Atletico Madrid vs Club Brugge preview, team news and prediction

After a thrilling goalfest in Belgium, attention now turns to the Metropolitano with the aggregate score currently 3-3 we could see another thriller in this Champions League tie

Everything is on the line as Atletico Madrid host Club Brugge at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano for the decisive second leg of their Champions League playoff on Tuesday evening. After a thrilling 3-3 draw in Belgium, the tie is finely balanced, setting the stage for another tense night in the Spanish capital.

Atletico’s Champions League campaign has been a rollercoaster so far. Diego Simeone’s men finished the League Phase with 13 points from eight matches—enough only for a playoff spot after a run of four wins, one draw, and three defeats. While flashes of quality have been evident, consistency has eluded Los Rojiblancos. However, they have made the Metropolitano a fortress in Europe, winning three of their four home games in the competition this season.

The first leg in Bruges was a microcosm of Atletico’s season: potent in attack but worryingly open at the back. The Spanish side’s defensive vulnerability will be a concern, especially given their recent struggles against Club Brugge—they are winless in their last four Champions League meetings with the Belgian champions.

Recent form has also been patchy for Atletico, with just two wins from their last five matches in all competitions. A 4-2 victory over Espanyol last time out provided a boost, but inconsistency remains a theme, with strong performances often followed by unexpected setbacks. Still, Atletico’s experience in European knockout football and their formidable home record could be crucial as they chase a place in the last 16.

Club Brugge, meanwhile, arrive in Madrid with everything to play for. The Belgian side finished 19th in the League Phase, collecting 10 points from eight matches (three wins, one draw, four defeats). Their European campaign has been marked by both attacking flair and defensive frailty, scoring 15 goals but conceding 17.

Ivan Leko’s men have struggled away from home in Europe, losing three of their four matches on the road. However, their resilience in the first leg—coming from behind twice to earn a draw—will give them belief that an upset is possible. Recent domestic form has been encouraging, with three wins in their last five games suggesting they are hitting their stride at just the right time.

With the tie level, the equation is simple: the winner on the night will advance to the next round, while another high-scoring draw could force extra time. Both sides have shown they can hurt each other, and with so much at stake, another dramatic encounter seems inevitable at the Metropolitano.

Atletico Madrid vs Club Brugge Team News

Atletico Madrid will be without Nicolas Gonzalez, who remains sidelined with a muscle injury, while Pablo Barrios is also unavailable for selection. Ademola Lookman, who made his Champions League debut for Atletico in the first leg, is expected to feature once again as he aims to make a bigger impact in attack. In midfield, the experienced duo of Koke and Marcos Llorente are likely to provide both defensive solidity and attacking impetus, anchoring the side. Up front, Alexander Sorloth and Julian Alvarez are set to continue their partnership, with both forwards carrying the main goal threat for Diego Simeone’s team.

Club Brugge, on the other hand, have relatively few injury concerns heading into the second leg. Lynnt Audoor is a doubt due to a muscle problem, while Dani van den Heuvel is also a question mark after picking up a knock. However, the visitors will be without Raphael Onyedika, who is suspended after receiving a yellow card in the first leg. Despite conceding three goals in Belgium, Brugge are expected to stick with their established defensive setup, with Kyriani Sabbe, Joel Ordonez, Brandon Mechele, and Joaquin Seys likely to form the back four. Hans Vanaken will be central to their midfield efforts, while Christos Tzolis—who netted a late equaliser in the first leg—remains one of their key attacking threats.

Atletico Madrid vs Club Brugge

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