Atlético de Madrid travel to the Jan Breydel Stadium on Wednesday for a 9:00 p.m. local time fixture against Club Brugge in the Champions League play-off round. The fixture marks the first leg of a two-match tie against the Belgian side.
The start of 2026 has been nothing short of a roller coaster for Atlético supporters. Embarrassing results against Bodø/Glimt (1-2) and Levante (0-0) were followed by a dominant dismantling of an in-form Real Betis. Yet in typical fashion, that same Betis side then came to Madrid and handed Atleti a 1-0 defeat.
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How did Atlético respond to that flat home performance? By hosting one of the hottest teams in Europe and putting four goals past them. Naturally, that result felt like a turning point. Surely the momentum carried over into the next match against a relegation-threatened Rayo Vallecano side that was not even playing in its home stadium?
Which version of Atleti will show up against Club Brugge on Wednesday? Honestly, it is impossible to say. Los Colchoneros have won just two of their six Champions League matches away from home, hardly a reassuring statistic heading into this one. However, it’s clear that Simeone has abandoned the league, despite claims stating otherwise, in pursuit of cup success.
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As for Club Brugge, the 19-time Belgian champions secured a crucial victory over Marseille on the final matchday of the Champions League group stage to get to the play-offs. The Blauw Zwart had to battle even to reach the 36-team league phase, defeating Salzburg 4-2 on aggregate and thrashing Rangers 9-1 across two legs. Once there, Brugge produced solid results against Monaco, Marseille, and Kairat Almaty, but were shut out by Bayern, Sporting, and Arsenal.
Brugge’s primary weakness throughout the group stage was defensive vulnerability. They conceded the second-most goals of any team that advanced to the playoffs, a concern that could prove costly against stronger opposition.
In his second stint as Club Brugge manager, Ivan Leko took over in December and has since recorded eight wins against three losses. Newcomers Nicolò Tresoldi and Aleksandar Stanković have proven to be excellent additions from Hannover 96 and Inter Milan respectively. Tresoldi leads Brugge with 11 goals in all competitions, while Stanković is not far behind with seven of his own.
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Leko is expected to have nearly his full squad available, with the exception of goalkeeper Dani van den Heuvel and Carlos Forbs. Forbs was a late addition to the injury list early Tuesday and is considered doubtful to feature in the first leg.
If you are attending the match, expect chilly temperatures in the high 30s with a small chance of rain.
Team news
Pablo Barrios remains out for this tie, but the injury sheet welcomes a recurring participant in Nico González, who has picked up a thigh problem ahead of the big Champions League clash. The Argentine likely is out until at least the second leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal tie on March 3. Given the Juventus loanee’s performance against Rayo Vallecano over the weekend, I don’t think many wearing red and white are too stressed about his absence.
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Pivoting to transfer rumors…
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It appears that Carlos Romero is wanted this summer. The Villareal loanee has had a remarkable second season at Espanyol and it appears he has caught the attention of the red and white brass. Given Javi Galán’s departure and Matteo Ruggeri’s lackluster performances, Romero would be a smash hit at left back.
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Some interesting news broke early Tuesday related to longtime captain José María Giménez. Per Matteo Moretto, José María Giménez and Atlético de Madrid have reached a “gentleman’s agreement” to part ways at the conclusion of this current season.
If it truly is the end for the club and Giménez, it is surely a bittersweet ending. The Uruguayan has made so many memories and been a part of some great moments while wearing red and white. Josema was a part of both league-winning sides in 2013/14 and 2020/21, the Supercopa team of 2014/15, the Europa League-winning side of 2017/18 and the UEFA Super Cup of 2018. Most recently, he’ll be remembered for his last minute winner against Inter Milan.
Goodbyes are never easy, but this may be the right time for the Uruguayan to leave the club on a high note. Giménez has long struggled with injuries and, more recently, has seen his minutes reduced due to the emergence of Marc Pubill and the signing of Dávid Hancko.
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A recurring name in the transfer rumor mill is Julián Alvarez. According to Ruben Uria, Atlético rejected a €120 million offer from Arsenal for the Argentine forward last summer. Matteo Moretto also noted on social media that several other English clubs continue to make inquiries about La Araña.
Personally, I believe Julián can return to the form we saw from him last year. If that happens, Atlético should reject any offer that comes their way, as that version of Alvarez is the type of player you build your future around. On the other hand, pairing a potential sale of Alvarez with the departure of Alexander Sørloth could generate enough funds to secure a high level replacement such as Victor Osimhen, Lautaro Martínez or Omar Marmoush.
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Ultimately, my stance is clear: reject the offers and build around Alvarez. Still, in football, every option has to remain on the table.
Possible 11: Oblak; Molina, Pubill, Hancko, Ruggeri; Koke, Llorente, Griezmann; Giuliano, Lookman, Alvarez.
Predicted scoreline: 2-1; Julián Alvarez and Griezmann for Atleti. Hans Vanaken scores for Brugge.
Historical matchup
Atlético de Madrid hold a 3-2-3 record all time against Club Brugge. In the Cholo Simeone era, Atleti is 1-2-1 against Club Brugge, with the most recent match being a 0-0 draw in the 2022 Champions League group stage at the Metropolitano.
Notable players who have represented both clubs (with a twist)
There are no players who have represented both Club Brugge and Atlético de Madrid, so instead, here’s a list of former Belgian Atlético players: Thibaut Courtois, Axel Witsel, Arthur Vermeeren, Toby Alderweireld and Yannick Carrasco.