club brujas - atlético madrid: Atleti travel to Jan Breydelstadion with knockout duty
Club Brujas and Atlético Madrid meet in the first leg of the Champions League playoff on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 (ET) at the Jan Breydelstadion. Both teams bring contrasting continental momentum and domestic inconsistency into a tie that will demand focus and tactical discipline from the first whistle.
Form guide and momentum
Brujas arrive with confidence in Europe after imposing results in the group stage, including a 3-0 win over Marseille and a 4-1 victory against Kairat Almaty in their two most recent UCL matches. That attacking spark gives them belief at home, where they will look to exploit Atleti's patchy form.
Atlético's season has been uneven. They produced a statement 4-0 win over Barcelona on February 12, 2026 (ET) but then suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat at Rayo Vallecano on February 15, 2026 (ET). That volatility has left the squad seeking consistency and collective contributions across the roster.
The European history between the clubs is balanced: eight meetings in UEFA competitions have produced three wins apiece and two draws. That parity suggests this tie could be tight and decided by fine margins over the two legs.
Tactical battle and likely lineups
Home advantage and Brujas' willingness to press will shape the early phases. Expect Brujas to set up in a 4-5-1 that can overload midfield and spring quick transitions to their lone striker. Their probable XI features Simón Mignolet in goal behind full-backs Kyriani Sabbe and Joaquin Seys, a compact central pairing of Joel Ordeñez and Brandon Mechele, and a midfield tasked with both control and direct service to Nicolo Tresoldi up front.
Atlético have shown tactical fluidity under their manager but must shore up defensive coherence after recent lapses. The coach has leaned on the younger centre-back pairing of Marc Pubill and David Hancko, a duo praised for pace and ball progression. The likely starting XI includes Jan Oblak in goal, a backline of Nahuel Molina, Pubill, Hancko and Ruggeri, and an attack featuring Koke, Llorente, Lookman, Griezmann and Julián Álvarez. Rotation is possible, but the emphasis is clear: collective effort and balance between defence and forward thrusts.
The manager has underscored the need for all players to contribute. “We need everyone, ” he said, stressing that the team must improve collectively rather than relying on a handful of individuals. He set a simple objective for the tie: get through to the next round and then aim to progress as far as possible in the competition.
Key factors that could decide the tie
Atleti’s away record in recent European knockout fixtures has been a concern. They have suffered several high-profile defeats on the road in recent seasons, and avoiding another damaging away result will be central to their approach. Defensive organisation and set-piece management will be crucial, especially against a home side adept at quick, wide combinations.
Brujas’ confidence in front of goal in the Champions League gives them an edge if the match opens up, but Atlético possess individual quality capable of changing a game in moments. Control of the midfield battleground, speed in transition, and discipline in defence are the likely deciding themes.
Expect a tense, tactical contest in the first leg. Brujas will push to build a lead on home soil, while Atlético must balance attacking intent with defensive responsibility to take a manageable result back to Spain for the return leg.
