Club Brugge Upsets Atalanta with Impressive Performance to Progress in Champions League

Club Brugge emphatically brought their seven-match winless streak against Italian teams to an end, securing a 3-1 victory over Atalanta in Bergamo, resulting in a 5-2 win on aggregate to advance to the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League (UCL).

After benefiting from a contentious penalty to clinch the first leg, it was apparent that Atalanta were determined to turn the tide. Just two minutes into the match, Sead Kolasinac missed a header from a corner delivered by Juan Cuadrado.

However, Atalanta were soon left stunned by a brilliant counterattack. Ardon Jashari ignited the move by dispossessing Ederson before executing an audacious backheel. The visiting captain, Hans Vanaken, delivered a magnificent sweeping pass to Ferran Jutgla. Jutgla cleverly set up Chemsdine Talbi, and the 19-year-old fired an impressive shot into the far corner, leaving Marco Carnesecchi with no chance.

With a two-goal lead on aggregate, Club Brugge looked increasingly comfortable. Despite two moments of concern—when a goal from Mateo Retegui was disallowed for offside and when Éderson’s attempt was denied by Simon Mignolet—the Belgians managed to double their tally for the evening.

Following a dazzling run by Yashari, his pass to Christos Tzolis should have resulted in a goal, but Tzolis’ shot went straight at Carnesecchi. Fortunately for Brugge, Talbi was on hand to pounce on the rebound, securing his second goal of the match.

Atalanta’s attackers, including Davide Zappacosta, Mario Pasalic, and Cuadrado, came close during first-half stoppage time. Yet, once more, Atalanta found themselves caught out on the counter-attack as Vanaken released Tzolis, who then played the ball to Jutgla. With flawless control, Jutgla unleashed a stunning half-volley from beyond 20 yards into the net.

Gian Piero Gasperini’s decision to substitute Ademola Lookman at half-time—who had recently returned from injury—paid immediate dividends as he redirected Zappacosta’s cross into the net. The home side looked poised to halve their deficit when a VAR review resulted in Tzolis being penalised for bringing down Cuadrado.

Unfortunately for Atalanta, Lookman’s penalty was superbly saved by Mignolet, who later thwarted another attempt by Retegui. Club Brugge effectively stifled Atalanta’s chances throughout the remainder of the match.

Atalanta’s frustration deepened late in the game when captain Rafael Toloi received a red card for fouling Maxim De Cuyper after the left-back disrupted a quick throw-in situation. This allowed Brugge to comfortably manage the remainder of the match and celebrate a memorable victory.

Atalanta’s quest for consecutive UCL home wins continues, while Club Brugge revels in the possibility of a dream encounter against either Lille or Aston Villa next month.