UCL: Atalanta's Champions League Hopes Dashed by Club Brugge

Club Brugge have reached the Champions League last 16 after a stunning 3-1 win over Atalanta, securing a 5-2 aggregate victory.

Club Brugge produced a clinical performance to stun Atalanta 3-1 in Bergamo, securing a 5-2 aggregate victory and a spot in the UEFA Champions League last 16. This win marked a significant turnaround for Club Brugge, who had previously gone seven games without a win away to Italian teams.

Atalanta, determined to overturn their first-leg deficit, started strongly. Within two minutes, Sead Kolasinac had a clear opportunity to score, heading over from Juan Cuadrado's corner. This early chance set the tone for a fiercely contested match, with Atalanta pushing hard to get back into the tie.

Atalanta's promising start was swiftly undone by a stunning Club Brugge counter-attack. Ardon Jashari initiated the move, cleverly dispossessing Ederson and executing an audacious backheel. The ball was then swept forward by captain Hans Vanaken, finding Ferran Jutgla, who in turn expertly fed Chemsdine Talbi. The 19-year-old Talbi sealed the move with a magnificent shot, hammering the ball into Marco Carnesecchi's far corner.

Club Brugge book their spot in the round of 16 👏#UCL pic.twitter.com/XzhCrW51ww

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 18, 2025

With a two-goal aggregate lead, Club Brugge began to assert their dominance. They weathered two scares, as Mateo Retegui's goal was ruled out for offside and Éderson's attempted dink was thwarted by Simon Mignolet. Club Brugge then doubled their tally on the night, courtesy of a well-crafted move. Jashari's mazy run ended with a square pass to Christos Tzolis, whose shot was saved by Carnesecchi, but Talbi was on hand to smash in the rebound and claim his second goal.

Atalanta pushed hard to get back into the game, with Davide Zappacosta, Mario Pasalic, and Juan Cuadrado all going close in first-half stoppage time. However, Club Brugge delivered a decisive blow on the counter-attack, sealing the tie. Vanaken released Tzolis, who picked out Jutgla with a precise pass. Jutgla controlled the ball adeptly before unleashing a powerful half-volley from over 20 yards, which found the back of the net.

Gian Piero Gasperini's halftime substitution proved instrumental, as Ademola Lookman, returning from injury, made an instant impact. Lookman cleverly diverted Davide Zappacosta's cross into the net, giving Atalanta a glimmer of hope.

The hosts' momentum was momentarily halted when, after a VAR review, Christos Tzolis was deemed to have fouled Juan Cuadrado, resulting in a penalty for Atalanta. However, Lookman's spot-kick was brilliantly saved by Simon Mignolet, who continued to thwart Atalanta's efforts, denying Mateo Retegui soon after.

Atalanta's frustration boiled over late in the game, as captain Rafael Toloi received a red card for knocking over Maxim De Cuyper. The incident occurred after De Cuyper prevented a quick throw-in, allowing Club Brugge to comfortably see out the remainder of the match and secure a memorable victory.

The win propels Club Brugge into the Champions League last 16, where they may face either Lille or Aston Villa. Conversely, Atalanta's wait for consecutive UCL home wins continues, as they reflect on a missed opportunity to advance in the competition.