Gustaf Nilsson’s controversial stoppage-time penalty gave Membership Brugge a slender 2-1 lead over Atalanta of their Champions League knockout section playoff first leg.
The striker was adjudged to have been tripped by Isak Hien within the field, with VAR upholding the preliminary choice regardless of contact showing minimal, and subsequently slotted dwelling within the 94th minute to provide his aspect the benefit on the halfway level within the tie.
Brugge made a assured begin at Jan Breydelstadion and broke by way of within the fifteenth minute when Ferran Jutgla managed Chemsdine Talbi’s cross, earlier than volleying previous Atalanta goalkeeper Rui Patricio.
The reigning Europa League champions responded 4 minutes earlier than half-time, with Davide Zappacosta’s inswinging cross glanced dwelling by Mario Pasalic.
It appeared just like the honours would stay even forward of subsequent Tuesday’s second leg in Bergamo.
Nonetheless, there was to be a late twist as substitute Nilsson went down underneath Hien’s problem and, following a prolonged delay, picked himself as much as ship Patricio the incorrect means.
Oh, what a sport! All to play for subsequent week! #CLUATA #UCL #PlayForUnforgettable pic.twitter.com/X3VaqJyB5D
— Membership Brugge KV (@ClubBrugge) February 12, 2025
Information Debrief: Italian Job effectively performed by Brugge
The Belgian Professional League aspect earned their first win over an Italian opponent in main European competitions in 16 makes an attempt, since beating AC Milan in October 2003.
Nilsson the hero as he scored the Champions League’s first Ninetieth-minute successful penalty since Eric Choupo-Moting effort for Schalke in opposition to Sporting CP in October 2014.
Paradoxically, the goalkeeper on each events was Patricio, who made his first look within the knockout levels of this competitors since enjoying for Sporting in opposition to Bayern Munich in March 2009 – 15 years and 339 days earlier.
Solely Scott Carson (16 years, 338 days) and Oleksandr Shovkovskiy (16 years, 309 days) have ever had an extended hole between knockout-stage appearances within the Champions League.
As for Atalanta, they suffered their first defeat in 15 European away matches, although they’re very a lot nonetheless on this tie after Pasalic’s equaliser.
The midfielder turned the primary Croatian to attain in three successive Champions League appearances since Andrej Kramaric in December 2018, whereas he now has the joint-most direct purpose involvements for La Dea within the competitors (12, stage with Duvan Zapata).
