Atalanta suffered a frustrating 2-1 defeat against Club Brugge, undone by a highly questionable penalty awarded in stoppage time. What seemed to be heading toward a well-fought draw was turned on its head when Turkish referee Meler pointed to the spot after a soft challenge by Hien on Nilsson. The call sparked outrage among the Atalanta players and coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who stormed off the pitch in disbelief. Nilsson converted from the spot, giving Bruges a vital advantage ahead of the second leg.
Gasperini voiced his frustration after the match: "Football is being ruined. Too many players dive, exaggerate contact, and try to deceive referees. This isn’t the game we know."
Bruges started the match with high intensity, pressing relentlessly and taking the lead in the 15th minute when Jutglà capitalized on a defensive mistake by Posch. Atalanta, initially struggling to keep up, gradually grew into the game, equalizing before halftime with Pasalic’s precise header from a Zappacosta cross.
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The second half saw the visitors pushing for a winner, with Zappacosta hitting the post and both Samardzic and De Ketelaere coming close. However, just when Atalanta looked in control, the controversial penalty call changed the course of the match.
Now, Gasperini’s men will need a near-flawless performance in Bergamo next Tuesday to overturn the result and secure a place in the Round of 16, where either Aston Villa or Lille awaits.
