The last time Atletico Madrid travelled to Belgium to face Club Brugge in the UCL, they left with a 0-2 defeat. This time, the stubborn Belgian side hosts Simeone’s outfit, aiming to rediscover consistency on the continental stage.
It's UEFA Champions League action on Wednesday, February 18, as Club Brugge welcome Atletico Madrid to the Jan Breydel Stadium for the first leg of their playoff tie. Both sides narrowly missed automatic qualification and will be desperate to secure a place in the round of 16.
📈Team Form📉
🔹 Club Brugge: 19th in the league phase with 10 points from 8 matches.
🔸 Atletico Madrid: 14th in the league phase with 13 points from 8 matches.
📊Key Stats & Head-to-Head 📊
🔥 Club Brugge are on a four-match unbeaten run in all competitions.
🔥 Club Brugge have won four of their last five matches in all competitions.
🔥 Atletico Madrid have won just one of their four away matches in Europe this season.
🔥 While the rivalry remains tightly contested, their last encounter ended in a goalless draw, and across their previous four clashes, each side has won once, with two matches finishing level.
🔬 What to Expect From Both Teams 🔥
🔵Club Brugge | Form: W🟢W🟢W🟢L🔴W🟢W🟢:
Ivan Leko's side extended their encouraging run with a 2-1 victory over Cercle Brugge in their most recent domestic outing.
They have shown the ability to rise to the occasion against strong opposition, highlighted by a notable 3-0 victory over Marseille in their last Champions League game.
However, defensive issues remain a concern, having conceded 17 goals while scoring 15 in Europe this season, leaving them with a negative goal difference.
🔴Atletico Madrid | Form: L🔴D🟡L🔴W🟢L🔴W🟢:
Diego Simeone's men arrive in Belgium looking to bounce back from a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Rayo Vallecano in La Liga.
Their final league-phase outing in the Champions League ended in a 2-1 home defeat to Bodo/Glimt, further underlining their unpredictability in Europe this season.
Their away form remains a concern, with just one win, one draw and two defeats on the road in Europe, suggesting vulnerability outside Madrid that Brugge will be keen to exploit.
👥 Predicted Lineups 👥
🔵Club Brugge (possible):
Mignolet, Sabbe, Ordonez, Mechele, Seys, Stankovic, Onyedika, Vanaken, Forbs, Vermant, Diakhon.
🔴Atletico Madrid (possible):
Oblak, Molina, Hancko, Pubill, Ruggeri, Lookman, Koke, Llorente, Simeone, Sorloth, Alvarez.
🔥 Matchups & Players to Watch 👀
✨ Hans Vanaken — Expected to provide balance between control and creativity in Club Brugge's midfield engine room.
✨ Ademola Lookman — Likely to feature in the attacking trio supporting the strikers for Atletico Madrid.
✨ Kyriani Sabbe — Part of a defensive line that will need to be at its best against Atletico's attacking threats.
✨ Julian Alvarez — Expected to lead the line alongside Alexander Sorloth as Atletico look to exploit Brugge's defensive vulnerabilities.
💵 Odds Market on MSport 💵
💵 Club Brugge/Home to win = 3.96
💵 Atletico Madrid/Away to win = 1.95
💵 Both teams to score (GG/NG Yes) = 1.60
💵 Over 2.5 total goals = 1.66
This clash presents a fascinating contrast: a confident Club Brugge side with momentum on their side faces an inconsistent Atletico Madrid team vulnerable on their travels.
With a tightly contested historical rivalry offering hope for the hosts, the Jan Breydel Stadium is set for a compelling Champions League night.
Who do you think will take the first-leg advantage? Tell us your prediction in the comments.
🔗 You can follow the Club Brugge vs Atletico Madrid game here on MSport.
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