Club Brugge pulled off a shock 2-1 win against Atalanta thanks to some last-minute penalty drama in the first leg of their Champions League play-off.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Club Brugge took early lead vs AtalantaItalians looked set to rescue a drawControversial penalty gave Belgians the winFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱TELL ME MORE
The Belgian underdogs had the brighter start to the tie and opened the deadlock after 15 minutes when Chemsdine Talbi found Ferran Jutgla in a good position to lash past goalkeeper Rui Patricio.
Despite their underwhelming first half, Atalanta managed to go in level at the break after Davide Zappacosta crossed to Mario Pasalic to head home in the 41st minute.
The home team did a great job of keeping the Italian side's attacking line quiet for much of the second period, though La Dea managed to create more danger in the later stages, with Juan Cuadrado seeing a powerful shot saved by Simon Mignolet.
For all their smart passing and dangerous runs at the other end, Club Brugge had difficulty with the final ball whenever they went forward.
However, just when a draw seemed certain, the referee blew for a penalty after a challenge from Isak Hien in stoppage time – much to the defender's outrage. Substitute Gustaf Nilsson stepped up to blast in from the spot to secure the win in the 94th minute.
AdvertisementAFPTHE MVP
A fantastic finish from ex-Barcelona striker Jutgla put the home team in the ascendancy and he was a lively presence throughout the game. He could have had a second and went on a fantastic run before passing across goal, only to see Atalanta clear the danger. His co-star Talbi was also sublime until his late substitution.
AFPTHE BIG LOSER
It was Hien's horrific pass that Talbi pounced on to create the opening goal and the centre-back made a woeful attempt to stop Jutgla before he fired in. He was a bit hard done by when it came to the penalty, though.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
Serie A title hopefuls Atalanta will face Cagliari in the league this weekend before they welcome the Belgians to Bergamo for the return fixture on February 18.