12.02.2025 23:30
Halil Umut Meler officiated the match between Club Brugge and Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League playoff round. The home team won 2-1 with a goal scored from a penalty awarded in the 90+2 minute. The Italian team reacted strongly to this decision, and head coach Gasperini was almost furious. The controversial decision that marked the match became a hot topic in Italy and around the world.
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In the UEFA Champions League play-off round, Belgian representative Club Brugge faced Italian team Atalanta in a match officiated by Halil Umut Meler. The home team won the match 2-1, while Meler's decision in the final moments marked the game.
VICTORY GOAL FROM A PENALTY IN THE LAST MINUTE
The first goal of the match was scored by Ferran Jutgla for the home team Club Brugge in the 15th minute. Atalanta equalized with a goal from Mario Pasalic in the 41st minute. Later, in the 90+5th minute, Gustaf Nilsson stepped up to take a penalty awarded to Club Brugge and sent the ball into the net, securing victory for his team.
MELER'S DECISION INFURIATED GASPERINI
Atalanta players intensely protested against referee Halil Umut Meler after the penalty awarded to Club Brugge in the dying moments. After a situation between Isak Hien and Gustaf Nilsson, Meler pointed to the penalty spot despite the protests. Following Nilsson's successful penalty kick, Atalanta's head coach Gian Piero Gasperini became very angry and went directly to the locker room.
REACTIONS CONTINUED AFTER THE MATCH
With the final whistle, some Atalanta players surrounded Halil Umut Meler. Meanwhile, tensions also rose between players of both teams. Additionally, Meler's penalty decision became a hot topic in Italy.
REPLAY ON FEBRUARY 18
With this result, Club Brugge gained an advantage on the road to the last 16. The second leg of the round will be played on Tuesday, February 18, in Italy, hosted by Atalanta.
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