Club Brugge vs Atlético Madrid: A Champions League Playoff Battle
An intriguing Champions League playoff tie kicks off in Bruges on Wednesday night, as Atlético Madrid visits the Jan Breydelstadion to face Club Brugge. This match sets the stage for a compelling contest with significant implications for both teams’ European campaigns.
Atlético Madrid’s Continental Ambitions
Diego Simeone’s side are aiming to rediscover their continental prowess, as their reputation on the European stage has begun to wane. While boasting two Champions League final appearances under Simeone, Atléti haven’t reached the semi-finals since the 2016–17 season. Recent disappointments, including a quarter-final loss to Borussia Dortmund and a penalty shootout defeat to Real Madrid, highlight their inconsistency. Many consider this Atlético team outsiders to make a deep run in the competition, and progressing past Club Brugge presents a significant challenge.
Club Brugge’s Rise and Momentum
Club Brugge took a calculated risk by parting ways with Nicky Hayen, but his successor, Ivan Leko, has successfully built upon Hayen’s solid foundations. A convincing 3–0 victory over Marseille secured their progression from the league phase, and now they aim to pull off a major playoff upset. Brugge previously overcame Atalanta at this stage last year, demonstrating their ability to compete with Europe’s elite.
Recent Form
- Club Brugge: WWLWW
- Atlético Madrid: LWLWD
Recent Results:
- Cercle Brugge 1–2 Club Brugge
- Rayo Vallecano 3–0 Atlético Madrid
- Club Brugge 3–0 Standard Liege
- Atlético Madrid 4–0 Barcelona
- Union Saint-Gilloise 1–0 Club Brugge
- Atlético Madrid 0–1 Real Betis
- Club Brugge 3–0 Marseille
- Real Betis 0–5 Atlético Madrid
- Club Brugge 4–3 Zulte Waregem
- Levante 0–0 Atlético Madrid
Where to Watch
United Kingdom: discovery+, discovery+ App, TNT Sports 3
United States: CBS Sports Network, Paramount+, fuboTV, DAZN USA
Canada: DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada, DAZN Fast
Mexico: FOX One
Key Players and Concerns
Club Brugge captain Hans Vanaken is one yellow card away from a suspension, meaning he’ll need to tread carefully. The midfield will be anchored by Aleksandar Stanković and Raphael Onyedika, while Carlos Forbs and Romeo Vermant are key attacking threats. Goalkeeper Dani Van den Heuvel is sidelined, and Lynnt Audoor is doubtful.
Club Brugge Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Mignolet; Sabbe, Ordoñez, Mechele, Seys; Stanković, Onyedika; Forbs, Vanaken, Tzolis, Vermant.
Atlético Madrid will be without midfielder Pablo Barrios due to injury, but USMNT international Johnny Cardoso is expected to partner Koke in midfield. Nico González is also likely to miss out. Ademola Lookman, who previously faced Brugge with Atalanta, will make his Champions League debut for Atléti. Julián Alvarez, Antoine Griezmann, and Marcos Llorente will also feature in the starting lineup.
Atlético Madrid Predicted Lineup (4-4-2):
Oblak; Llorente, Pubill, Hancko, Ruggeri; Simeone, Cardoso, Koke, Lookman; Griezmann, Alvarez.
Tactical Outlook
Atlético Madrid are no longer the relentlessly robust team they once were. However, Simeone often adopts a cautious approach in crucial European nights. A conservative strategy could prove risky against a dangerous and well-balanced Club Brugge side. Brugge are capable of causing significant problems for Atléti, potentially forcing a challenging return leg in Madrid.
James Cormack is a Sports Illustrated Soccer freelance writer specializing in tactical and player analysis.
