Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini admits they could've lost at Young Boys on Tuesday night.
La Dea drew 3-3 at their Champions League opponents after twice taking the lead.
Gasperini said, "We were leading twice, we conceded on a corner and a throw-in, had threatened the third goal many times. We lost concentration and intensity in the second half, giving Young Boys reason to feel confident and their home fans helped them believe too.
“It was a game we seemed to have in hand and yet we risked losing it.
“This is a different playing surface that might fatigue muscles in a different way, but I think even Lionel Messi generally won't show his technique and quality on an artificial pitch. We had done very well for long periods, but I am old-fashioned, I love playing football on grass."
Atalanta now need to beat Villarreal in the final group game to reach the round of 16.
"I would've preferred having the option of two results, but here we are, we need the win and that is our objective. Villarreal are a very good team, we need a great performance to win it.
“Having said that, we'd have been very glad starting the group to reach the final game in this situation."
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