Club Brugge take narrow first leg lead

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Club Brugge 2 - 1 Atalanta 

Gustaf Nilsson won and converted a controversial late penalty as Club Brugge edged past Atalanta in the first leg of their Champions League knockout play-off.

Author - Peter Grainger

Stadium - Jan Breydelstadion

From across Europe - UCL ~ Brugge v Atalanta

The Belgian champions started brightly and got their reward when teenage winger Chemsdine Talbi pounced on a loose pass before setting up Ferran Jutgla, who fired a right-footed shot into the top left corner after 15 minutes.

Atalanta hit back just before half-time, with Croatia international Mario Pasalic nodding in Davide Zappacosta’s cross from the left.

However, deep into stoppage time, Swedish defender Isak Hien was penalised for holding off his fellow countryman Nilsson with his arm. After a VAR check, Turkish referee Halil Umut Meler upheld his decision to award the penalty.

A fascinating encounter in Belgium. eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com youtu.be/ciZwuAcTHgA?...

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— European Super Football (@superfootball.bsky.social) 12 February 2025 at 20:58

Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini was visibly furious, but Nilsson kept his cool and sent visiting keeper Rui Patricio the wrong way to clinch the win for Club Brugge.

More news | What else has been happening across Belgium?

Champions League: 2024/2025

The hosts had dominated the early stages but failed to make the most of several good chances. Atalanta, who remain in the hunt for the Serie A title, grew into the game after their equaliser and will feel hard done by not to be heading back to Bergamo with the advantage.

Former Chelsea duo Zappacosta and Juan Cuadrado both tested Simon Mignolet, while on-loan Udinese midfielder Lazar Samardzic dragged a shot wide.

The winners of the tie will go on to face either Lille or Aston Villa in the last 16.

It's only half-time

That was ultimately the view of many Atalanta fans who were talking about the match across a variety of social media platforms. On Facebook, one fan posted: "I think that it's important to remember that was merely the first leg. The performance at times showcased some levels of resilience, and also our ability to challenge their defence. With the return fixture at home, we have the opportunity to overturn this deficit."

Check out this TikTok from the European Super Football account.

Another added on Bluesky: "While the result is disappointing, the tie remains open. Our team's spirit and attacking capabilities provide a foundation for optimism. The upcoming home leg is our chance to demonstrate the true strength of our wonderful football team."

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