Overview
Atletico Madrid has gone through an instability Champions League group stage campaign when they only won 13 points after 8 matches, thereby having to enter the play-off round to compete for a ticket to the round of 16.
In that journey, Los Rojiblancos had 4 wins, one draw and three defeats. These are numbers showing moments of sublimation mixed with instability, a taboo in the top European playground.
However, home ground support is still a formidable weapon for the Madrid representative. 3 wins in 4 matches at Metropolitano are proof of the ability to explode in front of the enthusiastic cheers of home fans.
The first leg in Belgium fully reflects the face of Atletico this season. They are sharp in attack but fragile in defense. The breathtaking score chase ended in a 3-3 draw, leaving many emotions but also no less worry.
Notably, Diego Simeone's team needs to be especially wary when they have not won in the last four encounters with Club Brugge in the Champions League. This statistic makes the upcoming rematch even more unpredictable.
Atletico Madrid's recent form is also not really convincing. In the last 5 matches in all competitions, they have only won two, drawn one and lost two. Although they just defeated Espanyol 4-2, instability is still a problem that gives the coaching staff a headache, as the team often has difficulty maintaining their excitement after impressive victories.
That irregularity is shown through resounding victories mixed with incomprehensible stunts, raising doubts about Atletico's bravery at the decisive moment. However, rich experience in the knockout rounds and impressive home record may be the key for them to aim for a ticket to the next round.
In the opposite direction, Club Brugge entered the second leg with no small challenge but still had a chance after their brave performance in the first leg.
The Belgian representative closed the group stage in 19th place with 10 points after 8 matches (3 wins, 1 draw, 4 losses). They scored 15 goals but also conceded 17 times - numbers that clearly reflect the fragile balance between attack and the limitations in the defense.
Away from home, coach Ivan Leko's team does not have a positive record when they have only won one and lost three in four trips to European cups this season. However, equalizing twice when being led in the first leg will certainly add considerable confidence.
Club Brugge also showed positive signs when winning 3 out of the last 5 matches in all competitions, signaling a timely return. The playing style based on quick transitions and flexible movements proves effective, but the insecurity in the defense is still a weakness that can be exploited.
With a draw after the first leg, the situation becomes clear when the team that wins in the second leg will win a ticket to the round of 16. In the context that both teams pursue an open playing style, the scenario of a goal-scoring match, even having to be decided by extra time, is entirely possible.
Expected lineup:
Atletico Madrid: Oblak, Molina, Pubill, Hancko, Ruggeri, Simeone, Koke, Llorente, Lookman, Sorloth, Alvarez.
Club Brugge: Mignolet, Seys, Mechele, Ordonez, Sabbe, Vanaken, Vetlesen, Stankovic, Diakhon, Tresoldi, Tzolis.
The match between Atletico Madrid and Club Brugge takes place at 0:45 am on February 25 (Vietnam time).
