Club Brugge’s dominant 3-1 victory over Atalanta in the Champions League playoffs may have been seen as an upset by many, but for head coach Nicky Hayen, it was simply a result of his team’s quality and determination.
Coming into the second leg with a 2-1 advantage, Brugge wasted no time in taking control of the match. They stormed to a commanding 3-0 lead by halftime, leaving last season’s Europa League winners stunned in front of their home crowd in Bergamo.
Teenager Chemsdine Talbi opened the scoring in just the third minute and added another midway through the first half, before Ferran Jutgla made it 3-0, putting the tie firmly in Brugge’s hands. Atalanta responded just 35 seconds into the second half with an early goal, but Simon Mignolet’s crucial penalty save from Ademola Lookman around the hour mark kept Brugge firmly in control.
Despite the early second-half setback, Brugge remained composed. Hayen acknowledged the pressure his team faced but credited their mentality and discipline. “We conceded that goal very quickly, and then we were lucky that Simon saved that penalty. We had to survive,” he admitted. “But I’m not going to blame my players. They all put their heads down, worked hard, and did their part.”
The Belgian coach was not surprised by his team’s performance, highlighting the squad’s depth and belief. “It doesn’t surprise me. We have so much quality,” Hayen said. “If you play football with courage and confidence, you will create chances. So I didn’t have to pinch myself.”
With this victory, Club Brugge now advances to the last 16 of the Champions League, where they will face either Aston Villa or Lille. Their performance against Atalanta has sent a strong message that they are not just underdogs but genuine contenders on Europe’s biggest stage.
