The first leg of the Champions League knockout match between Club Brugge and Atalanta ended in controversy. The game appeared set to finish in a draw, which would have been the fairest result. However, in injury time, the referee awarded a questionable penalty against the Italian side, allowing Club Brugge to snatch a sensational 2-1 victory.

Club Brugge has been one of the surprise teams in this year's Champions League, but as with every underdog, they have their limits. Despite their impressive run, there’s still uncertainty over whether the Belgian side can overcome one of Serie A's top teams. That said, it’s worth noting that the hosts executed their game plan to perfection, overwhelming Atalanta with high-pressing tactics. This left Gian Piero Gasperini’s men struggling to establish their usual attacking rhythm before halftime.

Club Brugge was rewarded for their relentless pressing early on, taking the lead in the 15th minute. Talbi, on the right, crossed the ball into the box, and Jutgla fired a shot into the net without any defensive interference – 1-0. Atalanta managed to level the score just before the break. Retegui had a go from distance, and in the 41st minute, the hosts allowed Giuseppe Zappacosta to send in a cross from the left wing, which Mario Pašalić headed into the far corner – 1-1.

The second half didn’t provide much in terms of spectacle. Early on, De Kuyper had a good chance, striking the ball just wide from the edge of the penalty area. Substitutes Juan Cuadrado and Filip Samardžić added some energy to Atalanta’s play, but it seemed like the visitors were content with the draw. However, in the third minute of added time, Turkish referee Umut Meler made a highly controversial call, awarding a penalty for a challenge between Hina and Victor Nillson. Despite protests from the Atalanta players, including an emotional outburst from Gasperini, the decision stood after a VAR review confirmed the penalty. Nillson stepped up and converted, giving Club Brugge a crucial advantage ahead of the return leg in Bergamo.

2024-25 UEFA Champions League

Club Brugge - Atalanta 2:1 (1:1)
Goals: Jutgla, 15 (1:0); Pasalic, 41 (1:1); Nilsson G., 94 (penalty) (2:1)

Club Brugge: Mignolet; De Cuyper; Mechele; Ordonez J.; Seys; Vanaken; Onyedika; Jutgla (Vetlesen, 87); Jashari; Talbi (Siquet, 87); Tzolis (Nilsson G., 71)
Bench: Jackers; Romero; Sabbe; Spileers; Nielsen C.M.; Vermant

Atalanta: Rui Patricio; Bellanova (Cuadrado, 63); Djimsiti; Zappacosta (Palestra, 86); Posch (Toloi, 71); Hien; Éderson J.; De Ketelaere; de Roon; Pasalic (Samardzic L., 63); Retegui (Brescianini, 71)
Bench: Carnesecchi; Rossi F.; Del Lungo; Sulemana; Vlahovic V.; Cassa
Yellow Cards: Hien 91; Cuadrado 92