Club Brugge Edges Atalanta 2-1 with Late Penalty in Champions League Playoff

A contentious stoppage-time penalty awarded for a minor foul gave Brugge a narrow advantage in the first leg of the knockout phase.

Club Brugge secured a 2-1 victory over Atalanta in the first leg of the Champions League playoff, with the decisive goal coming from a stoppage-time penalty by Gustaf Nilsson.
The penalty was awarded after Atalanta defender Isak Hien was judged to have fouled Nilsson by grazing his face while contesting a loose ball, a decision that sparked protests from Atalanta players and staff.
Ferran Jutglà opened the scoring for Brugge in the 15th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error, while Mario Pašalić equalized for Atalanta with a header just before halftime.
Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini left the field before the final whistle in frustration over the penalty decision, which left his team trailing ahead of the second leg in Bergamo next Tuesday.
The winner of the two-leg tie will advance to the Champions League round of 16, facing either Aston Villa or Lille in the next stage.