Gustaf Nilsson won and scored a controversial late penalty as Club Brugge claimed a narrow lead over Atalanta in the first leg of their Champions League knockout play-off tie.
The Belgian champions started brightly and were rewarded for their industry when teenage winger Chemsdine Talbi collected a loose pass and crossed for Ferran Jutgla to dispatch a right-foot shot into the top left corner in the 15th minute.
The visitors levelled four minutes before the end of the first period, with Croatia international Mario Pasalic heading in Davide Zappacosta’s cross from the left.
However, when Atalanta’s Swedish defender Isak Hien held off his compatriot Nilsson with his arm in added time, Turkish referee Halil Umut Meler awarded a penalty to the hosts which was confirmed by the video assistant referee (VAR).
Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini was visibly angered by the decision, but Nilsson kept calm to send visiting keeper Rui Patricio the wrong way from the spot to give his side victory.
Club Brugge had been in complete control during a relatively one-sided start to the contest but were unable to capitalise on several good openings.
But the Italians, who are still challenging for the Serie A title, improved significantly after equalising and will feel aggrieved that they are not the side heading to Bergamo with an advantage.
Former Chelsea duo Zappacosta and Juan Cuadrado both had efforts saved by home goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, while on-loan Udinese midfielder Lazar Samardzic dragged an effort past the post.
The winners of the tie will play either Lille or Aston Villa in the last 16 of the competition.
