Club Brugge vs. Atalanta: Champions League Playoff Showdown
Club Brugge hosts Atalanta in a crucial Champions League playoff clash, with both sides vying for a coveted spot in the Round of 16. Atalanta comes into the match in dominant form, while Brugge has shown resilience against Europe’s top clubs. Will the Italian side’s attacking firepower be too much, or can Brugge capitalize on home advantage?
A highly anticipated clash awaits as Club Brugge and Atalanta meet in the first leg of their Champions League playoff tie on Wednesday evening. With a place in the Round of 16 at stake, both teams will be eager to gain an early advantage at the Jan Breydel Stadium in Bruges.
Atalanta has been one of the more impressive teams in the competition, losing just once in the league phase. However, despite an impressive run, they fell just short of an automatic knockout stage berth. Club Brugge, on the other hand, narrowly secured a playoff spot thanks to a favorable set of results on the final matchday.
As these two sides prepare for their first-ever competitive meeting, expect a thrilling encounter full of attacking football.
Match Details
Location: Jan Breydel Stadium, Bruges, Belgium
Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Kickoff Time: 17:45 GMT / 12:45 ET / 09:45 PT
Referee: Halil Umut Meler (TUR)
How to Watch:
UK: TNT Sports 3, discovery+
US: Paramount+, fuboTV, Univision NOW
Canada: DAZN
Head-to-Head & Recent Form
This will be the first-ever competitive match between Club Brugge and Atalanta.
Recent Form (Last 5 Matches, All Competitions)
Club Brugge
Atalanta
1-0 vs. Oud-Heverlee Leuven
5-0 vs. Hellas Verona
1-1 vs. Genk
0-1 vs. Bologna
1-2 vs. Royal Antwerp
2-2 vs. Torino
1-3 vs. Man City
2-2 vs. Barcelona
1-1 vs. Kortrijk
2-1 vs. Como
Atalanta comes into this match with mixed form, but their latest 5-0 thrashing of Verona suggests they are hitting their stride at the right time. Club Brugge, meanwhile, has struggled against top-tier opponents but will look to their home crowd for an edge.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Club Brugge Team News
Manager Nicky Hayen has a fully fit squad at his disposal, which gives Brugge an opportunity to field their strongest lineup. Their fast-paced attack troubled Manchester City in the final league phase match, and they could maintain a similar lineup.
Gasperini’s side will have to navigate this fixture without key players. Marco Carnesecchi remains doubtful due to a muscle injury, meaning Rui Patricio is expected to continue in goal. Ademola Lookman (knee) and Giorgio Scalvini (shoulder) are also in doubt, while new signing Daniel Maldini is sidelined. Sead Kolasinac and Odilon Kossounou are additional concerns in defense.
Expected Formation: 3-4-2-1
Goalkeeper: Patricio Defense: Posch, Hien, Djimisiti Midfield: Bellanova, De Roon, Ederson, Zappacosta Attack: Samardzic, De Ketelaere Striker: Retegui
Tactical Analysis & Match Prediction
Key Factors to Watch
Atalanta’s Attacking Depth Despite injuries, Atalanta’s fluid attack remains a massive threat. Mateo Retegui is in red-hot form and will look to continue his scoring streak.
Brugge’s Counterattacking Prowess Brugge thrives on quick transitions and exploiting space, which could trouble Atalanta’s high defensive line.
Physical Midfield Battle Brugge’s Vanaken and Onyedika will look to disrupt Atalanta’s build-up play, while Ederson and De Roon will be key in dictating the tempo.
Score Prediction
Atalanta’s quality in attack and experience in European competitions could be decisive. While Brugge will look to exploit their home advantage, Atalanta’s high pressing and attacking depth should see them edge this contest.
