Champions League: Injury time Goal Sets Club Brugge Ahead of Atlanta in Play-off First Leg

 

Club Brugge got a fair headstart from the play-off first-leg tie against Atalanta with a 2-1 following a penalty drawn from Hien's foul in injury time. 

The Belgium side having a paltry seven goals to their name, were the lowest scorers to qualify for the UEFA Champions League play-offs. Despite a 3-1 defeat to Manchester City on matchday eight, Nicky Hayen’s side squeezed into the league phase top 24 on goal difference, and now have their sights set on going to the next successive European campaign. 

Atalanta conceded the first goal in the first quarter from a delightful finish from Ferran Jutgla of Tabi's pass from inside the box. With few minutes remaining in the first half, the Italian side dragged the game back to level terms from Pasalic's header following Zappacosta's cross. 

The game stayed on level terms as Atalanta pressed deeper into the Belgian's half until a challenge between Hien and Nilsson in the box led to a penalty often for the former's arm hitting Nilsson, who converted the spot-kick for Club Brugge's winning goal. 

Meanwhile, Gian Piero Gasperini’s side, Atalanta just ended their own winless run of three games over the weekend with a 5-0 defeat of Verona. They had been winless since the 2-2 draw against Barcelona which cost them a top-eight finish in the UCL.