UCL: Club Brugge Stun Atalanta with Late Penalty in Champions League Play-Off

Club Brugge took a significant advantage in their Champions League play-off tie with Atalanta, winning 2-1 thanks to Nilsson's dramatic late penalty.

Club Brugge pulled off a stunning comeback, scoring a penalty in added time to defeat Atalanta 2-1 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off tie. This dramatic win puts Club Brugge in the driver's seat ahead of the second leg in Italy next week.

Despite being the lowest seed in the round, Club Brugge dominated the early exchanges. Greek international Christos Tzolis tested Atalanta goalkeeper Rui Patricio twice within the first 10 minutes, serving as a warning sign for the Italian side.

The warning signs were not heeded, and Club Brugge capitalized on a defensive mistake to take the lead. Stefan Posch's casual pass was intercepted by Chemsdine Talbi, who fed Ferran Jutgla. Jutgla then finished emphatically, ending his nine-game goal drought and giving Club Brugge the advantage.

Atalanta, the UEFA Europa League holders, struggled to gain momentum in the hostile environment of the Jan Breydel Stadion. Club Brugge captain Hans Vanaken had a promising effort deflected just wide from Maxim De Cuyper's free-kick delivery. Despite keeping Atalanta's potent attack quiet for most of the first half, Club Brugge's coach Nicky Hayen would have been disappointed by the manner in which Atalanta equalized just before halftime.

Davide Zappacosta was afforded too much space to deliver a cross from the left, picking out the unmarked Mario Pasalic, who headed home with ease. This equalizing goal came just before halftime, leveling the score.

Club Brugge win the first leg 🔵⚫#UCL pic.twitter.com/rYt2Rg6TTy

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 12, 2025

The second half began with Club Brugge on the front foot, pressuring Atalanta, who at times appeared flustered. However, despite their dominance, the hosts struggled to trouble Rui Patricio in the Atalanta goal.

Atalanta came close to completing their comeback midway through the second half. Substitute Juan Cuadrado's deep cross found Zappacosta, but Simon Mignolet made a crucial save. Shortly after, Lazar Samardžić squandered a one-on-one opportunity, dragging his shot wide.

Club Brugge academy graduate Charles De Ketelaere, who had been quiet until then, linked up well with Samardžić inside the last 10 minutes, testing Mignolet with a powerful shot from the edge of the box. Both teams pushed for a decisive goal, and Club Brugge was ultimately rewarded.

In stoppage time, referee Halil Umut Meler awarded Club Brugge a penalty after Isak Hien's hand connected with Gustaf Nilsson's shot. Nilsson stepped up to take the penalty, sending Patricio the wrong way to secure a dramatic 2-1 victory for Club Brugge.

This result marks Atalanta's fourth loss in five matches across all competitions. They now face an uphill battle to reach the last 16, needing to overcome this deficit on home soil in the second leg.