BERGAMO, ITALY – Atalanta BC secured a vital late comeback victory over Club Brugge KV in the UEFA Champions League League Phase, winning 2-1 at the New Balance Arena on Tuesday night. The match was notable for the first start of the season for Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman, who returned to the starting lineup and played a key role in the Nerazzurri's resurgence.Coming off a heavy opening defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, Atalanta needed a positive result, and while the team struggled to break down the Belgians in the first half, their second-half dominance ultimately earned them the three points.
Lookman’s First Start and Brugge’s Opener
Ademola Lookman, who had been involved in transfer speculation over the summer, was handed his first start of the campaign by coach Ivan Juric. The Nigerian international, known for his pace and trickery, looked sharp and intent on goal early on, forcing an early effort that was blocked by the Brugge defence, signaling his attacking intent.
Despite Atalanta enjoying a majority of possession, it was Club Brugge who drew first blood just before halftime. Following a turnover in the midfield, the visitors broke quickly, allowing Christos Tzolis to receive the ball at the edge of the box and curl a superb strike past Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi in the 38th minute, sending the sides into the break with the Belgian side leading 1-0.
Second-Half Fightback
Atalanta emerged from the tunnel with renewed purpose, dominating the flow of the game and constantly pushing for an equaliser. Lookman continued to be a threat down the flank before being substituted in the 61st minute, making way for the introduction of fresh legs in Lazar Samardžić and Kamaldeen Sulemana.
The crucial turning point arrived in the 74th minute. After a sustained period of pressure, Mario Pašalić was brought down inside the box by Brugge goalkeeper Nordin Jackers, who had overcommitted in his attempt to clear the ball. Following a VAR review, the penalty was confirmed, and substitute Lazar Samardžić stepped up to confidently convert the spot-kick, leveling the score at 1-1.
Pašalić Seals the Deal
The equaliser injected a new level of belief into the home side and the atmosphere, setting the stage for a tense final few minutes. Club Brugge almost retook the lead moments later, but their effort went narrowly wide, a miss they would soon regret.
Atalanta capitalised on their momentum in the 87th minute. A well-worked corner routine saw the ball delivered into the area, where Mario Pašalić rose highest to glance a powerful header past the keeper, securing the 2-1 lead and sending the stadium into a frenzy.
The goal was a moment of redemption for both Pašalić, who had been crucial in earning the penalty, and for Atalanta, who had been eliminated by Club Brugge in the Champions League play-off round last season. The victory gets Atalanta's European campaign firmly back on track, providing a much-needed morale boost after their opening day loss.
