The Bergamo side overturns Tzolis’ first-half strike with a Samardzic penalty and Pasalic’s late header to claim their first three points in the League Phase.
Atalanta launched their Champions League campaign with a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Club Brugge at the New Balance Arena. For much of the game, it looked like the Italian side might be punished for missed chances and costly errors, but two decisive moments from Mario Pašalić turned the match on its head in the final quarter-hour.
After a bright start, Gian Piero Gasperini’s men were stunned in the 38th minute when Marten de Roon’s mistake gifted possession to Brugge. Tzolis took full advantage, wrong-footing Djimsiti and finishing low into the far corner to silence the home crowd.
Atalanta pushed after the break, but injuries forced early substitutions and frustration began to grow. The turning point arrived in the 74th minute when Pašalić was brought down in the box by Jackers. Summer signing Lazar Samardžić coolly converted the penalty to make it 1-1.
The decisive blow came in the 87th minute. From a Samardžić corner, Musah flicked the ball across the box and Pašalić powered home a header to complete the comeback, sending the stadium into jubilation.
It was a hard-fought victory that gives Atalanta momentum in a tough European campaign, while Brugge will regret letting their lead slip so late.
Match Report
Scorers:
- 38′ Tzolis (BRU)
- 74′ (P) Samardžić (ATA)
- 87′ Pašalić (ATA)
ATALANTA (3-4-1-2): Carnesecchi; Kossounou (53′ Musah), Djimsiti, Ahanor; Bellanova (46′ Zappacosta), De Roon, Ederson (61′ Samardžić), Bernasconi; Pašalić; Krstovic (88′ Brescianini), Lookman (61′ Sulemana).
Coach: Juric
CLUB BRUGGE (4-3-3): Jackers; Sabbe (84′ Meijer), Ordonez (84′ Romero), Mechele, Seys; Sandra (89′ Campbell), Stankovic, Vanaken; Forbs (74′ Vetlesen), Tresoldi (63′ Vermant), Tzolis.
Coach: Hayen
Referee: Eskas (Norway)
Bookings: Musah (ATA), De Roon (ATA)
Dismissals: None
