Club Brugge Knock Out Atalanta with Dominant Display to Reach Champions League Knockout Stage
Club Brugge produced a stunning performance in Bergamo, defeating Atalanta 3-1 on the night and 5-2 on aggregate to secure their place in the UEFA Champions League last 16. The Belgian side, who had not won in their last seven away matches against Italian opposition, put on a clinical counter-attacking display to shock Gian Piero Gasperini’s men and book their ticket to the next round.
Atalanta came into the match desperate to overturn their first-leg defeat, but their hopes were quickly shattered as Chemsdine Talbi scored twice before Ferran Jutgla sealed the result with a spectacular long-range goal. Despite a second-half effort from Ademola Lookman, Club Brugge held firm, with Simon Mignolet saving a penalty and Rafael Toloi’s late red card adding to Atalanta’s misery.
Fast Start from Atalanta but Club Brugge Strike First
Knowing they needed a strong start, Atalanta pushed forward immediately, creating an early chance when Sead Kolasinac headed over from Juan Cuadrado’s corner inside the first two minutes.
However, the momentum quickly swung in Club Brugge’s favor, thanks to a brilliant move initiated by Ardon Jashari. The midfielder dispossessed Ederson with a clever backheel before finding Hans Vanaken, whose sweeping pass sent Ferran Jutgla racing forward. Jutgla unselfishly squared the ball to Chemsdine Talbi, who hammered a superb shot past Marco Carnesecchi to give the visitors an early lead.
With a two-goal aggregate advantage, Club Brugge looked composed, frustrating Atalanta’s attempts to equalize. The hosts thought they had found their breakthrough when Mateo Retegui scored, but his effort was ruled out for offside. Moments later, Ederson attempted to chip Mignolet, but the experienced Belgian goalkeeper stood tall to deny him.
Talbi Doubles Brugge’s Advantage
As Atalanta pushed forward, Club Brugge struck again, punishing the hosts’ defensive frailties. Jashari’s dazzling run set up Christos Tzolis, whose powerful shot was parried by Carnesecchi. However, Talbi reacted quickest, smashing home the rebound to complete his brace and put the tie firmly in the visitors’ control.
Atalanta vs. Club Brugge
Brugge takes a resounding 2-0 lead (4-1 on aggregate) as a kind rebound off the keeper gives Talbi a nice cushion against the favorites. pic.twitter.com/HbN4lLwxn8
— Kulk☘️ (@KulkUTD) February 18, 2025
Despite desperate efforts from Davide Zappacosta, Mario Pasalic, and Cuadrado, Atalanta failed to capitalize on their chances before the break. Instead, they suffered another devastating counter-attack as Vanaken sent Tzolis clear. The Greek international spotted Jutgla in space, and the Spaniard controlled beautifully before unleashing a thunderous half-volley from over 20 yards to make it 3-0 and effectively end Atalanta’s Champions League hopes.
Lookman’s Impact and Missed Penalty
With nothing to lose, Atalanta introduced Ademola Lookman at halftime, and the change immediately paid off. Just minutes into the second half, the Nigerian forward converted a Zappacosta cross, giving the home side a glimmer of hope.
Moments later, Atalanta were awarded a controversial penalty after a VAR review, as Tzolis was deemed to have pulled Cuadrado down inside the box. Lookman stepped up, but Mignolet produced a brilliant save, preserving Club Brugge’s commanding lead.
Gasperini: “Ademola Lookman is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen”.
“He wanted to take the penalty after scoring a goal, he took the ball despite Retegui and De Keteleare available to take it… I didn’t like what Lookman did”. pic.twitter.com/ieivtPMaL5
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 18, 2025
Atalanta continued to press, but Mignolet denied Retegui with another excellent stop. As frustration grew, their night went from bad to worse when captain Rafael Toloi was sent off late on for knocking over Maxim De Cuyper after the left-back prevented a quick throw-in.
Club Brugge’s Dream Continues
With the victory secured, Club Brugge comfortably saw out the remaining minutes, celebrating a famous European triumph. This result marks a significant milestone for the Belgian club, who now eagerly await their next challenge in the last 16, where they could face Lille or Aston Villa.
For Atalanta, the defeat prolongs their struggles for consistency in the Champions League, as they once again fail to win consecutive home matches in the competition. Gasperini’s side must now regroup and focus on their domestic campaign, while Club Brugge continue their remarkable journey on Europe’s biggest stage.
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