BERGAMO, Italy (AP) — Chemsdine Talbi had dazzled observers last week with his tremendous dribbles, precise crosses and strong ability to win both attacking duels and recover the ball in defense.
In addition, the Belgian-Moroccan player had delivered an assist to Ferran Jutglà in a man-of-the-match performance that helped Club Brugge to a 2-1 win over Atalanta in the first leg of their Champions League playoff.
The 19-year-old attacking midfielder did it again Tuesday in the Italian city of Bergamo.
This time, he turned from provider to scorer — twice in a 3-1 victory. And Brugge advanced to the last 16 of Europe's top tournament with a 5-2 aggregate win at the expense of the Europa League holders. The Belgian champions had progressed from the league phase in 24th place, the final qualifying berth.
Talbi broke the deadlock in Brugge's first attack, putting the Belgian side ahead after only three minutes.
He was at the conclusion of a fast move after Hans Vanaken found Jutglà, who passed the ball to Talbi to his right inside the box for his teammate to slot the ball into the back of the net at the far corner.
That was just the beginning of his show of class.
Talbi doubled his team's lead on the evening in the 27th minute after another slick move with a shot from the rebound following goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi's reflex save. Jutglà then made it 3-0 with a powerful strike just before halftime.
Atalanta pulled one back in the 46th through Ademola Lookman. The Italian team had the best chances — 89 attacks and 28 attempts. It missed a golden opportunity to reduce the gap when Lookman saw his poor effort from the penalty spot saved by goalkeeper Simon Mignolet with 29 minutes left to play.
Atalanta captain Rafael Toloi lost his temper in the closing stages and was shown a red card after angrily chasing down and bumping into Maxim De Cuyper.
A fast player with great technique, Talbi grew up in Molenbeek and was trained in Tubize-Braine before he joined Brugge in 2015. He made his debut with the U23 squad three years ago before joining the first team in 2023. This season, he has scored five goals and delivered two assists for Brugge in the Belgian league.
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Brugge's Chemsdine Talbi, left, celebrates after scoring the opening goal during a Champions League, playoff second leg, soccer match between Atalanta and Club Brugge in Bergamo, Italy, Tuesday, Feb.18, 2025. (Spada/LaPresse via AP)
Brugge's Chemsdine Talbi, left, celebrates after scoring the opening goal during a Champions League, playoff second leg, soccer match between Atalanta and Club Brugge in Bergamo, Italy, Tuesday, Feb.18, 2025. (Spada/LaPresse via AP)
Brugge's Chemsdine Talbi, right, scores the opening goal during a Champions League, playoff second leg, soccer match between Atalanta and Club Brugge in Bergamo, Italy, Tuesday, Feb.18, 2025. (Spada/LaPresse via AP)
