Ademola Lookman’s second-half introduction sparked a brief resurgence for Atalanta, but ultimately, his goal was insufficient as Raphael Onyedika’s Club Brugge secured a 3-1 victory on Tuesday to advance to the Champions League round of 16.
Club Brugge held a slender advantage going into the second leg, having won the first leg 2-1. As a result, they only required a draw to progress. On the other hand, Atalanta needed to overturn the deficit, and Lookman’s availability for the match provided a glimmer of hope for the Italian side.
Raphael Onyedika started for Club Brugge, while Ademola Lookman began on the bench for Atalanta. Instead, Gian Piero Gasperini opted for a front three consisting of Mario Pasalic, Charles De Ketelaere, and Mateo Retegui.
Despite the energetic support from the home crowd, Club Brugge struck just three minutes into the match, courtesy of Chemsdine Talbi’s first-ever Champions League goal. The 19-year-old Belgian doubled his tally in the 27th minute, increasing Club Brugge’s advantage.
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Ferrán Jutgla added a third goal for Club Brugge just before halftime, effectively silencing the Atalanta fans and handing the Belgian side a commanding lead going into the second half.
In a desperate bid to revive their chances, Gian Piero Gasperini introduced Ademola Lookman at halftime. The Nigerian winger made an instantaneous impact, scoring from Zappacosta’s low cross mere seconds after entering the match, thus rekindling hope among the Italian supporters.
Lookman had an opportunity to score again when Christos Tzolis fouled Juan Cuadrado inside the penalty area. However, Simon Mignolet produced a superb save to deny Lookman’s effort, parrying the ball behind for a corner.
Atalanta’s comeback bid was crushed when Rafael Toloi received a red card in the 87th minute for a foul on De Cuyper, sealing Club Brugge’s 5-2 aggregate victory.
While they will be ecstatic with qualifying for the round of 16, Club Brugge will now turn to their attention to the Belgian Pro League where they will host Standard Liege on Sunday. Meanwhile, Atalanta reeling from the disappointing result will travel to face Empoli in their next Serie A clash.
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