BRUGES (BELGIUM) (ITALPRESS) – A more than questionable penalty, Gasperini storming off the pitch, controversy that will last for a while. The challenge between Club Bruges and Atalanta ends 2-1: many protests in the Nerazzurri’s home for the penalty awarded in the recovery to the hosts, in the return match scheduled for Tuesday, February 18 at 9 p.m. A victory with two goals difference will be needed to qualify for the round of 16. Seven were absent for Gian Piero Gasperini, who confirmed the usual 3-4-1-2, with Posch on the center-left and Djimsiti on the opposite side. Bruges responded with the same eleven that took the field against Manchester City on the last day of the league phase: the hosts’ aggressiveness created quite a few problems for the Nerazzurri, and on 15′, on a miscommunication between Hien and Posch, came Jutglà’s goal for the lead, a conclusion from the edge that mocked Rui Patricio. Atalanta then struggled to find a reaction, the Nerazzurri coach tried to swap again the Posch-Djimsiti pair to give more balance: Retegui frightened Mignolet with a conclusion that ended just over the bottom, at 40′ Pasalic, on Zappacosta’s cross from the left, header found the equalizing goal. In the second half Hayen’s men upped the tempo again, after eight minutes De Cuyper went close to 2-1 with a conclusion that went wide of the post. On 20′ came Zappacosta’s reply, former Liverpool man Mignolet intercepted the outside-back’s header: seconds later it was Samardzic who wasted a good chance, the Serbian trequartista from a good position kicked it in the bottom corner. In the final, Charles De Ketelaere, former on duty (120 appearances and 25 goals with Bruges in all competitions), turned on: at 38′ quality exchange on the three-quarter with Samardzic, but Mignolet intercepted the Belgian’s first-post shot. In the midst of the recovery, referee Meler awarded a penalty kick for a rant by Hien on compatriot Nilsson, who soon afterwards converted into a goal. Many Nerazzurri protests over the decision later confirmed by Var, fiery ending and sincere applause to De Ketelaere from his former audience.- Photo Ipa Agency -(ITALPRESS).
