Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen says is unsurprised by his team’s 5-2 aggregate victory over Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League knockout playoffs, Afrosport reports.
The Belgian giants won the first leg 2-1 before claiming a 3-1 win in the return leg in Bergamo.
The result came as a surprise as Atalanta were seen as favourites for the tie having narrowly missed out on an automatic berth in the round of 16 while Brugge finished in the final playoff spot in 24th.
Hayen was however confident his team had it to overcome the reigning Europa League champions.
“We conceded that goal very quickly. Then we were lucky that Simon saved that penalty. We had to survive,” he said.
“We knew in advance that the match would turn out like that and we could not put together any attacks. But I’m not going to blame my players. They all put their heads down and everyone did his part.
“It [the result] doesn’t surprise me. We have so much quality.
“If you play football with courage and confidence, you can get chances. So, I didn’t have to pinch myself.”
HISTORY! 🔵⚫️ 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝟏𝟔, here we comeee! 😍❤️🔥 #ATACLU #UCL #PlayForUnforgettable pic.twitter.com/DhHzMDqTVR
— Club Brugge KV (@ClubBrugge) February 18, 2025
Club Brugge will face either Lille or Aston Villa in the round of 16.
