Club Brugge secures 2-1 win over Atalanta after controversial late penalty

Gustaf Nilsson's controversial penalty in stoppage time secured a 2-1 victory for Club Brugge over Atalanta in the first leg of their Champions League knockout phase playoff. After Brugge took an early lead through Ferran Jutgla, Atalanta equalized with a header from Mario Pasalic just before halftime. The decisive moment came when referee Umut Meler awarded a penalty for minimal contact by Atalanta's Isak Hien on Nilsson, a call that left Atalanta's coach Gian Piero Gasperini and players in disbelief. Following the match, Gasperini expressed his frustration by leaving the pitch before the final whistle, as protests from his team continued. The result puts Brugge in a favorable position heading into the second leg in Bergamo, where Atalanta must win by two clear goals to advance. The outcome has sparked debate over the penalty decision and its implications for both teams moving forward.