The Jan Breydelstadion in Bruges will host a crucial Champions League knockout playoff match on Wednesday as Club Brugge welcomes Italian side Atalanta BC. This first-leg encounter promises to be an intriguing battle between two teams with contrasting recent fortunes in Europe’s elite competition.
Club Brugge, the Belgian champions, have defied expectations by reaching this stage of the Champions League. Despite finishing 24th in the inaugural 36-team league phase – the final qualifying spot – the Blauw-Zwart showed resilience and quality to progress. Their campaign included notable victories over Aston Villa and Sporting Lisbon, demonstrating their ability to compete with established European sides.
This appearance in the knockout stage marks only the second time Club Brugge has reached this far in the Champions League. Their previous venture two years ago ended in a heavy 7-1 aggregate defeat to Benfica, a memory they’ll be keen to erase with a stronger showing this time around.
Atalanta, last season’s Europa League winners, came agonizingly close to securing a top-eight finish in the group stage, which would have guaranteed direct entry to the round of 16. A dramatic draw with Barcelona on the final matchday saw them slip to ninth place, necessitating this playoff round.
The Bergamo-based club have impressed in Europe this season, losing only once – at home to reigning champions Real Madrid. Their attacking prowess is well-known, having scored a club-record 126 goals throughout 2024. However, it’s their improved defensive record that stands out in this Champions League campaign, conceding just six times in the group stage.
Club Brugge enters this match on the back of a much-needed 1-0 victory over Leuven, ending a rare five-game winless streak. They currently sit second in the Belgian Pro League and have also secured a place in the Belgian Cup final. Their home form has been particularly strong, with only one defeat in their last 30 matches at Jan Breydelstadion.
Atalanta, while still holding third place in Serie A, have experienced a dip in form since the turn of the year. They’ve won just three of their last eleven games across all competitions, including a Coppa Italia quarter-final exit. However, they showed signs of resurgence with a 5-0 thrashing of Hellas Verona last weekend, featuring four goals from in-form striker Mateo Retegui.
For Club Brugge, 20-year-old Colombian defender Joel Ordonez has been a revelation, playing every minute of their Champions League campaign. Captain Hans Vanaken continues to be the creative fulcrum of the team, while Gustaf Nilsson’s recent goalscoring form could be crucial.
Atalanta’s Charles De Ketelaere returns to face his boyhood club, having been involved in nine Champions League goals this season. The Italian side will rely heavily on the red-hot Mateo Retegui, who comes into this match fresh off a four-goal haul in Serie A.
This match presents an intriguing tactical clash. Club Brugge’s solid home record will be tested by Atalanta’s potent attack and improved defense. The Belgian side’s ability to control the midfield through Jashari and Onyedika will be crucial in stemming Atalanta’s creative flow.
Atalanta’s fluid 3-5-2 system, masterminded by the experienced Gian Piero Gasperini, has the potential to cause problems for Brugge’s backline. The Italians’ wing-backs will aim to stretch the play, potentially creating spaces for De Ketelaere and Pasalic to exploit.
Team News
Club Brugge coach Nicky Hayen has the luxury of a fully fit squad to choose from. Experienced goalkeeper Simon Mignolet is expected to start, while the attacking trio of Talbi, Vanaken, and Tzolis will likely support lone striker Ferran Jutgla.
Atalanta, conversely, are dealing with several key absences. Gianluca Scamacca, Giorgio Scalvini, and Ademola Lookman are among those sidelined. However, new signings Daniel Maldini and Stefan Posch are available for selection.
Expected Starting XIs
Club Brugge: Mignolet; Seys, Mechele, Ordonez, De Cuyper; Jashari, Onyedika; Talbi, Vanaken, Tzolis; Jutgla
Atalanta: Mignolet; Seys, Mechele, Ordonez, De Cuyper; Jashari, Onyedika; Talbi, Vanaken, Tzolis; Jutgla
Match Prediction
While Club Brugge’s home advantage cannot be underestimated, Atalanta’s European pedigree and recent goal-scoring form make them slight favorites. The Italian side’s ability to manage away games in Europe could prove decisive. A tight, tactical battle is expected, with Atalanta potentially securing a narrow victory to take back to Bergamo for the second leg.
Prediction: Club Brugge 1-2 Atalanta
