Atalanta, with Swedish Isak Hien as central defender, missed the top eight in Champions League and were forced to play in the round of 16. Then the team faced the last team to qualify for the playoffs, Gustaf Nilsson's Club Brugge.
And it was the Swedes who would find themselves at the center of the action.
The first meeting between the clubs looked set to end 1-1, but then substitute Gustaf Nilsson entered the fray and secured a penalty for the home team in the 91st minute.
This after receiving a hand in the face from compatriot Isak Hien.
The referee did not hesitate, and pointed directly to the penalty spot. Nilsson also took care of the penalty, and the tall striker did not falter.
The 27-year-old scored his first Champions League goal in his career, and gave Club Brugge a 2-1 lead ahead of the return match on February 18.
