 1-0 victory away against Marseille on Wednesday evening. 

Lazar Samardzic provided the only goal of the game, which came in the 90th minute following strong Marseille claims for a penalty after an alleged handball by Ederson. 

The Brazilian midfielder, under pressure in his own area, took a touch, which bounced upwards and onto his arm, but referee Jose Maria Sanchez decided against awarding a spot kick. Atalanta broke on the counter attack and scored through Samardzic in the next move. 

An incredible sequence in the last minute here in Marseille, as Samardzic puts Atalanta ahead with a screamer – but Marseille aren’t happy as they feel they should have a penalty at the other end 🤯

Goal given! And Atalanta lead!

Watch on @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/J3FduWJeXJ

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 5, 2025

Benatia, formerly of Juventus and now working as sporting director in Marseille, has no doubts that the French side should have been awarded a decisive penalty in the final minute of regular time. 

“It’s a clear penalty, we all saw that Ederson’s arm was in an unnatural position,” Benatia said after full-time.”

“This is the second time that we’ve suffered after such a delicate decision. In fact, during the game against Real Madrid, the referee awarded the opponents with a dubious penalty, but against Atalanta, we were robbed. 

“Also, I didn’t appreciate the arrogant attitude of the referees. After these incidents, we have to focus and do our job to the best of our ability.”