Club Brugge triumphed over Atalanta with a narrow 2-1 victory in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League playoff on February 12, 2025, at the Jan Breydel Stadion. This unexpected win kept the Belgian side's hopes alive as they secured the edge heading to the second leg of the matchup scheduled for the following week.
The contest began on the right foot for Brugge, with Ferran Jutglà scoring the opener just 15 minutes in. His sharp strike, assisted by Chemsdine Talbi, showcased his poise and skill, putting the home side ahead. Jutglà's goal marked his sixth of the season, establishing him as Brugge's primary attacking threat.
Despite the setback, Atalanta did not collapse. The Italian outfit found the equalizer with just minutes to go before halftime. Mario Pasalic headed the ball past Brugge's goalkeeper Simon Mignolet following a cross from Davide Zappacosta, sending the teams tied 1-1 at the break. Atalanta's ability to capitalize on their chances demonstrated their resilience, even when they struggled to maintain control early on.
The second half turned frenetic as both teams sought to gain the upper hand. Atalanta, under manager Gian Piero Gasperini, pressed forward, attempting to dominate possession through Marten de Roon and the ever-dangerous Mateo Retegui. Despite seeing several opportunities, including near-misses from Lazar Samardzic, they were unable to convert their pressure on the scoreboard.
With less than five minutes left on the clock, the match took a dramatic turn. A controversial incident occurred when Brugge’s Gustaf Nilsson was adjudged to have been fouled by Isak Hien inside the penalty area. The referee, making the call after consulting with his assistant, awarded Brugge the penalty kick. This decision angered the Atalanta players and staff, who felt the contact was minimal and unworthy of such punishment.
Nilsson stepped up to take the penalty, with the weight of the moment resting heavily on his shoulders. He converted the penalty coolly, sealing the match with Brugge's second goal and securing the victory 2-1. The Jan Breydel Stadion erupted as the final whistle blew.
The post-match reactions were mixed. Brugge celebrated their hard-fought win, relishing the chance to face Atalanta again on February 19. Meanwhile, Atalanta was left to stew over the officiated decisions. Gasperini, notable for his tactical acumen, expressed frustration over the penalty call, insisting it dramatically impacted the game.
"It is hard to understand how the referee awarded the penalty," lamented Gasperini, conveying the discontent swept through the visiting sideline. Atalanta will be eager to regroup before the second leg, needing at least one goal to tilt the tie back their way.
Brugge, on the other hand, must remain cautious. Having struggled previously against Italian clubs, they’ll be braced for what’s to come as Atalanta’s pressing and tactical alterations could present new challenges.
This encounter marks just the beginning of this playoff battle. Both teams have something to prove and the return fixture promises to be just as intense, with Brugge striving to secure their place in the next round of the champions league and Atalanta seeking redemption.