Late Nilsson penalty lifts Brugge to Atalanta upset
Gustaf Nilsson's controversial stoppage-time penalty gave Club Brugge a slender 2-1 lead over Atalanta in their Champions League knockout phase playoff first leg.
The striker was adjudged to have been tripped by Isak Hien in the box, with VAR upholding the initial decision despite contact appearing minimal, and subsequently slotted home in the 94th minute to give his side the advantage at the midway point in the tie.
Brugge made a confident start at Jan Breydelstadion and broke through in the 15th minute when Ferran Jutgla controlled Chemsdine Talbi's cross, before volleying past Atalanta goalkeeper Rui Patricio.
The reigning Europa League champion responded four minutes before half-time, with Davide Zappacosta's in-swinging cross glanced home by Mario Pasalic.
It looked like the honours would remain even ahead of next Tuesday's second leg in Bergamo.
However, there was to be a late twist as substitute Nilsson went down under Hien's challenge and, after a lengthy delay, picked himself up to send Patricio the wrong way.
